By Jim Carchidi
January 13, 2026
The popularity of micromobility devices like e-bikes has stirred concerns over safety and regulations among residents and government leaders. Winter Garden commissioners recently approved new restrictions on the electric vehicles as county and state officials mull additional regulations.
Classifications and state regulations
The State of Florida classifies e-bikes as bicycles and does not track e-bike crashes separately from bicycle accidents.
E-bikes are available in the following classes:
- Class 1: The motor engages only when the pedal is in use and reaches 20 mph.
- Class 2: Motor assists with and without pedaling and reaches 20 mph.
- Class 3: Pedals assist only but reaches speeds up to 28 mph
The State of Florida classifies e-bikes as bicycles, allowing operators to have the same rights as traditional cyclists, allowing use on roads, bike lanes, and multi-use paths while adhering to traffic laws. Additionally, the state does not track e-bike crashes separately from bicycle accidents, but a 2023 FDOT District 2 study found that e-bike-related injuries were more than three times more likely to involve a collision with a pedestrian than pedal bicycles.
Local ordinances
The city of Winter Park prohibits the use of rental scooters and bikes within city limits, but allows the use of personal e-bikes, requiring riders to follow Florida bicycle laws. However, e-bikes are not allowed on sidewalks in Winter Park business districts including Park Avenue, Hannibal Square, or the Orange Avenue district.
Winter Garden city leaders recently passed an ordinance prohibiting the use of e-bikes on sidewalks and requires all e-bike users to be at least 15 years old and to follow the following regulations:
- Wear a helmet
- Carry a government-issued photo ID
- Limit speeds to 10 mph
The ordinance also requires e-bikes to include a front-mounted head light and a rear-mounted red light and reflector with the lights in use between sunset and sunrise. Ordinance violations are enforced by a $100 fine.
County studies
In November, Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson proposed the development of county-level safety requirements for micromobility devices that included accident studies, state law preemption issues, and an evaluation of enforcement tools. The list of safety policies includes the following:
- Mandatory helmet use for riders under a specified age
- Minimum age limits for use
- Speed limits
- Equipment and maintenance standards
- Rules for riding on sidewalks
- Education and signage requirements
- Mandatory safety information for rental users
The Board of County Commissioners agreed to direct the Public Works Division to investigate options and to coordinate with the Sheriff’s Office and Orange County Public Schools. An initial review will be presented to the Board in early spring.
State-level discussions
In addition to possible county regulations, micromobility is among the items slated for discussion in this year’s legislative session. House Bill 243 would prohibit anyone without a valid drivers’ license or learner’s permit from operating a Class 3 e-bike. The bill would also require e-bike riders to yield to pedestrians on shared pathways in parks or recreational areas and prohibit the modification of an e-bike.
If approved, the bill would go into effect July 1, 2027.
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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