OVIEDO, Fla. – Oviedo city leaders are moving to finalize new restrictions for e-bikes and scooters. Commissioners are holding a work session Monday to discuss an ordinance that would regulate bicycle and micro-mobility operations.
“We’ve got to figure out how to exist in the same space,” Mayor Megan Sladek said. “Right now we have e-bikes that are zipping around Center Lake Park and people who are pedestrians do not feel safe walking there.”
Recommended Videos
Sladek said Oviedo had been waiting on guidance from the state about e-bike regulations, but the situation has become too dangerous to wait any longer.
The proposed rules would limit speeds to 10 mph and could prohibit the devices from being used in some public places, including parks. The proposal would also require riders to yield to pedestrians.
Fines would range from $50 for a first offense up to $250 for repeated violations. Enforcement of the ordinance is also expected to be part of the work session discussion.
“You can’t go enforce unless the police officer catches the behavior. So, if there’s repeated bad behavior, they would, of course, follow up,” Sladek said.
Sladek said Orange County is also expected to put its own micro-mobility ordinance in place on Sept. 29.
“I think we’re going to take a look at that, see how to harmonize those and come up with something that’s safe for everybody,” Sladek said.
Monday’s work session is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Oviedo’s public hearing on the proposed ordinance is scheduled for Oct. 5.
