Florida lawmakers move to tighten rules on electric bicycles

New bill would change e-bike speed limit to 10 mph

Florida is moving toward new rules for electric bicycles after lawmakers approved legislation aimed at improving pedestrian safety. 

ORLANDO, Fla. - Florida is moving toward new rules for electric bicycles after lawmakers approved legislation aimed at improving pedestrian safety. 

The measure now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis for final consideration.

What we know:

The House voted unanimously Monday to support Senate Bill 382, which would require e-bike riders to slow to 10 mph when within 50 feet of pedestrians on sidewalks and shared pathways. 

Riders would also need to provide an audible warning before passing. Violators could face a ticket similar to a non-moving violation. 

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The measure also establishes a safety task force within the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to make further recommendations on e-bike operations.

What we don't know:

It remains unclear how strictly local law enforcement will enforce the new rules and how the safety task force will implement its recommendations. The bill does not yet specify penalties for repeated violations or how compliance will be monitored.

The backstory:

Electric bicycles in Florida are currently classified like regular bicycles, meaning operators do not need a driver’s license or vehicle registration. Local governments can adopt their own ordinances for streets, highways, and sidewalks but cannot restrict e-bike use on bike paths or multiuse trails. The legislation seeks to standardize safety practices statewide.

By the numbers:

Supporters say the measure balances safety with convenience for riders and pedestrians. Florida’s growing use of electric bicycles in urban areas has raised concerns over collisions and conflicts on shared pathways. 

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The legislation also directs state and local law enforcement to collect crash data, including the age of operators and vehicle class, to guide future safety decisions.