ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County leaders are preparing to discuss a possible county ordinance to create local e-bike safety regulations after the governor vetoed bipartisan legislation that would have established statewide rules.
Orange County Commissioner Kelly Semrad said she was disappointed by the veto, arguing that communities across Florida need a consistent framework as e-bike use continues to grow.
“I was disappointed by the veto,” Semrad said. “It had bipartisan support across the whole state, and we see evidence here locally that we need some type of uniform framework.”
County leaders are now working with municipal officials and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office along with task force focused on micromobility devices to draft a local ordinance they hope will impact safety and prevent another death.
“Orange County has been working with municipal leaders and the Sheriff’s Office to come up with a plan to keep these kids safe,” Semrad said.
The push for stricter safety measures gained momentum after a 13-year-old boy was killed in an e-bike crash in the Lake Nona area back in May. His mother has since become an advocate for stronger regulations.
“I’m not going to back down,” she said to News 6 back in May. “I’m certainly not going to sit in my house and cry every day all day about it. Something needs to happen.”
Semrad said the county commission should have the discussion over the ordinance as early as Aug. 4.
“I think it’s important we have something in place before the school year starts,” she said.
Semrad said county officials met with a personal injury attorney this week who shared data highlighting what they believe is an urgent need for action.
“Since COVID, we’ve seen a 50 percent increase of bicycle fatalities. That could be because these devices are more available,” she said.
She also said the county’s current infrastructure has not kept pace with the rapid growth in e-bike use.
“Our infrastructure is not suited for these devices,” Semrad said.
Semrad said she is optimistic local leaders can act quickly despite if not everyone gets what they want.
“We need to start somewhere, and we need to do it quick,” she said.