New Florida bill could impact e-bike use, safety, and rider rules

NAPLES - A proposed bill could impact how electric bikes are used across Florida. ⁠House Bill 243 and ⁠Senate Bill 382 aim to redefine certain e-bikes that exceed 750 watts and 28 mph as electric motorbikes.

The bill hones in on three main points:

1. A person operating an electric bicycle on a shared pathway that is not located adjacent to a roadway, including a shared pathway located in a park or recreational area, must yield to any pedestrian and must give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian.

2. A person operating an electric bicycle on a sidewalk 41 or any other area designated for pedestrian use may not operate 42 an electric bicycle at a speed greater than 10 miles per hour 43 when a pedestrian is within 50 feet of the electric bicycle.

3. A person who fails to comply with this subsection 45 commits a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a 46 nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

In addition to the regulations mentioned above, a task force consisting of the executive director of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the secretary of the Department of Transportation, and other members appointed by the two, would also be formed to examine and recommend improvements to state law in order to encourage safer operations and prevent traffic incidents, injuries, and fatalities involving such bicycles.

Local bike enthusiasts and shops expressed support for the bill, which is currently progressing through the House. They believe it will enhance safety for riders, particularly younger ones who often seek out these faster bikes.

"It's definitely the kids that are looking for those faster bikes," said Ryan Post from Naples Cyclery. "You've seen them. I've seen them around town. You know, it's always, it's always a concern when I see them. You know, they have a helmet on. Are they following the rules, the laws of the road, things like that?"

Richard Kretzfeldt and Andrew Tschampa are avid bikers; they believe these regulations will make riding safer for everyone.

"We know what it's like to ride at 28 mph. It takes years of training and development to even build up to that level, and in that process, you're building the skills to ride a bike properly. But if you get somebody that can go instantly 28 miles an hour when they haven't built up those skills, that, to me, is dangerous," says the two.

If the bill passes, it would go into effect on July 1, 2026.