Florida lawmakers have proposed a new bill aimed at regulating electric bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles to increase safety measures, as more people opt for the faster mode of transportation.
"E-bike, 1200 watt, I mean, it goes 25 miles an hour," said Joe Watts, an e-bike rider. "I use it to get around. It's Class 3."
HB 243 proposes prohibiting individuals from operating a Class 3 electric bicycle without the appropriate license. That is, a valid driver's license, or for teens, a learner's license. A first-time violation would result in a verbal warning, while further infractions could lead to fines.
It also suggests implementing penalties for altering electric bicycles to modify their speed capabilities.
The bill was filed in October and includes provisions to prevent kids under 16 from operating motorcycles with engines over a certain power threshold. And, it updates educational requirements for learners' driver licenses to include content on sharing the road with electric bicycles and scooters.
It comes as drivers, neighbors, local government and law enforcement agencies have come forward about the dangers e-bikes pose in Collier, Charlotte, and even Lee counties.
The bill also redefines "electric motorcycle" as any e-bike with a motor generating 750 watts or more, which allows it to exceed 28 miles per hour, and revises the definition of "motorcycle" under Florida law.
It also mandates that certain crash reports include details about whether a motorized scooter, electric bicycle, or electric motorcycle was involved. Statistics on crashes involving electric vehicles will be maintained separately by the state, adding another layer to traffic data analysis.
But for riders like Watts, who rely on their e-bike for transportation, these changes present a challenge.
"I ride it on the sidewalk if I can," said Watts. "But you know, the roads are just. I mean, they scare me. I mean, even the bike lane on a road I've been on, I've almost been run over. People just don't, they just don't pay attention."
This bill, if passed during the 2026 Florida legislative session, will take effect on July 1, 2027.