ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County leaders are preparing to take a closer look at e-bike safety amid rising concerns about injuries, speed, and young riders on local roads and sidewalks.
Commissioner Nicole Wilson plans to bring forward a proposal Tuesday calling for a formal safety study. A five-page memo from her office outlines recommendations to evaluate injury and fatality data, consider age requirements for different classes of e-bikes, and examine potential rules for where riders can legally operate, including sidewalks versus roadways.
The memo also proposes exploring speed limits, new reflector requirements for nighttime riding, and other safety measures.
E-bike riders near the University of Central Florida told News 6 they support stronger guidelines.
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UCF freshman David Balcero showed his arm injury from a recent fall he says happened while riding an e-scooter. He said the experience changed his behavior.
“I used to go faster, but after I fell, I stopped doing that,” he said.
Another student told News 6 she has seen multiple close calls on campus. “Sometimes it can be a little dangerous. Even the e-scooters go too fast,” she said. “I think adding rules could help create a sense of responsibility.”
The discussion comes as local agencies and state lawmakers examine similar concerns.
Last month, Orange County Public Schools reviewed the issue after several incidents involving students and adults on e-bikes. Board members talked about allowing each school to set its own rules but took no action.
Two Florida lawmakers introduced HB 243 in October, a bill that would require e-bike riders to obtain a special license if their bike can exceed 28 mph. The proposal would also impose fines for modifying e-bikes to increase speed. If passed, it would take effect July 1, 2027.
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In Winter Springs, police said by mid-September they had already stopped 45 children riding e-bikes in violation of local rules. Officers reported seeing young riders, some elementary aged, traveling carelessly on roads and sidewalks.
Palm Coast officials also proposed an ordinance in September that would ban e-bike use for children under 13, limit speeds to 10 mph and prohibit riders from using AirPods. Violators would face a $100 fine.
The Orange County commission will take up Wilson’s proposal Tuesday morning. News 6 will provide updates on air and on ClickOrlando.com .