The Jacksonville Beach Police Department is rolling out a new public education effort focused on e-bikes, electric motorcycles and the rules riders are required to follow.
JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — As summer crowds return to Jacksonville Beach, more visitors and residents are getting around on electric bikes and electric motorcycles.
With those vehicles becoming more common along the coast, Jacksonville Beach police are launching a campaign designed to help riders and parents better understand what separates an e-bike from an electric motorcycle — and why that distinction matters under Florida law.
Police say the difference is not always clear to consumers. Officers have seen growing confusion as some vehicles advertised as e-bikes may actually meet the state’s legal definition of an electric motorcycle.
According to the Jacksonville Beach Police Department, electric bicycles are treated the same as traditional bicycles in Florida. To be classified as an e-bike, the vehicle must have fully operable pedals and a motor that does not exceed 750 watts. E-bikes do not require vehicle registration, a driver’s license or insurance.
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In a video shared as part of the campaign, police stressed that vehicles going beyond those limits are classified differently and come with additional legal requirements.
Electric motorcycles, unlike e-bikes, must be registered, display a license plate and be operated by someone with a motorcycle endorsement. Florida law may also require insurance for those vehicles.
One beachgoer said they appreciate e-bikes because of their environmental benefits, but also support officers reminding riders about the laws that apply.
“I recently moved here from Chicago, and there are mixed reviews I have because I definitely believe they help the environment, but there can be some safety concerns if the roads aren’t built the right way to have dedicated lanes for e-bikers,” he said. “Also sometimes they don’t wear helmets.”
The Jacksonville Beach police department is also reminding families about helmet requirements. Under Florida law, all operators and passengers younger than 16 on an e-bike must wear a helmet.
