Daniel Island, South Carolina — E-bikes are becoming more widespread on Daniel Island, but many people believe their popularity is bringing with it new safety concerns.
Neighbors say they’ve seen youngsters as young as seven driving down important roads, swerving through traffic, and riding in groups without helmets. Some claim it happens every day, and it only seems like a matter of time before a big accident occurs.
Scott Noonan, a resident, said he and his fiancée began speaking out after witnessing what they characterized as a pattern of reckless riding. He stated that it began with annoyance but quickly escalated into a concern for safety.
“You’ve had kids as young as seven or eight pulling wheelies and racing down the street. “We’re just afraid someone will get hurt,” Noonan added.
Noonan and other neighbors have organized a coalition of more than 100 residents to advocate for new local restrictions, such as a minimum age for riding e-bikes on public roadways. He stated that while the group supports e-bikes, it would like to see more education for families and some form of control for younger riders.
“To be honest, we believe that anyone under the age of 16 should not be operating what is equivalent to a motor vehicle. “It’s no different than driving a car or a motorcycle,” Noonan explained.
Berkeley County Councilmember Jarrod Brooks stated that complaints concerning e-bikes are among the most common problems he receives from neighbors.
“You’ve got young kids, as early as nine years old, that are essentially riding a motorcycle, unlicensed, and they really haven’t developed the skill set or the judgment yet to handle that bike correctly,” Brooks told me.
According to South Carolina legislation, a low-speed electric bicycle has a motor of 750 watts or less and a top speed of 20 miles per hour. Anything above that restriction is deemed a moped, and riders must be at least 15 years old, licensed, and insured. Brooks believes the distinction causes confusion because many popular e-bikes may be adapted to travel faster than the legal limit.
“It’s all mobile, correct? You must catch someone doing anything harmful at the same moment it occurs. Otherwise, if you’re not there at that time, they’re a half mile down the road,” he stated.
Residents say they are working with local leaders to find answers, such as safety education and clearer guidelines. Noonan stated that the purpose is to avert a tragedy, not to outlaw e-bikes.
“We love that kids have ways to get around,” he told me. “We just want to make sure they’re safe doing it.”
