By Jim Carchidi
July 29, 2026
Orange County Public School students will start the fall semester with new restrictions on their commute after school board members passed a sweeping ban on e-bikes and e-scooters at their July 28 meeting.
Rules and restrictions
Beginning in August, only high school students with a valid driver's license or learner’s permit will be allowed to ride the micromobility devices to campus. Traditional bicycles and non-motorized devices including scooters and skateboards are permitted under the ban, but subject to school rules.
Students allowed to bring e-bikes and e-scooters to school are required to observe the following regulations:
- Apply for and display a school decal on the device - decals are non-transferable and cannot be sold or shared.
- Students must dismount and walk their devices while on school property and observe speed limits and drive safely when riding.
- Devices must be secured in a designated bike rack or other approved location.
- Riding the devices is prohibited on pedestrian spaces that include sidewalks, courtyards, athletic fields, courts, and grass areas.
- Battery charging is prohibited on school property.
- E-motorcycles and other motorized vehicles that exceed e-bike classifications are prohibited on school property unless properly licensed, registered, and operated by a rider with the required license.
Failure to comply will result in the loss of rider privileges on school property and possible disciplinary action.
Safety concerns
Opponents to the OCPS decision say rider safety should be taught in schools, and maintain the devices are the only way for some students to get to and from campus.
An OCPS survey found 11,000 students rode e-scooters and e-bikes to school during the 2025/26 school year; an estimated 42% were middle schoolers.
The numbers have caused concern among school leaders and members of the community as more accidents and incidents of speeding and reckless driving have been reported. A student died last year after an off-campus e-scooter crash.
In February, MetroPlan Orlando piloted an e-bike safety training program for students in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. The agency is working through plans to expand the initiative, focusing on schools with high levels of e-bike ridership.
Community restrictions
The decision comes as more communities are limiting the use of micromobility devices. Deltona city leaders recently passed an ordinance banning anyone under the age of 18 from riding the devices within the city limits.
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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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