South Carolina e-bike and e-trike laws

✓ Last verifiedVerified Sep 2026Every rule links to the statute or state agency page

In short

Yes: South Carolina's e-bike law expressly covers bikes with 'two or three wheels', so a pedal-assist e-trike up to 750 watts whose motor cuts out under 20 mph needs no license, plate or insurance. Ride it on roads and bike lanes like a bicycle. A trike with a throttle-only mode, a faster motor, or 751-1,500 watts is a moped and needs a license and registration.

Does an e-trike count as an e-bike here? Yes.

License: No license, registration or insurance is required: e-assist bikes are legally not mopeds, and riders are treated as bicyclists.
Helmet: South Carolina has no helmet requirement for e-assist bike riders of any age; the under-21 helmet law applies to two-wheeled motorized vehicles such as mopeds and motorcycles.
Minimum age: There is no state minimum age for riding an e-assist bike.
Where you can ride: E-assist bike riders follow all the same laws as bicyclists, so you may ride on roads (keep right, shoulder optional) and in bike lanes.
Sidewalks: State law says nothing about riding bicycles or e-bikes on sidewalks; cities and towns set their own sidewalk rules.

Three wheels

Does an e-trike count as an e-bike?

Yes

“Electric-assist bicycles" and "bicycles with helper motors" means low-speed electrically assisted bicycles with two or three wheels, each having fully operable pedals and an electric motor of no more than 750 watts”

S.C. Code § 56-1-10(29) ↗

How the law sorts e-bikes

South Carolina has no Class 1/2/3 system. It has one category, the 'electric-assist bicycle' (also called 'bicycle with helper motor'): pedals, a motor of no more than 750 W (1 hp), a top motor-powered speed under 20 mph, and a motor that must stop when the rider brakes or stops pedaling. That last condition in effect rules out throttle-only riding. The DNR regulation calls these 'Class 1 e-bikes'.

Electric-assist bicycle

Up to 750WAssist to 20 mphNo throttle

S.C. Code § 56-1-10(29) ↗

Outside the e-bike categories

Treated as a moped (751-1,500 W, up to 3 wheels); above that, motorcycle.

driver's license or moped license (age 15+)registration and platehelmet under 21 (two-wheeled)

An electric cycle on no more than three wheels with a motor over 750 W and no more than 1,500 W is a 'moped' and a motor vehicle. It needs a driver's license or a moped operator's license (15+, daylight only under 16 unless supervised) and state registration with a plate. Title is optional and SCDMV says insurance is not required. SC's helmet law for riders under 21 covers 'two-wheeled' motorized vehicles, so it is unclear whether it reaches a three-wheel moped. SC also treats a bike that exceeds the e-bike limits (e.g., 20+ mph motor speed or throttle-only) as outside the e-bike definition; which category such a bike falls in when it is 750 W or less is not spelled out.

Trikes in our guide

How the trikes we list are treated in South Carolina

80 of the 191 trikes we list fit South Carolina's e-bike rules on their published figures. 75 need checking before you buy, and 36 don't publish enough to tell. We check motor power, top speed, throttle and the stated class. Not legal advice.

