JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville City Council member has proposed an ordinance aimed at tightening local rules for electric bicycles.
It comes as Wolfson Children’s Hospital and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office warn about safety concerns — especially with school starting soon.
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Wolfson Children’s Hospital said in a recent Facebook post that its trauma center treated 97 children for traumatic e-bike and e-scooter injuries in the first six months of 2026 — close to the number treated all of 2025. Wolfson said the trauma center projects it could reach 194 traumatic injuries by the end of the year if the trend continues.
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“These aren’t just scrapes and bruises,” the hospital wrote. “We’re seeing concussions, facial fractures and traumatic brain injuries.”
Wolfson’s post urges parents to understand the risks before buying an e-bike or letting a child ride one, warning that what seems like a quick ride around the neighborhood can quickly turn serious.
JSO: E-bikes are legal, and helmet rules still apply
In a separate social media post, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said it has been getting questions at recent town halls about e-bikes, particularly ahead of the start of school.
JSO’s post says e-bikes are:
- Limited to 28 miles an hour
- No age minimum to ride
- Citations possible if riding recklessly
- Those under the age of 15 must wear a helmet or they’ll receive a citation (we recommend everyone wear a helmet regardless)
JSO also warned about “e-motorcycles,” saying they are not legal, can go much faster than 28 miles per hour, and parents can be cited if a child is caught riding one.
Boylan’s proposal: slower speeds, age limits, and clearer expectations for riders
Councilman Michael Boylan introduced Ordinance 2026-570, which would add new regulations to Jacksonville’s traffic code related to electric bicycles.
“They think they’re invincible,” Jacksonville City Councilman Michael Boylan said. “And they’re not. And they’re not only putting themselves in Jeopardy but the people they come into contact with.”
Among the proposed changes:
- A 10 mph speed limit on sidewalks for e-bikes
- Requirements that riders yield to pedestrians, follow pedestrian traffic signs and signals, and provide an audible signal before passing on a sidewalk
- A minimum age: No one under 11 could operate an e-bike on bicycle lanes, bicycle paths, bikeways, rights-of-way, roadways, sidewalks, or other city-owned property
The bill also targets equipment, modifications and nighttime visibility
The ordinance would also:
- Require operators or passengers under 16 to wear a properly fitted helmet
- Require e-bikes to display a label with the bike’s classification, top assisted speed and motor wattage
- Prohibit modifying motors to allow higher speeds than designed by the manufacturer
- Require a front white light and rear red light/reflector when operating between sunset and sunrise
Enforcement and penalties: parent responsibility and potential fines
The ordinance states violations would be treated as a civil infraction and says parents or guardians can not authorize or knowingly allow a minor to violate the rules, which could result in fines.
“Enforcement’s not going to be easy,” Boylan said. “I get that. But that still doesn’t mean you can’t put it in place.”
Boylan said he expects the ordinance to head to City Council committees in the coming weeks.