South Carolina e-bike regulations
South Carolina does not use the federal three-class e-bike system. Act 114 of 2020 (H.3174) amended the Code of Laws to define an 'electric-assist bicycle' (also called a 'bicycle with a helper motor') as a two- or three-wheeled device with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that cannot propel the bicycle faster than 20 mph on level ground, and it is regulated as a bicycle, not a moped, so no license, registration, insurance, or minimum age is required statewide; there is no statewide helmet mandate for adult riders and localities may set sidewalk/path rules. Mopeds (motor-driven cycles with less than 50cc/limited speed) are separately defined and regulated under Title 56 with a registration requirement.
Overview
South Carolina statutes
Definition of moped
S.C. Code Ann. §56-1-10
Provides motor vehicle definitions used throughout Title 56, including references distinguishing mopeds and bicycles with helper motors from motor vehicles requiring licensure.
SC Legislature - Code of LawsApplicability of provisions to bicycles with helper motors
S.C. Code Ann. §56-5-3520
Establishes that a 'bicycle with a helper motor' (electric-assist bicycle), defined as having a motor of less than 750 watts and incapable of propelling the bicycle faster than 20 mph on level ground with fully operative pedals, is subject to the same provisions applicable to bicycles rather than motor vehicles or mopeds.
Justia / SC Code of LawsMoped operation
S.C. Code Ann. §56-2-3070
Sets operating rules for mopeds (motor-driven cycles under 50cc, top speed 30-35 mph), including that riders must be licensed and mopeds are not classified as electric-assist bicycles.
Justia / SC Code of LawsBicycles, electric-assisted (Act 114 of 2020)
2019-2020 Bill 3174 / Act No. 114, R116
Bill amending the Code of Laws to add definitions and provisions for electric-assisted bicycles, exempting compliant e-bikes (motor <750W, top assisted speed <20 mph, operable pedals) from moped/motor vehicle registration, licensing, and insurance requirements. Signed into law February 3, 2020.
SC Legislature - Bill 3174Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways - Motor Vehicle Registration/Licensing Recodification
S.C. Code Ann. Title 56, Chapter 3
Governs motor vehicle registration and licensing; multiple sections were recodified effective May 6, 2022. Chapter 3 does not classify compliant electric-assist bicycles as motor vehicles requiring registration.
SC Legislature - Code of Laws
South Carolina government links
Last verified 2026-09-08
South Carolina meeting calendar (state, county & city)
No scheduled meetings recorded yet.
South Carolina meetings on e-bikes
No e-bike meetings recorded for this area yet.
Federal delegation
Tim Scott
U.S. Senator • Republican
State officials
Henry McMaster
Governor • Republican
Henry McMaster
Governor • Republican
Justin Powell
Secretary of Transportation, SCDOT
Lawrence K. "Larry" Grooms
Chairman, Senate Transportation Committee • Republican
Shannon S. Erickson
Chair, House Education and Public Works Committee • Republican