E-bike bill aims to set statewide standards

LEE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — Florida lawmakers are moving closer to setting clearer statewide rules for electric bicycles, as the number of riders continues to grow across sidewalks, shared paths and roadways. House Bill 243 is scheduled to be discussed on the House floor next week.

The current version of the bill focuses on pedestrian safety and improved crash reporting, after earlier drafts that included licensing requirements were removed.

Under current Florida law, electric bicycles defined as having operable pedals and a motor under 750 watts, are generally treated the same as traditional bicycles.

The proposed legislation would require riders to:

• Yield to pedestrians on shared paths not adjacent to roadways.
• Give an audible signal before passing someone on a sidewalk or trail.
• Slow to 10 miles per hour when within 50 feet of a pedestrian on sidewalks or pedestrian-designated areas.

Violations would be treated as noncriminal traffic infractions beginning July 1, 2026.

The bill would also require Florida Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies to track detailed crash data involving e-bikes and other micromobility devices. That data, including the class of e-bike and rider age, would be compiled into a statewide report due in October 2026.

Lawmakers say the goal is to reduce conflicts in shared spaces while gathering better information about how often crashes are occurring and under what circumstances.

Pat Henderson rides an assisted electric bike that helps her keep pace on longer routes.

“Especially if we’re going into the wind, I find it really useful,” Henderson said.

But she says speed can become an issue when riders don’t slow down around pedestrians.

“That’s fast,” Henderson said of higher-speed e-bikes. “I don’t think I’d want to be passed by somebody going that fast.”

Ron Croci, who bikes roughly 20 miles a day in Fort Myers, says he has noticed a sharp increase in e-bike traffic over the past few years.

“Extremely dangerous,” Croci said. “Sometimes they’re almost by you before you even see them. They really shoot by you fast.”

Both riders said slowing down near pedestrians would make shared paths feel safer.

“Ten miles an hour sounds very good to me,” Croci said. “It sounds like a good place to be.”

Currently, e-bike regulations can differ depending on where someone is riding.

Lee County officials say there is no specific ordinance governing electric bikes in unincorporated areas. Riders generally follow the same rules that apply to traditional bicycles.

However, some municipalities and counties have adopted their own restrictions.

In Downtown Fort Myers, e-bike riders are restricted from operating on downtown sidewalks and must use public streets in that area.

In Charlotte County, commissioners recently approved a 15-mile-per-hour speed limit for electric bikes and similar devices on shared paths and sidewalks in unincorporated areas.

In Collier County, the ordinance states that individuals younger than 16 are prohibited from riding a Class 3 e-bike, which can reach speeds up to 28 miles per hour. E-bike riders on sidewalks must not exceed 15 miles per hour, and those on Class 3 or higher e-bikes must use bike lanes whenever possible.

Supporters of the state bill say clearer statewide standards would reduce confusion for riders and pedestrians who may travel between different cities and counties.

“To have something consistent throughout the state that increases safety for bikers and drivers, that’s a good thing,” Henderson said.

House Bill 243 is scheduled for discussion on the House floor next week. A companion bill is moving through the Senate. If passed by both chambers and signed by the governor, the new rules would take effect July 1, 2026.