DELTONA, Fla. – Deltona has passed an ordinance banning e-bikes, e-scooters and mopeds for anyone under 18 — but the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office says it has no plans to enforce it.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood said his office will follow state law, not the new city ordinance, calling its enforceability into question.
“I would like to know how constitutional it is to tell someone who at 15 can get a learner’s permit but you have to be 18 to operate an e-bike — I don’t know how that’s going to fly,” Chitwood said.
Earlier this week, News 6 spoke with parents and residents around Deltona, many of whom supported the new ordinance. Others questioned it.
News 6 also asked Mayor Santiago Avila Jr. why the city commission felt the rule change — including banning teens who already hold driver’s licenses — was necessary.
“You’re talking about pedestrians. We have to make sure we have sidewalks with ADA compliance. While the 16-year-olds can drive on the roads, you don’t see cars driving on sidewalks where people are actually walking,” Avila said.
Chitwood said his office will follow state motor vehicle code, which requires only Class 3 e-bikes — those capable of reaching up to 28 mph — to follow stricter rules, including licensing requirements. Riders operating those bikes illegally will be subject to enforcement.
“From my perspective, what am I going to do? Put a road block up outside of a school — ‘how old are you? Let me check your thing, okay you’re good to go.’ Is that the road we’re heading down here where we’re going to be stopping 13-year-olds riding their bikes to school in the morning and checking ages?” Chitwood said.
News 6 reached out to Volusia County Schools to ask whether the district would prevent students from riding e-bikes to school in Deltona. A spokesperson called it a “city matter” and directed enforcement questions to the city.
The district did say it created a program requiring all Volusia County students who ride e-bikes to complete a course before bringing one to campus.
Chitwood said his office plans to work with schools on education rather than enforcement of the city’s ordinance.
“For me, to get around what Deltona’s doing, we’re working with the schools — we’re going to educate our kids. We want parents to know what they’re buying their kids. If that sucker goes 28 miles per hour or more and you don’t have the proper license and that thing’s not registered, you’re operating an unlicensed motor vehicle, and we’re going to tow it,” Chitwood said.
News 6 reached back out to the city of Deltona for comment after Chitwood’s remarks. The city had not responded as of publication. This story will be updated when a response is received.