Winter Garden city commissioners have unanimously approved a new ordinance regulating electric bikes and scooters, focusing on safety measures such as age limits, speed restrictions and lighting requirements.”Almost every day, pretty much every night we ride,” said Connor Lugenbeel, a frequent rider on the West Orange Trail.Amanda Siebert, another rider, expressed support for the new rules.”More regulations, the better. I think that’s a lot safer for everyone involved,” she said.The ordinance, effective immediately, requires e-bike riders to be at least 15 years old, wear a helmet, and maintain a speed of 10 miles per hour or less when riding on sidewalks or off-road.”We are on the trail pretty often. I definitely have seen some scenarios that are a little sketchy sometimes with some younger kids on e-bikes,” Lugenbeel said. Riders have observed an increase in e-bike use, particularly among younger individuals.”There’s been a population growth since Christmas. Seems like a lot more kids on e-bikes,” Lugenbeel said.The ordinance also mandates that e-bikes have a front light visible from at least 500 feet and a red rear light and reflector visible from 600 feet between sunset and sunrise.Riders must carry a government-issued photo ID and present it if requested by law enforcement.”I still think it’s good to have more people out on bikes in general. I think e-bikes are still good, but I’m happy to see regulations to hopefully keep some of these kids safer,” Lugenbeel said.
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. —
Winter Garden city commissioners have unanimously approved a new ordinance regulating electric bikes and scooters, focusing on safety measures such as age limits, speed restrictions and lighting requirements.
“Almost every day, pretty much every night we ride,” said Connor Lugenbeel, a frequent rider on the West Orange Trail.
Amanda Siebert, another rider, expressed support for the new rules.
“More regulations, the better. I think that’s a lot safer for everyone involved,” she said.
The ordinance, effective immediately, requires e-bike riders to be at least 15 years old, wear a helmet, and maintain a speed of 10 miles per hour or less when riding on sidewalks or off-road.
“We are on the trail pretty often. I definitely have seen some scenarios that are a little sketchy sometimes with some younger kids on e-bikes,” Lugenbeel said.
Riders have observed an increase in e-bike use, particularly among younger individuals.
“There’s been a population growth since Christmas. Seems like a lot more kids on e-bikes,” Lugenbeel said.
The ordinance also mandates that e-bikes have a front light visible from at least 500 feet and a red rear light and reflector visible from 600 feet between sunset and sunrise.
Riders must carry a government-issued photo ID and present it if requested by law enforcement.
“I still think it’s good to have more people out on bikes in general. I think e-bikes are still good, but I’m happy to see regulations to hopefully keep some of these kids safer,” Lugenbeel said.
