Electric bikes or e-bikes, are becoming increasingly popular, and while they are a fun, lower impact way to get exercise or get somewhere, more riders on the road means more accidents.
On June 10, Julia Lynn Kalthof, 65, of Palm Coast, was charged with reckless driving and aggravated assault for steering her car onto a walking path so she could follow a 14-year-old she believed was speeding. The teen said he was only doing about 20 mph on Pine Lakes Parkway and was scared the woman might hit him.
E-bikes are legally treated like bicycles, but more laws are needed to specifically address e-bikes, according to Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly.
“E-bikes are becoming more and more prevalent in Palm Coast, and the riders need to control their speed and recklessness, too,” Staly said. “The legislature needs to give us the new laws to address the behavior of these riders, such as limiting the allowed speed riders can go, just like cars.”
So what are the rules of the road for e-bikers? What rules do drivers of other vehicles need to follow to accommodate e-bikes?
What are e-bikes?
An e-bike is a regular bike with a battery-operated motor that provides extra power to the rider. It makes obstacles like hills and headwind more manageable and allows you to travel further without getting as tired.
Electric scooters are similar to e-bikes but riders operate the vehicle from a stand-up position on the footboard. On the handlebars, there is a throttle control that allows you to control your speed. There are also brake levers mounted to the handlebars.
Where are e-bikes allowed to operate?
Generally, e-bikes may be ridden wherever bicycles are allowed, including streets, highways, roadways, shoulders, bicycle lanes, and bicycle or multiuse paths — as long as they follow traffic laws. Local municipalities and/or homeowners’ associations may set their own rules. Volusia County allowed e-bikes on beaches in 2021.
Where can e-bikes not operate?
In Florida, some parks and nature preserves prohibit e-bikes, some sidewalks, and certain private properties. Always check regulations before riding.
Do I need a license to operate an e-bike?
Florida does not require a driver’s license, registration, or insurance to operate an e-bike, nor is there an age minimum. Helmets are required for riders under 16 years old, according to The CyclicstChoice.com
Up to what speed can e-bikes operate?
According to The CyclistChoice.com, in Florida, Class 3 e-bikes follow a maximum speed of 28 mph; Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes (which are pedal-assist only) have a maximum speed of 20 mph.
Traffic laws for e-bike riders in Florida
Even though e-bikes have electric motors, riders must follow the same rules as regular bicycles when riding on roads. Here’s what that means:
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: E-bikes on local roads: What you need to know to stay safe, and keep others safe
Reporting by Colleen Michele Jones, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
