Can you ride scooters in designated bike lanes in Charlotte? This is what the law says
Electric bikes and scooters have gained popularity in recent years.
Since 2018, more than 3.8 million electric scooter trips have been taken in Charlotte using E-scooter share, a program that allows people to rent vehicles from virtually anywhere through a smartphone app.
Though protected bike lanes in Charlotte are sparse, the completion of the Uptown CycleLink, a 7-mile long network of separated bike lanes that will connect more than 40 miles of bike paths across the city, is currently under construction. The project’s first phase opened in April 2019, The Charlotte Observer reported.
But are electric bikes and scooters allowed in bike lanes?
Can you ride electric bikes and scooters in bike lanes?
Electric bikes and scooters are permitted in bike lanes, a Charlotte city spokesperson told The Charlotte Observer in an email.
Like non-motorized bikes, it is also legal to ride electric bikes and scooters on the sidewalk except for streets located within the area bounded by Church, Stonewall, College and Seventh streets, according to the Charlotte City Code.
RELATED: New bike lanes open through uptown Charlotte, more miles to come
What Charlotte city codes say about electric bikes and scooters
The city code says electric bike riders must:
Not ride on the handlebars
Have brakes installed on bikes
Use lamps when riding at night
Not leave bikes unattended anywhere other than a bike rack
Not leave a bike in any place where someone may be injured by it
Not ride along the right-of-way of railroad tracks
Wear a helmet if they are under the age of 16
Skitching, or the act of holding onto a moving vehicle while riding a bike or scooter, is also against the law in Charlotte. City law also prohibits more than one person from riding on an electric scooter at the same time.
Law enforcement has the authority to impound electric bikes or scooters if they are operated in violation of any laws.
RELATED: Is it legal to ride your bike on a Charlotte sidewalk? Not in these sections of uptown
