ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Officials in Orange County are gearing up to address growing concerns about e-bike safety, particularly focusing on issues related to injuries, speed, and the prevalence of young riders on local streets and sidewalks.
Commissioner Nicole Wilson is set to introduce a proposal on Tuesday, advocating for a formal safety assessment. Her office has prepared a comprehensive five-page memo that suggests examining data on injuries and fatalities, considering age restrictions for different e-bike classifications, and exploring regulations on where e-bikes can be legally operated, whether on sidewalks or roadways.
The memo further recommends looking into setting speed limits, implementing new reflector requirements for nighttime use, and other safety-enhancing measures.
In the vicinity of the University of Central Florida, e-bike users expressed their support for implementing stricter safety guidelines.
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UCF freshman David Balcero shared his experience of sustaining an arm injury from a recent fall while riding an e-scooter. He noted that the incident has led him to change his riding habits.
“I used to go faster, but after I fell, I stopped doing that,” he said.
Another student told News 6 she has seen multiple close calls on campus. “Sometimes it can be a little dangerous. Even the e-scooters go too fast,” she said. “I think adding rules could help create a sense of responsibility.”
The discussion comes as local agencies and state lawmakers examine similar concerns.
Last month, Orange County Public Schools reviewed the issue after several incidents involving students and adults on e-bikes. Board members talked about allowing each school to set its own rules but took no action.
Two Florida lawmakers introduced HB 423 in October, a bill that would require e-bike riders to obtain a special license if their bike can exceed 28 mph. The proposal would also impose fines for modifying e-bikes to increase speed. If passed, it would take effect July 1, 2027.
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In Winter Springs, police said by mid-September they had already stopped 45 children riding e-bikes in violation of local rules. Officers reported seeing young riders, some elementary aged, traveling carelessly on roads and sidewalks.
Palm Coast officials also proposed an ordinance in September that would ban e-bike use for children under 13, limit speeds to 10 mph and prohibit riders from using AirPods. Violators would face a $100 fine.
The Orange County commission will take up Wilson’s proposal Tuesday morning. News 6 will provide updates on air and on ClickOrlando.com .
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