Fernandina Beach e-bikes and other personal mobility devices will now be under different rules and regulations after city commissioners unanimously passed an ordinance on Tuesday night.
This year, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed off on over 200 new state laws, many of which took effect last week. However, he didn’t OK all of the bills that were sent to his desk.
Fernandina Beach is one step closer to new rules for e-bikes and other personal mobility devices after city commissioners unanimously approved the ordinance on its second reading.
Fernandina Beach leaders said e-bikes are becoming a growing safety concern downtown, with complaints about riders speeding, doing wheelies and blowing through stop signs.
New St. Johns County Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen said the district is already making adjustments as it looks to the future. That includes a new communications app for parents and a new school bus tracking app.
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and the St. Johns County School District are teaming up to educate students about e-bike safety.
Deputy Gabe Bacolor is one of several deputies stopping young riders to explain safety rules and talk with parents. News4JAX rode along with Bacolor as he pulled over some teens and educated others.
New regulations from the Florida Senate could make riding an e-bike more restrictive but ultimately safer. This development comes as e-bikes continue to be a hot-button issue in St. Johns County
