Gulfport city officials are considering new rules for electric bikes amid concerns about speeding riders and pedestrian safety. A draft ordinance presented to the City Council would prohibit e-bikes from sidewalks, establish speed and helmet requirements, and allow additional restrictions in crowded areas and during special events.

Council Seeks Data

Council members asked for Gulfport-specific information on crashes, complaints, and other incidents involving e-bikes before deciding how to proceed with the ordinance. City Attorney Barry Salzman stressed that the proposal was intentionally written to give council a range of options rather than serve as a finished ordinance.

The proposed rules would limit e-bikes to 15 mph on multi-use paths, trails, parks, and recreational areas. Riders younger than 16 would have to wear helmets, while children younger than 14 could not operate Class 3 e-bikes on public property.

Resident Concerns

Residents pointed to practical problems with banning e-bikes from sidewalks, including the location of bike racks and the difficulty of pushing a three-wheeled bike. Others questioned how riders could comply with speed limits when many e-bikes do not have speedometers.

Vice Mayor Marlene Shaw emphasized the importance of addressing speed, citing reports of people being knocked down on sidewalks and in parks. She supported starting with some regulation that could be adjusted later if necessary.

Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.