ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Fast-moving e-bikes and scooters are becoming a common sight across Central Florida, but so are safety concerns.
After a deadly crash and growing calls for tougher rules, some local leaders are now considering new regulations aimed at protecting riders and drivers alike.
Sara Mays, a local mother, says she sees e-bikes and scooters zipping past her constantly in Orange County — on roads, sidewalks, and trails. Mays says,
“There’s this kid who’s just beside me on a scooter. I don’t know how this is allowed, and I just worry about them — and they’re not even my own child,” Mays said.
[VIDEO: E-bike safety discussion continues at Orange County School Board]
Safety concerns are growing, especially after a deadly Friday night crash in Flagler County that killed a 69-year-old e-bike rider. According to FHP, the rider was not wearing a helmet and did not yield the right of way.
Orange County resident Ashlan Martz says unpredictable rider behavior can make it difficult for drivers to react.
“You just can’t tell what they’re doing some of the time. It makes it hard to judge what you’re supposed to do,” Martz said.
[VIDEO: Multiple citations given out near Seminole County middle school as e-bike popularity increases]
Monday, Maitland city leaders are set to discuss possible new regulations for e-bikes and scooters. At the same time, Winter Garden, Orange County Public Schools, and state lawmakers are also looking at ways to strengthen rules — from speed limits to helmet requirements.
“There are lots of things — speeds and helmets, maybe just not allowed on the main road. There are a lot of things we can put in place,” Martz said.
Whether at the local, county, or state level, Martz and Mays say they are hoping action is taken to help save lives.