Legislation moving through the Florida Capitol would create new guardrails for electric bike riders, including a sidewalk speed limit, potential age restrictions and a new licensing requirement for the fastest models.
The proposal, House Bill 243, advanced in the Legislature and was unanimously approved by the House Transportation Committee. This comes as Wolfson Children’s Hospital reported 19 cases in January alone involving children injured while riding e-bikes.
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State Rep. Anna V. Eskamani, an Orlando Democrat, said the measure is aimed at addressing a growing number of safety concerns, particularly involving children.
“Across the state of Florida and in communities like mine, we have seen folks who are using e-bikes irresponsibly and children are using e-bikes without any type of guardrails or oversight,” Eskamani said in an interview.
Under HB 243, e-bike riders would be required to obey a 10 mph speed limit on sidewalks and walkways when within 50 feet of a pedestrian. The bill would also establish a three-tier classification system for electric bicycles:
- Lower-tier bikes would include models where pedal assistance stops at 20 mph.
- Class 3 bikes — those capable of exceeding 28 mph — would face new licensing requirements.
- The measure would define an “electric motorcycle” as a bike capable of speeds greater than 28 mph.
Chuck Farah, managing partner and attorney at Farah and Farah in Jacksonville, said his office is getting e-bike related injury cases daily.
“There is no law, they’re treated just like bicycles. So, you know, just like you can ride a bicycle pretty much anywhere, there are no real regulations regarding bikes," Farah said.
The legislation also directs the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to create an Electric Bicycle Safety Task Force. The task force would collect data on crashes and recommend changes to state law.
Eskamani said the goal is to balance safety with access, noting that e-bikes provide an affordable transportation option for many Floridians commuting to work or school.
“We don’t want to restrict access for the everyday user,” she said. “But because of all these safety concerns, especially among children, our hope with this bill is that there can be clear guidance provided when it comes to those under the age of 18.”
The bill includes discussion of a learner’s permit concept for minors, similar to the process for obtaining a driver’s license. Eskamani said there are currently few enforceable restrictions for children operating high-speed e-bikes.
“These are devices that go very fast,” she said. “There are children that are nowhere near driving age that are operating these essentially vehicles.”
Age limits are also part of the broader conversation, she added, particularly for minors riding independently.
Farah supports the bill saying it’s obvious that more regulations are needed.
“The thing is they know there’s no regulations, there’s no education being used to teach people how to ride them and what to do and what not to do,” Farah said. “The first step is setting some laws and regulations to keep them out of these kids, out of their hands."
The proposal was temporarily postponed in committee last week, a common procedural move during session, as lawmakers wait on related action in the Senate. Eskamani said such pauses are routine and often occur while aligning House and Senate versions of a bill.
She also acknowledged feedback from constituents about the composition of the proposed safety task force. Some residents have urged lawmakers to ensure it includes not only law enforcement but also e-bike riders, transit planners and infrastructure experts.
“I want to amplify the voices of some community feedback when it comes to ways to make the bill better,” Eskamani said.
Supporters argue clearer statewide standards are needed as e-bike use increases and as reports of serious crashes involving minors draw attention in communities across Florida.
“That’s the goal,” Eskamani said of the legislation. “The goal of any governmental official and agency is to keep our families safe.”
Even if HB 243 passes, she said the debate over how to regulate e-bikes is likely to continue as lawmakers consider future statewide policies.
If passed and signed into law, it would take effect July 1. Lawmakers are scheduled to wrap up this year’s session March 13.