South Carolina Electric Bike Laws

No three-class law · State parks: Varies by park

Act 114 of 2020 (H.3174) defines electric-assist bicycles in S.C. Code 56-1-10(29): pedals, a motor of no more than 750 watts or one horsepower, a motor-powered top speed under 20 mph, and a motor that cuts out when the brakes are applied. They follow bicycle rules (56-5-3520) and are not mopeds. State law sets no minimum age or helmet rule and has no class system.

E-bike classes
Not adopted
E-bike license
No
Class 3 minimum age
Not confirmed
E-bike helmet
No state rule
State parks
Varies by park
Moped registration
Yes

By vehicle

Rules for E-Bikes, Stand-Up E-Scooters and Mopeds in South Carolina

South Carolina rules by vehicle
VehicleDefinitionMinimum ageLicenseRegistrationInsuranceHelmetSidewalksTrails
E-bikeElectric-assist bicycle: 750 W, under 20 mphNoneNoNoNoNo state ruleLocal ruleLocal rule
E-bike, Class 3No class; 28 mph type outside e-bike definitionNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed
Stand-up e-scooterNo state categoryNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNo state ruleLocal ruleLocal rule
Seated e-scooter (moped)Moped: 50 cc or 750-1,500 W15YesYesNoUnder 21NoNo

Where to ride

Where Each Vehicle May Ride

  • E-bike. Bicycle rules apply; not a moped
  • E-bike, Class 3. Status unclear under state law
  • Stand-up e-scooter. Cities set rules
  • Seated e-scooter (moped). 35 mph max; no roads posted over 55 mph

Equipment

Equipment Rules for E-Bikes

Permanent label showing wattage and top assisted speed, replaced if the bike is modified; must meet 16 CFR Part 1512; motor disengages when brakes are applied.

City rules

What Cities and Counties Can Change

Cities and counties set sidewalk and path rules. Mount Pleasant adopted e-bike rules in 2023; Charleston bars e-bikes from city multi-use paths such as the West Ashley Greenway and in 2026 weighed an ordinance banning them from sidewalks and requiring helmets under 21.

Parks and trails

State Parks, Federal Lands and Rail Trails in South Carolina

No published South Carolina State Parks e-bike policy was found. The South Carolina Forestry Commission said in October 2025 that electric-assist bicycles are allowed wherever traditional bicycles are permitted on state forests.

Record

Sources

E-bike
S.C. Code 56-1-10(29); 56-5-3520; Act 114 (2020)
E-bike, Class 3
S.C. Code 56-1-10(26), (29)
Stand-up e-scooter
S.C. Code 56-1-10
Seated e-scooter (moped)
S.C. Code 56-1-10(26); Act 89 (2017); SCDMV
Status
Partly verified
Open items
South Carolina State Parks e-bike rule; status of Charleston's 2026 draft ordinance; moped license age (SCDMV page says 15 in text, 14 in metadata); no state e-scooter category found; Class 3 status under state definition
Last verified
Q4 2026