Actbest Triker
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Actbest Triker
Actbest Triker Plus
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Actbest Triker Plus
Addmotor Grandtan Turbo
Check before buying1000W motor is over the 750W limit.Model page: Addmotor Grandtan Turbo
Addmotor Soletri II M-366X
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Addmotor Soletri II M-366X
Addmotor Soletri II M-366X Herotri II M-365X (high-step)
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Addmotor Soletri II M-366X Herotri II M-365X (high-step)
Aipas A8 Max Trekker Etrike
Check before buying1300W motor is over the 750W limit.Model page: Aipas A8 Max Trekker Etrike
Bunch Bikes The K9 4+
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Bunch Bikes The K9 4+
Bunch Bikes The Original 4+
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Bunch Bikes The Original 4+
Bunch Bikes The Preschool 4+
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Bunch Bikes The Preschool 4+
Buzz Cerana T2
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Buzz Cerana T2
Christiania Classic Straight Cargo Trike (Mid Drive)
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Christiania Classic Straight Cargo Trike (Mid Drive)
Christiania Model T Taxi & Trishaw Electric
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Christiania Model T Taxi & Trishaw Electric
CroSight T3 Classic 650W
Check before buying22 mph is over the 20 mph limit.Model page: CroSight T3 Classic 650W
CroSight T3 Classic 750W
Check before buying22 mph is over the 20 mph limit.Model page: CroSight T3 Classic 750W
CroSight T3 Pro
Check before buying22 mph is over the 20 mph limit.Model page: CroSight T3 Pro
Emojo Bison Pro
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Emojo Bison Pro
Emojo Bison Pro Urban Cruiser
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Emojo Bison Pro Urban Cruiser
Emojo Bull Urban Cruiser
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Emojo Bull Urban Cruiser
Emojo Caddy Pro
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Emojo Caddy Pro
Emojo Caddy Pro Urban Cruiser
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Emojo Caddy Pro Urban Cruiser
ENVO Veemo SE
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: ENVO Veemo SE
Eskute T300
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Eskute T300
Eskute T300 Max
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Eskute T300 Max
Eskute T300 Pro
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Eskute T300 Pro
Eunorau NEW-TRIKE 2.0
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Eunorau NEW-TRIKE 2.0
Eunorau ONE-TRIKE 2.0
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Eunorau ONE-TRIKE 2.0
Eunorau T1 Recumbent Trike
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Eunorau T1 Recumbent Trike
HP Velotechnik Scorpion fs 26 S-Pedelec
Check before buying28 mph is over the 20 mph limit.Model page: HP Velotechnik Scorpion fs 26 S-Pedelec
Lectric XP Trike2 500W (base)
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Lectric XP Trike2 500W (base)
Lectric XP Trike2 750 Long-Range
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Lectric XP Trike2 750 Long-Range
Liberty Trike Freedom 16"
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Liberty Trike Freedom 16"
Liberty Trike Freedom 20"
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Liberty Trike Freedom 20"
Maxfoot MF-30
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Maxfoot MF-30
Meet One Tour 2.0
Check before buying25 mph is over the 20 mph limit.Model page: Meet One Tour 2.0
Mooncool FT1 Fat Tire Electric Trike
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Mooncool FT1 Fat Tire Electric Trike
Mooncool TK Pro
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Mooncool TK Pro
Mooncool TK2
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Mooncool TK2
Mooncool TK2 Pro
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Mooncool TK2 Pro
Pedego Trike
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Pedego Trike
Retrospec Boca Rev 2
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Retrospec Boca Rev 2
Rungu Dualie Rugged
Check before buying1000W motor is over the 750W limit; 24 mph is over the 20 mph limit; it has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Rungu Dualie Rugged
Rungu Dualie Standard
Check before buying1000W motor is over the 750W limit; 24 mph is over the 20 mph limit; it has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Rungu Dualie Standard
Rungu Dualie Steep
Check before buying1000W motor is over the 750W limit; 24 mph is over the 20 mph limit; it has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Rungu Dualie Steep
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Family Cargo ETrike 1000W
Check before buying1000W motor is over the 750W limit.Model page: Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Family Cargo ETrike 1000W
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Rickshaw 750W (2026, hitch)
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Rickshaw 750W (2026, hitch)
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Rickshaw Dual 750W, dual battery (42Ah)
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Rickshaw Dual 750W, dual battery (42Ah)
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Trike
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Trike
Sixthreezero Long Range Luxury Rickshaw
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Sixthreezero Long Range Luxury Rickshaw
Sun Bicycles E350-B1 Electric Trike
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Sun Bicycles E350-B1 Electric Trike
Sun Seeker E-Delta B1 SX Electric Delta
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Sun Seeker E-Delta B1 SX Electric Delta
Sun Seeker E-Eco Tad B1 SX Electric Tadpole
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Sun Seeker E-Eco Tad B1 SX Electric Tadpole
Tiniover Creek Pro (Passenger)
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Tiniover Creek Pro (Passenger)
Tiniover River Full Suspension
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Tiniover River Full Suspension
Tri-Rider (Belize) Buddy Trike Electric
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Tri-Rider (Belize) Buddy Trike Electric
Tri-Rider (Belize) Elek-Trike 24in
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Tri-Rider (Belize) Elek-Trike 24in
Van Raam Easy Rider
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Van Raam Easy Rider
Van Raam Easy Sport
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Van Raam Easy Sport
Van Raam Maxi
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Van Raam Maxi
Velotric Triker
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Velotric Triker
Viribus 16 inch Folding Electric Tricycle
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Viribus 16 inch Folding Electric Tricycle
Viribus FC1 Folding
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Viribus FC1 Folding
Viribus FC2 Folding
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Viribus FC2 Folding
Viribus ST1 Folding
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Viribus ST1 Folding
Viribus TG1 250W
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Viribus TG1 250W
Viribus TG1 350W upgrade
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Viribus TG1 350W upgrade
Viribus TG1 Folding
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Viribus TG1 Folding
Viribus TG1 Plus
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Viribus TG1 Plus
VIVI T01
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: VIVI T01
Worksman E-PALR-3CB Personal Activity Low Rider
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Worksman E-PALR-3CB Personal Activity Low Rider
Worksman Mover E-M2020-3CB Lightning
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Worksman Mover E-M2020-3CB Lightning
Worksman PAV3 Stretch Lightning Electric
Check before buying800W motor is over the 750W limit; it has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Worksman PAV3 Stretch Lightning Electric
Worksman PAV3-3CB Lightning Electric
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Worksman PAV3-3CB Lightning Electric
Worksman Port-O-Trike PT3CB Lightning Electric
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Worksman Port-O-Trike PT3CB Lightning Electric
Worksman Port-O-Trike PTCB Lightning Electric
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Worksman Port-O-Trike PTCB Lightning Electric
Worksman Side-by-Side Electric Lightning SBST-3CB-HB
Check before buyingIt has a throttle, and South Carolina's e-bike rules require the motor to stop when you stop pedaling.Model page: Worksman Side-by-Side Electric Lightning SBST-3CB-HB

