BOARD OF DIRECTORS
KICA Board Asks for Feedback on E-Bikes
At its July 13 meeting, the KICA Board of Directors
opened a discussion of electric bicycle use on Kiawah.
KICA currently prohibits the use of all motorized
bicycles on the island, but several community
members have expressed interest in allowing some
electric bicycles. The primary argument for e-bikes
is that they have a pedal-assist feature which allows
a more enjoyable ride for the older demographic.
However, there are concerns that e-bikes are able
to reach speeds that could cause safety issues on
trails. Director David DeStefano proposed some
potential guidelines for the community to consider
and provide their feedback to the board.
bikes can achieve a max speed of 20 mph. Class 2
bicycles have a throttle in addition to pedal-assist
and Class 3 bicycles can achieve 28 mph, so these
two types would be prohibited. To address the
speed concern, DeStefano suggested restricting the
Class 1 e-bikes to those with a maximum of 250 watt
motor and implementing an age minimum. Only
KICA members would be authorized to use e-bikes,
and they would be required to register with the
association. No e-bike rentals would be allowed. To
enable enforcement, the e-bikes must display the
KICA registration decal, and Class 1 must be clearly
marked on the bike.
DeStefano suggested that KICA amends its rules
to permit the use of Class 1 electric bicycles, with
some restrictions. Class 1 e-bikes will engage an
electric motor when the rider is pedaling. These
Thank you to those who provided comments on
this topic at the July board meeting. If you’d like to
provide your feedback to the board on this topic,
email [email protected].
A Last Look
The summer night is like a perfection of thought. —Wallace Stevens