Better start slowing down. On Monday, June 15, the Florida Legislature sent a bill establishing a 10 mph speed limit for e-bikes and other “micromobility devices” within 50 feet of a pedestrian to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk for signature.
The bill (SB 382) requires e-bike riders to yield to people on foot and to make an audible noise, such as a bell or voice, when overtaking and passing them. Violations would be nonmoving traffic violations, punishable by a $30 fine.
The bill also establishes a task force to track e-bike “traffic incidents, injuries and fatalities” and recommend further regulations, which could include a minimum age requirement, and/or require a license and registration to operate an e-bike.
Here’s what to know.
Why is Florida adding an e-bike speed limit?
Sales of E-bikes have skyrocketed in recent years, and so have complaints and crashes.
In the past five years, the fatality rate of accidents involving e-bike riders is 37 times higher than those on a traditional pedal bike, according to a New York study.
Fatal E-bike accidents have been reported at the University of Florida, the University of South Florida, and the University of Miami, according to the House version’s sponsor, Rep. Yvette Benarroch, R-Marco Island.
A 69-year-old e-bike rider was killed in Palm Coast in February when he failed to yield the right-of-way to a car in an intersection. In May, A 49-year-old Lake Worth Beach woman died after running into the side of a parked truck. Last week, a Marco Island woman suffered serious injuries after her e-bike collided with a car.
The bill passed unanimously in both the House and Senate, reflecting a rare bit of agreement on how to handle a relatively new transportation technology. Lawmakers framed the measure as a way to balance convenience for riders with safety for pedestrians, particularly in dense downtown areas and tourist hot spots where sidewalks double as popular bike routes.
When will the E-bike speed limit go into effect?
The Florida Legislature has formally sent the bill to DeSantis, starting the clock for him to sign it, veto it, or allow it to become law without his signature.
If the bill is signed or becomes law, it goes into effect immediately.
Are E-bikes allowed on sidewalks in Florida?
Yes. E-bikes are considered bikes under Florida law, so the same rules apply.
However, local municipalities may have ordinances that prohibit riding bikes or e-bikes on sidewalks completely, or ban them in certain high-traffic or problematic areas. The bill also allows local governments to pass their own minimum-age ordinances and require state-issued photo ID to operate an e-bike..
Florida law currently also prevents counties, municipalities, or agencies of the state from restricting E-bikes on bicycle paths, multiuse paths, trail networks, beaches, or dunes.
Are you required to wear a bike helmet in Florida?
Bicyclists or bike passengers under 16 years of age must wear a bike helmet that meets federal safety standards, per Florida statutes.
It’s not required for adults, but the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles strongly urges everyone on a bike to wear a helmet, no matter what age you are.
C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida e-bike speed limit passes. When it will likely become law
Reporting by C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
