Substantively identical to H 1084, filed 4/28/26.

Modifies the definition of electric assisted bicycle in GS 20-401 so that it must meet the requirements of one of the following three listed classes: (1) a class 1 electric bicycle (a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to assist once the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour); (2) a class 2 electric bicycle (a bicycle equipped with a motor that may propel the bicycle without pedaling but ceases to assist once the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour); and (3) a class 3 electric assisted bicycle (a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to assist once the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour). Enacts new GS 160A-300.2 authorizing cities to regulate electric assisted bicycles on any street, road, or highway within municipal limits to include (1) restricting the use of a class or classes of electric assisted bicycles on multiuse paths, sidewalks, or trails, and (2) establishing speed limits on greenways or shared-use paths. Enacts new GS 20-171.3 allowing the operation of an electric assisted bicycle on all roadways, bicycle lanes, and shared-use paths, except as otherwise regulated in new GS 160A-300.2 and GS 153A-245.1; requires persons under the age of 18 operating or riding class 3 bicycles to wear a helmet. Allows a city to require helmet use by a person under the age of 18 operating or riding as a passenger on a class 1 or 2 electric assisted bicycle and to impose penalties for violations. Permits counties, in new GS 153A-245.1 to regulate electric assisted bicycles in the same as cities can except that the statutory authority cannot be deemed to restrict or repeal the authority of a city to regulate the use of an electric assisted bicycle. Requires the Department of Transportation to develop educational materials on the proper use and safety considerations of electric assisted bicycles.

Appropriates $100,000 from the Highway Fund to the Department of Transportation for 2026-27 to develop educational materials and conduct a public awareness campaign on the proper use and safety considerations of electric-assisted bicycles.

Applies to all electric assisted bicycle riders and passengers on or after the act becomes law.