BUNNELL, Fla. – The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office issued a “powerful” reminder on Monday about e-bike operations after a deputy accidentally hit a teen on an electric scooter who darted out in front of the vehicle.
The sheriff’s office shared a video that showed a Flagler County deputy driving through an intersection in Bunnell when a 15-year-old on an electric scooter ran a stop sign and crashed into the deputy’s vehicle.
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FCSO said the deputy was driving about 19 mph and had the right of way.
The teen was not seriously hurt in the incident.
Although the teen was riding a stand-up electric scooter, which does not fall under Palm Coast laws, the sheriff’s office put out best practices to keep drivers and e-bike riders safe.
“It’s a powerful reminder that e-bikes and e-scooters move fast, and that a few seconds of caution can prevent a tragedy,” the agency said in the post, warning people about safe e-bike operations.
What riders need to know
- Carry a photo ID. Every e-bike operator must carry a government-issued photo ID — a driver’s license, passport, or school ID — and present it if asked by a deputy.
- Helmets are required for riders under 16. Anyone under 16 operating or riding as a passenger on a bicycle or e-bike must wear a properly fitted, securely fastened helmet.
- There is an age minimum. Riders must be at least 11 years old to operate an e-bike on public roads, paths, and sidewalks.
- Obey the rules of the road. Stop signs and traffic signals apply to e-bike and e-scooter riders. On sidewalks and paths, riders must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing.
- Light up at night. A white front light visible from 500 feet and a red rear light and reflector visible from 600 feet are required for nighttime riding.
- Keep the class label. E-bikes must keep their manufacturer Class 1, 2, or 3 label intact. Removing pedals or modifying the motor to increase speed makes the device illegal to ride in the city.
What’s not street-legal in Palm Coast
Not every electric device qualifies as an e-bike under Palm Coast law. Devices with a seat and no pedals, a motor over 750 watts, or a top speed above 28 mph are classified as “off-road electric motor-driven cycles” — and they are prohibited on every Palm Coast road, sidewalk, bike lane, path, and park.
Those devices may only be ridden on private property with the owner’s permission. Otherwise, they can be impounded.
Sheriff Rick Staly urged parents to take an active role in their children’s safety.
“Parents, please take a few minutes to talk with your kids about riding safely,” Staly said. “These devices are fun, but they share the road with cars, trucks, and deputies. Let’s all do our part to keep our riders safe.”