E-bike vs. e-motorcycle rules in Cape Coral explained as popularity grows across Florida

Cape Coral is addressing regulations for e-bikes and e-motorcycles as their popularity grows, with distinctions between the two modes of transportation and rules for their use on sidewalks and roadways.

E-bikes and e-motorcycles are categorized differently in Cape Coral. E-bikes assist riders for longer distances, while e-motorcycles require a legal license to operate.

In 2022, U.S. sales of e-bikes reached $1.3 billion, reflecting their accessibility as a transportation option. However, their increasing use is raising concerns both on and off the road.

Cape Coral regulations require e-bike riders on sidewalks to maintain a maximum speed of 10 mph. If riders exceed this limit, they must move to the road. Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have banned e-bike riders from exceeding 10 mph near pedestrians.

"They did a bill on e-bike regulation. I'm at least like that, maybe there's problems, but what it will lead to is more surveillance of people by force. And we don't need that. And so I think that there was problems with it," DeSantis said.

Arsenio Godinho, owner of Paradise Bicycles in Cape Coral, emphasized the importance of educating customers about the distinctions between e-bikes and e-motorcycles.

"Whenever someone walks through that door and is looking for what they might think it's an emote or a bicycle. We like to explain to them exactly what the regulations, you know, are, thoroughly. So, we spend time, we literally ask questions, what they're looking for, and we will explain to them, hey, this is the legal, we follow the Cape Coral laws just because that's what we are. But it's the same law, throughout Florida," Godinho said.

Electric bicycles are limited to motors under 750 watts and a maximum speed of 28 mph. Electric motorcycles must remain on roadways and meet all motor vehicle requirements.

"So you can't take a car on the sidewalk, just like you can't take an electric motorcycle on the sidewalk," said Mercedes Simonds of the Cape Coral Police Department.

Many Gulf Coast communities, including Collier County and Marco Island, already have e-bike speed regulations in place. Naples is also considering implementing new rules.