What is the current status?

The Town is currently seeking local e-bike providers that can both sell to the Town and manage a small fleet of e-bikes. These bikes would be available for use for free for anyone that lives in Chapel Hill's town limits. More information coming mid-summer 2024.

What are e-bikes?

E-bikes require the user to pedal but an electric motor helps pedaling. They typically have a top speed of than 20 miles per hour and are perfect for the hills of Chapel Hill.

What is commercial bikeshare?

Bikeshare is a form of shared transportation that consists of a fleet of bicycles for rent by anyone. Riders download an app to their smartphones or interact directly with the bikes through prepaid cards.

Ordinance Changes to Allow Commercial Bikeshare

To allow commercial bikeshare to occur in Chapel Hill, multiple sections of the Town Ordinances were amended in Fall 2020. Those text amendments include:

1. Updating the bike ordinance (Chapter 21) to reflect current North Carolina Department of Transportation (NC DOT) definitions of electric assist bicycles (e-bikes) as well as other updates to reflect current procedures.
2. Updating the Parks and Greenways ordinance (Chapter 12) to specify no motorized vehicles or mopeds are allowed on parks and greenways.
3. Updating the Sidewalk Sales ordinance (Chapter 17) to allow bikeshare companies to use Town and NC DOT right of way with appropriate permits.

Click here for the changes approved by the Chapel Hill Town Council on October 28, 2020.