Electric bikes, called e-bikes, have grown in popularity over the past few years, prompting discussion regarding the legitimacy and safety of the vehicles.

Robertsdale City Council members discussed the laws surrounding the use of motorized vehicles such as electric bicycles and golf carts at their Oct. 2 meeting.

Mayor Charles Murphy said the city is currently in the early stages of discussing around the city's approach to non-traditional vehicles.

"We felt that there are other communities in the county that work with this issue," Murphy said. "We are looking at how they handle the operations around safety of non-traditional means of transportation and how they interact with other motorized vehicles."

Specifically, Murphy said council is looking at how Fairhope, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have approached the issue.

"We are still in the infancy stage. It's going to take us some time to go through and decide what or if we implement this."

What is an e-bike?

The current state laws regarding electric bicycles are as follows:

• Electric bicycles are regulated like bicycles, the same rules of the road apply to both electric bicycles and human-powered bicycles. Electric bicycles are not subject to the registration, licensing or insurance requirements that apply to motor vehicles.
•  Alabama designates three classes of electric bicycles: Class 1: Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches 20 mph. Class 2: Bicycle equipped with a throttle-actuated motor, that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches 20mph. Class 3: Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches 28 mph.
• Persons under 16 years of age may not operate a Class 3 electric bicycle but they may ride as a passenger.
• Electric bicycles are allowed on bicycle or multi-use paths. However, local governments have the authority to restrict the use of electric bicycles on paths. When in doubt, check with your town, city, or county for local rules and regulations.
• All riders and operators of a Class 3 electric bicycle must wear a helmet. Anyone under the age of 16 on an electric bicycle or traditional bicycle must wear a helmet.