Several readers have reached out to WOW to express their concerns with children riding electric bikes and scooters in the center of roads and disregarding traffic signs – making it a dangerous situation for drivers and riders alike.
In Florida, riders of legal e-scooters and e-bikes have the same rights, privileges and duties as regular bicycle users. According to Florida Statute 316.2065, when riding on a public road, riders should remain in the bike lane. If there is no bike lane, they should stay as close as possible to the right-hand curb. As with bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters are allowed on sidewalks. “However, they must yield the right of way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian,” said Hillsborough TPO Planner Ben Gordon.
Riders and those under age 16 must obey traffic signs and wear helmets. Riders who violate these rules could receive a citation for a noncriminal traffic infraction. More importantly, they run the risk of injury – or worse.
The key is understanding what constitutes a legal e-bike. In a recent post by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department, as follows:
Legal E-bike checklist
- 28 MPH max speed
- 750 watts motor max
- Working pedals
- No illegal modifications
In addition, e-bikes are required by law to have a permanently affixed label that contains the classification number, top-assisted speed and motor wattage. Modifying an e-bike to change the speed capability or engagement is illegal unless the label is replaced. The e-bike must operate in a manner such that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the rider stops pedaling or applies the brakes.
If the e-bike does not meet all of these criteria, it is considered a motor vehicle, which needs to be registered and the operator must hold a valid driver’s license. As stated above, if the e-bike does meet the legal criteria, the rider should follow the rules set forth for bike riders.
E-bikes vs. Dirt Bikes
In a recent social media post by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the department noted that they are seeing an influx of dirt bikes on the road – something we have also witnessed in the greater Westchase area. They noted popular models such as Surron, Altis and Stark Varg, which have no pedals and are only legal on private property. Depending on the engine size, a dirt bike can go anywhere from 35 to 90 MPH. Per Florida law, all-terrain vehicles like dirt bikes and ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for unpaved roadways where the posted speed limit is less than 35 MPH and then, they can only be operated legally during daylight hours.
Unfortunately, with more parents shopping online for the best deal, it is easy to mistakenly purchase a bike that is inappropriate for their child’s age and abilities – or one that is not street legal. It is also easy for kids to follow online tutorials to modify their bikes to increase the speed and power. Suddenly, what was once a legal e-bike is now classified as a motor vehicle.
“My main takeaway for parents is that they should impress on their children how important it is to be cautious on any kind of bike or scooter, and to supervise them until it is clear that they understand how to ride safely and within the law,” Gordon said. “Teaching them to stay aware of their surroundings and not to go too fast—especially on sidewalks, since pedestrians can step out unexpectedly. Make sure bicycles are equipped with a bell and that kids know how to alert pedestrians that they are ‘coming up from behind.”