Show the 80 that fit the rules

Addmotor Arisetan II M-360 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Arisetan II M-360 Mini · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Citytan M-315 500W · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Citytan M-315 750W · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Citytri E-310 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Citytri E-310 Plus · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor E-325 Family Cargo Trike · E-bike (class not stated), 15 mph
Addmotor Freetan M-368X · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Freetri E-361 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Grandtan M-340 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Grandtan M-340 Plus · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Grandtan X · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Greattan L Dual battery · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Greattan L Single battery · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Landtan M-300 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor M-380 Tandem Dual battery · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor M-380 Tandem Single battery · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor SpytanX · E-bike (class not stated), 15 mph
Addmotor Triketan M-330 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Triketan M-330 Mini · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Triketan M-330F · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor U-Trike U-710 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor U-Trike U-750 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Catrike 5.5.9 eCAT · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
Catrike All Road eCAT · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
Catrike Dumont eCAT · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Catrike Expedition eCAT · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
Catrike MAX eCAT · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
Catrike Pocket eCAT · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
Catrike Trail eCAT · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
Catrike Villager eCAT · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
Emojo Bull · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Emojo Bull Trail Dual Battery · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Emojo Bull Trail Single Battery · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Emojo Bull Trail Urban Cruiser Dual Battery · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Emojo Bull Trail Urban Cruiser Single Battery · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Emojo Dexter Dual Battery · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Emojo Dexter Jr. · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Emojo Dexter Single Battery · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Evelo Compass · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
ICE Adventure (E-Assist) · E-bike (class not stated), 15.5 mph
ICE Full Fat (E-Assist) · E-bike (class not stated), 15.5 mph
Jasion JT18 eTrike · E-bike (class not stated), 16 mph
Meet One Breeze 2.0 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Meet One Breeze Pro 2.0 Dual 20Ah + 20Ah · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Meet One Breeze Pro 2.0 Single 20Ah · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Meet One Pair (Passenger) · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Meet One Tour Lite 2.0 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Mokwheel Granite · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Nakto S03 · E-bike (class not stated), 12 mph
NARRAK N3 · E-bike (class not stated), 16 mph
NARRAK N6 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
NARRAK N8 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
NARRAK S180 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Pedego Fat Tire Trike · E-bike (class not stated), 15 mph
Puckipuppy Alaskan · E-bike (class not stated), 15 mph
Puckipuppy Husky · E-bike (class not stated), 15 mph
Puckipuppy Husky Plus · E-bike (class not stated), 15 mph
Puckipuppy Rottweiler · E-bike (class not stated), 15 mph
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Electric Trike Tandem 750W · E-bike (class not stated), 16 mph
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Recumbent Rickshaw 750W · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Rickshaw 1000W mid-drive · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Sixthreezero Fat Tire Reverse E Trike · E-bike (class not stated), 16 mph
Sixthreezero Relaxed Body 750W Electric Tricycle · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Sixthreezero Simple Glide Fat Tire 750W Recumbent E Trike w/ Footrest · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Sixthreezero Simple Glide Laid Back 750W Recumbent ETrike · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Sixthreezero Simple Step Thru Fat Tire Electric Trike · E-bike (class not stated), 16 mph
TerraTrike All Terrain e+ · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
TerraTrike Gran Tourismo e+ · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
TerraTrike GTS e+ · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
TerraTrike Rambler e+ · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
TerraTrike Rebel e+ · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
TerraTrike Rogue e+ · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
TerraTrike Rover Tandem e+ · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
TerraTrike Spyder e+ · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
TerraTrike Tandem Pro Charge · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
TerraTrike Traveler e+ · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
Tiniover Creek (Passenger) · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Tri-Rider (Belize) E-Trike Li 24in · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Van Raam Easy Rider Compact+ · E-bike (class not stated), 15.5 mph

