Officials say the issue has drawn increasing attention as e-bikes become more common and complaints rise about reckless behavior. Police have responded to more than 219 calls involving e-bikes since January 2025, including residents asking about rules and reporting traffic concerns.
Residents say speed and visibility are key issues.
"They can hurt people and they can cause accidents. So, sure, there needs to be some kind of regulation on them," said Cary resident Frances Milks.
Kathleen Rasmussen, another resident, echoed those concerns.
"The e-bikes worry me for the speed and for the fact that they come up on you without a lot of warning," she said. "It's hard to see them."
Town leaders say the concern is not limited to roads but also extends to shared spaces like trails and greenways.
"I was on one of the trails and I almost got hit by an e-bike," said Cary Councilmember Sarika Bansal.
Police say many of the more serious issues involve teenage riders.
In one case at the end of April, officers charged two parents with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and allowing an unlicensed minor to drive. Their 15-year-old was also charged with several traffic offenses tied to alleged careless and reckless driving.
The situation has prompted discussion among town leaders about how best to address the problem.
"There's different approaches we can take. Is it going to be more an educational tact, an enforcement tact? A little bit of both?" said Cary Councilmember Brittany Richards.
Mayor Harold Weinbrecht addressed the issue in a blog post Sunday, noting that any potential ordinance would raise questions about enforcement and could put additional strain on the police department.
Police have already taken some steps, including installing a camera on the Morris Branch Greenway to catch reckless riders.
Residents say they remain concerned about the combination of speed and inexperience among younger riders.
"These are unlicensed drivers driving vehicles that go as fast as a car with a whole lot less protection," said Rasmussen. "I think there should be some type of a class."
Cary is not alone in examining the issue. Nearby Holly Springs recently passed an ordinance regulating e-bikes and similar devices.
Town leaders say discussions in Cary are ongoing, with the topic expected to return at a future council meeting.