Transportation (Electric Vehicles)

HB 1084 clarifies the legal definition of electric bicycles in North Carolina by categorizing them into three classes based on motor power and speed limits, while also granting cities and counties the authority to create their own safety rules. Under this bill, electric bikes are generally allowed on roads and bike paths, but local governments can restrict their use on sidewalks or trails, set speed limits, and require helmets for riders under 18 on certain classes. Additionally, the legislation allocates $100,000 to the Department of Transportation to fund a public awareness campaign focused on electric bicycle safety and proper usage.

SB 682 appropriates $6.5 million in one-time state funds for capital improvements at the Charlotte Nature Museum, operated by Discovery Place, Inc. The bill allocates $1.5 million specifically for completing sidewalks, parking lots, and electric vehicle charging stations across the museum property, and $5 million for the Tree Canopy Walk project, including its construction, safety features, accessibility upgrades, and educational exhibits. These funds are designated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and will directly support physical infrastructure and visitor experience enhancements at the museum. The project benefits the museum's operations and the public who visit the facility.

SB 612 requires all new school buses purchased by North Carolina school districts to be electric starting in the 2026-2027 school year, with the goal of converting the entire school bus fleet to electric by the end of the 2049-2050 school year. It also creates a grant program to help small counties purchase electric "activity buses" (used for field trips and events) by covering up to 50% of the cost. The bill appropriates $350 million for general school bus conversions and $50 million specifically for the activity bus grant program, beginning in 2026-2027. This directly affects all school districts, with additional financial support targeted at smaller counties eligible for supplemental funding.

Senate Bill 576 redefines electric assisted bicycles into three distinct classes based on their motor assistance and speed capabilities. The bill permits e-bikes on most roadways and paths, but requires helmets for Class 3 e-bike riders and passengers. It also grants cities and counties the authority to regulate e-bike use within their jurisdictions, allowing them to restrict certain classes on specific paths, set speed limits, and require helmets for Class 1 or 2 e-bikes. Finally, the Department of Transportation is tasked with developing educational materials on e-bike safety.

HB 837 is a study bill requiring North Carolina to examine alternative highway funding methods, primarily to address potential revenue gaps as electric/hybrid vehicle adoption grows. It directs the Legislative Services Officer and Transportation Oversight Committee to hire a consultant to study mileage-based fees (VMT) for electric/hybrid vehicles and a new "Access User Fee" for all non-diesel vehicles (replacing gas taxes). The study must be completed by May 2026, with findings reported to key legislative committees. This bill does not implement new fees but assesses options affecting all vehicle owners, particularly electric/hybrid drivers and non-diesel vehicle registrants. It allocates $125,000 from the Highway Fund for the study, effective July 1, 2025.