Helmets, speed limits, fines: New e-bike, e-scooter rules being considered by Orange County
Orange County considers new rules for e-bike and e-scooter riders
Orange County leaders are looking at making changes to e-bike and e-scooter safety laws after a 13-year-old boy was killed in a crash. Officials say the goal is education and prevention. Commissioners are expected to receive recommendations from the Sheriff’s Office and school district data during an upcoming meeting.
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Orange County leaders are considering requiring helmets, setting speed limits, and/or fines to help enforce e-bike and e-scooter safety among kids and teens.
No decisions have been made or finalized, but the ideas are among a number of potential rule changes being considered by the Orange County Commissioners, FOX 35 has learned.
On Tuesday, Orange County Commissioners will receive recommendations and data from the Orange County Sheriff's Office and Orange County Public Schools related to e-bike, e-scooter incidents and safety.
Colton Remsburg, 13, died after crashing into a pickup truck on May 10. (Source: GoFundMe)
The revamped action follows the death of 13-year-old Colton Remsburg last week. FHP said Remsburg was on his e-scooter and rode into traffic, where he collided with a pickup truck. He died days later.
‘Dangerous activity' sparks e-bike safety discussions
What we know:
Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson
Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson told FOX 35 her office started discussing e-bike safety months ago after hearing repeated concerns from residents.
"Residents kept reaching out to me saying we keep seeing near misses, we are seeing some dangerous activity," Commissioner Wilson said.
Wilson said the county is now exploring several safety measures, including helmet requirements, speed limits in certain areas, and new rules that would allow deputies to issue civil citations.
"I think what they are targeting to do is to not make it some kind of criminal offense but really be able to provide some sort of civil citation," Wilson said.
Commissioner to parents: Talk with your kids about e-scooter, e-bike safety
Wilson also said safety conversations need to start at home with parents.
"Talking about safety and protecting your head with a good helmet and being aware that every time you click up the speed you are putting yourself at more risk," Wilson said.
The backstory:
Several cities across Central Florida have joined in the mobility device discussion, including setting speed limits, where the devices can be ridden and what is considered "dangerous."
In December, the Orange County Board of Commissioners – including Wilson and Mayor Jerry Demmings – discussed e-bike and e-scooter usage. During that meeting, Wilson said they first need to gather data. She proposed drawing from crash data specifically involving micromobility devices, while Demings proposed that the Orange County law enforcement group be part of future conversations.
According to Orange County's municipal code, Sec. 35-103(2), micromobility devices shall travel at a speed of no more than ten (10) miles per hour.
The Source: FOX 35's Alexus Cleavenger talked with Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson about the proposed e-scooter, e-bike ideas. FOX 35 also listened to previous Orange County meetings, where e-bike, e-scooter meetings were discussed.