By Jim Carchidi
September 30, 2026
Micromobility users in Orange County face new regulations. Commissioners approved an ordinance on September 29 that enforces speed limits and addresses other safety concerns.
Recent restrictions
The vote was the latest response to the rising number of injuries and fatalities attributed to the misuse of micromobility devices. Data presented at the Feb. 25 meeting of MetroPlan Orlando’s Community Advisory Committee stated 31% of bicycle crashes in 2025 involved an e-bike or e-scooter. Cities including Winter Park and Winter Garden have increased restrictions on e-bikes and e-scooters. And Orange County Public School leaders recently passed on-campus bans of the devices.
E-motos
The state recognizes three e-bike classifications:
Class 1: a pedal-assisted bike (no throttle) that reaches speeds up to 20 mph
Class 2: a bike with a throttle that reaches 20 mph
Class 3: a pedal-assisted bike (no throttle) that reaches speeds up to 28 mph
The new rules broaden the county's definition to include e-bikes that can operate without using pedals, are powered by more than 750 watts of electricity, and exceed 28 mph. The ordinance refers to the devices as electric motorcycles, or e-motos, and prohibits their use on county sidewalks, bike paths, and trails. E-moto riders must be licensed, registered, and insured.
Scooters, bikes, etc.
The ordinance upholds existing rules for other micromobility devices. Helmets are required for riders under the age of 16, only one rider is allowed on a device, and riders on sidewalks and paths must yield right-of-way to pedestrians. Additionally, a 10 mph speed limit is imposed for paths and sidewalks. Speeds on roads, bike lanes, and bike trails cannot exceed 28 mph. Street takeovers and stunt riding are also specified as violations.
Penalties
Potential penalties can include citations, fines, and vehicle impoundment. Parents or guardians of repeat violators under the age of 18 may be subject to penalties based on the discretion of the responding officer.
The Orlando Real reached out to the Orange County Sheriff's Office for clarification on enforcement and received the following response:
"The fine for any violation of the county prohibitions in the ordinance is $100. Impoundment is not automatic, and we intend to use that provision sparingly. But as an example, if a deputy stops someone operating an e-motorcycle on the sidewalk, which is prohibited, and that e-motorcycle is not registered with the state, the deputy has the option of impounding that vehicle because it’s not registered and therefore not safe to operate."
The full ordinance is on the County Comptroller website. A full draft can be accessed here.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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