ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Electric bikes are becoming a common sight on neighborhood streets and school routes across St. Johns County, but their growing popularity among children is raising new safety concerns.
RELATED: Florida lawmakers advance E-bike safety bill with 10 mph sidewalk speed limit
The conversation intensified after a 12-year-old was struck and killed while riding a gas-powered mini dirt bike crossing the road outside Patriot Oaks Academy.
Local leaders say they are reviewing whether additional safeguards are needed. For now, county officials are relying on guidance from state law and expanding safety education efforts rather than imposing new local restrictions.
At Island Life Bikes near World Golf Village, owner Glenn McIntosh said many young riders are drawn to e-bikes for a simple reason: speed.
“Kids that are wanting to get to school, they want to get there faster than they can pedal a lot of times,” McIntosh said.
Under Florida law, e-bikes are generally treated the same as traditional bicycles, even though some models can reach speeds comparable to small motorized vehicles. They are not regulated like cars or motorcycles.
McIntosh said parents should pay close attention to how fast a bike can go before purchasing one for a child.
RELATED: ‘This starts in your homes’: E-bike safety concerns take center stage at St. Johns County town hall
“If I had a child that wanted an e-bike, I’d recommend getting a bike that definitely does not go faster than 20 miles an hour,” he said. “An e-bike that goes as fast as a bike can be just as safe as a regular bike.”
For higher-speed models that resemble small motorcycles, he said families should ensure a child is capable of handling the bike and avoid riding on busy roads whenever possible.
When asked what advice he would give parents, McIntosh emphasized three key points: safety education, visibility and awareness.
First, he said, children should understand their limits and ride within their skill level, constantly scanning their surroundings. Second, bikes should be equipped with plenty of lights. Third, riders should wear bright or reflective clothing so drivers can see them — especially at night. Helmets, he added, should be worn at all times.
St. Johns County commissioners have discussed whether to adopt stricter local rules, including possible age requirements. But Commission Chair Clay Murphy said the county is waiting to see how state legislation unfolds before considering additional ordinances.
“Anytime there’s a tragedy like that, it’s incumbent upon us as county leaders to take a hard look at causation and then to really study and see what we can do to help,” Murphy said.
Murphy noted that last year the county partnered with the Sheriff’s Office to bring e-bike safety lessons into local schools. He described that outreach as a first step while lawmakers in Tallahassee consider potential changes, including a proposal that would require learner’s permits for certain bikes and riders.
County leaders say they will evaluate whether local action is needed once state lawmakers finalize any new requirements.