Florida is undergoing a transportation revolution, and no, it’s not just about electric cars or high-speed rail projects like Brightline.
The latest shift in commuting comes from electric bicycles, or e-bikes. Once a niche market, e-bikes have now become an unavoidable presence on Florida’s roadways, especially along the Gulf Coast. However, as the popularity of these vehicles skyrockets, it has become glaringly apparent that the region’s infrastructure is struggling to keep up.
This growing issue has already led to devastating consequences. In Naples, 14-year-old Clayton Miller was tragically killed while riding his e-bike near the intersection of Lakeland Avenue and Madison Drive. His mother, Janet Miller, now visits a growing memorial at the site of the accident, surrounded by tributes from his friends and family.
“He was riding his e-bike and got hit. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it,” Miller recounted solemnly. “Now, I’ve just been coming here every day, seeing all his friends, all the things they are bringing him. It makes it a little easier.”
Despite being in a residential neighborhood where vehicles are expected to slow down, Clayton's accident underscores a disturbing reality: e-bike riders, particularly younger ones, are often left vulnerable due to inadequate safety measures and road designs that fail to accommodate them.
E-bikes have surged in popularity, offering a convenient mode of transport for students, commuters, and casual riders alike. Fidel Sanchez, owner of Estero Bicycle Cafe, has seen firsthand the rapid growth in demand.
“With e-bikes becoming more available online, more people are buying them—not just kids, but also those commuting to work,” Sanchez explained. “About 40% of our business now revolves around maintaining e-bikes.”
However, one concerning trend Sanchez has observed is how some riders modify their bikes to exceed the standard 28 mph speed limit, making them even more hazardous on shared pathways and roadways.
The rise of e-bikes has highlighted a stark gap in Florida’s infrastructure. In many cities, cyclists—whether on traditional bicycles or e-bikes—are expected to share roads with cars or use sidewalks where space is limited. In some areas, such as downtown Naples, designated bike lanes exist but provide little separation from vehicle traffic. Meanwhile, in other locations, like Three Oaks Parkway, bike lanes are dangerously close to oncoming cars, offering little protection.
Michelle Avola Brown of the Naples Pathway Coalition is actively working to improve safety for e-bike riders. She has been distributing helmets and reflective vests to help make cyclists more visible, particularly those commuting to work in early mornings or late at night.
“These riders often wear dark uniforms, making them almost impossible to see without proper gear,” Brown noted. “We need better awareness and infrastructure to keep them safe.”
Other Florida communities, like Sarasota, have dedicated, well-planned bike paths that integrate seamlessly into the city’s landscape. However, the same cannot be said for Southwest Florida, where the lack of infrastructure continues to put cyclists at risk.
Despite the risks, Janet Miller does not blame e-bikes for her son’s death. In fact, she supports their continued use.
“I don’t want them to stop, because Clayton would be upset,” she said. “He loved riding, he loved e-bikes. That was one of the last text messages he sent me—I asked why he went out riding all the time, and he said because he loved it.”
The growing presence of e-bikes on Florida’s streets is undeniable. While they offer a fun, efficient, and eco-friendly way to travel, they also highlight the urgent need for new regulations, safety measures, and improved infrastructure. Without these changes, tragedies like Clayton’s may become all too common.
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