New e-bike Laws for Florida
When was the last time you heard of a bill passing unanimously in the Florida legislature or for that matter in the U.S. Congress? Well, the Florida House and Senate unanimously passed a bill earlier this year regulating e-bikes.
Effective July 1, 2026, e-bike owners and e-bike rental companies will need to be aware of and adhere to some new regulations. While they are minimal, they are important for the safety of cyclists, pedestrians and motorists.
E-bikes are classified the same as bicycles
The same traffic laws that apply to bikes, also apply to e-bikes, with some additional regulations for e-bikes. Both bicycles and e-bikes need to obey posted speed limits, the right-of-way, stopping at stop signs and traffic signals.
Florida has now categorized e-bikes into three classes.
Each class differs in power, pedal, speed and where they can be ridden.
Class 1
Pedal-assist only. The power only engages with pedaling. There is no throttle.
Power assist stops at 20 mph.
Gives the broadest access on where you are able to ride – roads, sidewalks, paths, trails. However, some cities, municipalities and parks restrict usage.
Class 2
Pedal-assist + throttle. Power can be engaged with a throttle without pedaling.
Power assist stops at 20 mph.
Allows use of roads, sidewalks, paths and trails. However, as with Class 1, some cities, municipalities and parks restrict usage.
Class 3
Pedal-assist only.
Power assists up to 28 mph.
Riders must be 16 years old or over.
Allowed on roads and bike lanes, however restricted on many shared paths/trails.
E-bikes are only going to grow in popularity, with the price point for some models now less than $1,200.
Non-compliance to these laws could mean possible fines
Starting July 1, state law will penalize e-bike riders doing more than 10 mph on a sidewalk or path when within 50 feet of a pedestrian. Breaking this law would be classified as a noncriminal traffic infraction. Penalties include fines.
Florida is not alone
At this point Florida lawmakers have taken a safety and education approach over a penalties approach. Currently, 36 states and the District of Columbia have specific e-bike laws using the Class 1, 2, and 3 system.
For example, New Jersey has enacted the most restrictive statutes. E-bike riders in New Jersey must have a license, register their e-bike and display a license plate, and carry liability insurance; Illinois reclassified the highest-powered devices; Washington tightened its definition of an e-bike; Utah expanded helmet rules; and Massachusetts just filed a first-in the nation insurance proposal.
What about motorized scooters?
Scooters have different regulations. For instance, motorized scooters in Florida are restricted to:
Bike lanes
Shared-use paths if specifically permitted
Roads with posted speed limits of 30 mph or less
While this newsletter issue is focused on e-bikes, a more comprehensive article about Florida laws governing the use of electric scooters can be found at A Ride Junkie.
Some Florida cities and counties have or are considering additional restrictions
It is important to check with your hometown for any e-bike laws. These will be on top of the state laws.
Orange County Commissioners (Greater Orlando area) are engaged in public hearings to consider the proper extent of laws governing wearing of helmets, setting speed limits, and/or fines to help enforce e-bike and e-scooter safety.
Palm Beach, e-bikes and other motorized rides are banned from the island’s sidewalks, trails and the scenic Lake Trail. Click here for the news article on Town Council members unanimously approved the rule. Riders must carry government-issued identification. Riders younger than 15 are not allowed to operate these devices in public places.
Florida State Parks, beaches, county parks and wildlife preserves have their own regulations for e-bikes. Go to their website or call them for any e-bike regulations. Good cycling etiquette is to stay within posted speed limits; yield to pedestrians and horses; stay off of “foot traffic only” trails.
(This issue of Florida Cycling Newsletter on riding e-bikes in Florida is not intended to be comprehensive. Please consult your local authorities.)
Here are some links for further reading if you’re so inclined
As avid cyclists, you and I, at some time, may reach the point where riding an e-bike on the road, gravel or trail might be the way to go to keep us in the saddle with the wind blowing in our face. Give yourself permission.
And whether you are on an e-bike, road bike, gravel, or MTB, a good rule is to be a good neighbor and citizen. Consider others, as much as you would want to be considered. For your safety and that of others.
Ride often. Be safe.
Bruce
New events posted for Florida cycling events happening in June before the weather turns too hot and humid. Find them at FloridaCycling.us/events.