The rules

Every rule, with its source

License: No license, registration or insurance is required: e-assist bikes are legally not mopeds, and riders are treated as bicyclists. S.C. Code § 56-1-10(29); § 56-5-3520 ↗
Helmet: South Carolina has no helmet requirement for e-assist bike riders of any age; the under-21 helmet law applies to two-wheeled motorized vehicles such as mopeds and motorcycles. S.C. Code § 56-5-3660 (applies to two-wheeled motorized vehicles) ↗
Minimum age: There is no state minimum age for riding an e-assist bike. S.C. Code § 56-1-10(29); Title 56, Ch. 5, Art. 27 (no age provision) ↗
Where you can ride: E-assist bike riders follow all the same laws as bicyclists, so you may ride on roads (keep right, shoulder optional) and in bike lanes. S.C. Code § 56-5-3520; § 56-5-3430 ↗
Sidewalks: State law says nothing about riding bicycles or e-bikes on sidewalks; cities and towns set their own sidewalk rules. S.C. Code Title 56, Ch. 5, Art. 27 (no sidewalk provision) ↗
Bike paths and trails: No state statute sets e-bike access to shared-use paths or trails; the managing agency or local government decides. S.C. Code Title 56 (no path provision) ↗
State parks: On SC DNR lands (wildlife management areas, heritage preserves), e-assist bikes count as bicycles, not motorized vehicles, so they may go where bicycles may go unless posted. S.C. Code Regs. 123-203(D)(1) ↗
Passengers: You may not carry more people than the bike is designed and equipped for, and the rider must sit on a permanent seat. S.C. Code § 56-5-3440 ↗
Labels: Manufacturers must permanently label the wattage and top assisted speed. Owners must not remove the label and must replace it if they change the speed. S.C. Code § 56-1-10(29) ↗
Also good to know: At night the bike needs a white front light visible from 500 feet and a red rear reflector (a red rear light is optional). S.C. Code § 56-5-3470 ↗
Since May 18, 2026, cyclists may treat stop signs as yield signs, may go through a red light after a full stop when safe, and may turn right on red after slowing. E-assist riders get bicyclist rules under § 56-5-3520, though the act doesn't define 'cyclist'. S.C. Code § 56-5-3530; § 56-5-970(C)(6) (2026 Act No. 173) ↗

Changes and local rules

What's new, and what cities add

S.812 / 2026 Act No. 173 enacted · effective 2026-05-18 Stop-as-yield law: cyclists may treat stop signs as yield signs, may proceed through a steady red light after a complete stop and yielding, and may turn right on red after slowing and yielding (amends 56-5-970, adds 56-5-3530). Signed May 18, 2026. Source ↗
2020 Act No. 114 (H.3174) enacted · effective 2020-02-03 Created the 'electric-assist bicycle' definition (2 or 3 wheels, 750 W, under 20 mph) and said e-assist riders follow bicyclist rules. Enacted before the 2025-26 window. Source ↗
South Carolina cities and towns: With no state sidewalk or path rule, local ordinances control sidewalk riding and e-bike use on local paths and beach areas; check locally. Source ↗

Statutes and sources

S.C. Code Title 56, Ch. 1 (§ 56-1-10 definitions; § 56-1-1720 moped license) ↗S.C. Code Title 56, Ch. 5 (§ 56-5-3420 to 3530 bicycles; § 56-5-3660 helmets) ↗S.C. Code Title 56, Ch. 3 (registration) ↗S.812 (2026 Act No. 173) text ↗S.812 bill status ↗SCDMV: Moped ↗SCDMV: Moped License ↗S.C. Code Regs. Chapter 123 (DNR) ↗

What we couldn't confirm from official sources (4)

SC State Park Service (PRT) e-bike rules for state parks (as opposed to DNR lands) were not found or reviewed.
How SC classifies an e-bike of 750 W or less that exceeds 20 mph or has a throttle-only mode is not stated in statute; it falls outside the e-assist definition but below the moped wattage band.
Whether 'cyclist' in the 2026 stop-as-yield law expressly includes e-assist bike riders (the act does not define it; inferred via § 56-5-3520).
The SC Legislature full-text search found no 2025-26 bill amending the e-assist bicycle definition, but its coverage could not be independently verified (web search was unavailable).

This page explains the law in plain language. It is not legal advice. Cities, counties and park agencies can add their own rules; check posted signs and confirm with your state before you ride.