A bill to improve e-bike safety statewide is now on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk, proposing new regulations and data collection measures effective July 1. Current Florida law grants e-bikes and their riders the same privileges as regular bicycles. If signed into law, Senate Bill 382 would require e-bike riders on sidewalks to slow down to 10 miles per hour when a pedestrian is within 50 feet.
E-Bike Safety Regulations
The bill also calls for law enforcement agencies at local and state levels to begin gathering and reporting data specifically on e-bike and other micro-mobility crashes. Additionally, it would create a state-level task force to review e-bike laws monthly and make recommendations for changes. Local municipalities would still have the authority to establish their own rules.
Tony Mommone, a local biking expert and owner of Power Sports of Palm Beach, supports the bill as a way to promote safety but stressed the importance of education at home. Some cities, like Boca Raton, are already taking steps to improve e-bike safety. Boca Raton offers a free online class for teen residents to raise awareness about e-bike safety.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
