Naples City Council advances ordinance restricting e-bikes and micromobility devices

Naples city leaders are taking a step forward with new regulations for e-bikes, scooters and other micromobility devices.

On Wednesday, city council approved the first reading of an ordinance that would establish new rules for electric bicycles, motorized scooters, trikes and segways.

The proposal would prohibit those devices from operating on city sidewalks, shared-use paths and within parks on roadways where the city has traffic control jurisdiction.

One of the biggest unanswered questions involves tour companies that operate e-bike and scooter tours throughout Naples.

The first hearing also introduced regulations for tour operators, including licensing agreements and the city's right-of-way permitting process.

According to city staff, the second hearing will focus on several unresolved issues, including a possible transition period for existing tour companies, identifying exempt or prohibited roadways, potential licensing changes and other operational details.

City leaders say the ordinance is intended to reduce conflicts between pedestrians, riders and drivers.

Council member Berne Barton said riders should stay off sidewalks and walk their devices when there is no other safe place to ride.

"I wanted to make sure that we were saying, hey, these devices are not meant for the sidewalk," Barton said. "And if you're going to go somewhere where there is not another area for you to remove yourself from the sidewalk, then you need to walk it."

That uncertainty has some watching the process closely.

Diego Gonzalez, a tour guide with Trike Tours USA at Naples and Everglades Experience, said he already avoids crowded areas like Fifth Avenue South and works to balance the safety of riders and pedestrians.

"We haven't had any accidents with any pedestrians on the sidewalks. We haven't had any accidents with people riding their cars on the road," Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez said many of his customers are older adults, families and visitors who may not feel comfortable riding alongside vehicle traffic.

He said some parts of Naples lack bike lanes, leaving riders with limited options if sidewalks are no longer available.

"There's some cases where I believe we do need the sidewalk for riding, especially to maintain the flow of traffic and avoid any accidents," Gonzalez said.

He said his tours use bike lanes and road shoulders whenever possible, but believes a one-size-fits-all approach could create challenges in areas where cycling infrastructure is limited.

"They're kind of leaving us in a predicament where we don't have anywhere to go," Gonzalez said. "We need to ride somewhere."

Local business owners say they understand the city's concerns but believe a complete sidewalk ban could create unintended consequences.

"We've been in the e-bike business for almost 10 years," said Lisa Badolato of Pedego Naples. "The reality is that not everyone is riding responsibly. Some riders, particularly younger ones, are operating e-bikes that can reach speeds that are not appropriate for shared pedestrian areas. Safety concerns are valid, and they need to be addressed."

Badolato said she supports addressing unsafe riding behavior but believes a complete sidewalk ban could create new concerns.

"Rather than an outright ban, I believe the city should focus on sensible regulations and enforcement," Badolato said. "That includes limiting speeds in pedestrian areas, requiring riders to use bike lanes whenever they are available, and reinforcing that pedestrians always have the right of way."

Wednesday's vote was only the first step in the process. The ordinance must return to City Council for a second reading and final approval before any of the proposed rules take effect.