FLORIDA – Florida legislators are moving forward with proposed changes that would regulate how electric bicycles are used in areas shared with pedestrians.
The Florida Legislature is preparing to vote on companion bills that would establish new speed limits and safety requirements for e bikes statewide.
The legislation focuses on reducing conflicts between e bike riders and pedestrians as electric bike use continues to increase across Florida.
Under the proposed bills, e bike riders would be required to slow to a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour when operating within 50 feet of pedestrians on sidewalks, trails, or shared use paths.
Riders would also be required to yield the right of way to pedestrians and provide an audible warning, such as a bell or verbal alert, before passing someone on foot.
The legislation also calls for clearer reporting and oversight when crashes occur.
Law enforcement officers would be required to document any crash involving an e bike in official reports.
In addition, the bills would create a task force made up of law enforcement officials and local leaders to study e bike related incidents and recommend further safety measures to lawmakers.
Another provision would clarify how higher powered electric bikes are classified under state law.
Some e bikes that exceed certain speed or power thresholds could be reclassified as electric motorcycles, which would require riders to have a valid driver license to operate them legally.
Supporters of the bills say the changes are intended to improve safety and establish consistent rules as e bikes become more common on Florida roadways and trails.
The measures have advanced through legislative committees and now await votes by the full House and Senate.
If approved by lawmakers and signed by the governor, the new rules would take effect at a later date determined by the Legislature.
