Electric Bike Laws in Florida: What Winter Springs Needs to Know as Safety Concerns Grow
I’ve recently received a wave of feedback from concerned residents regarding the increasing use of electric bikes and golf carts by children and teens on our neighborhood streets.
These vehicles may seem like harmless recreational tools, but their power and speed have outpaced the policies that govern them. What we’re seeing is not only a matter of personal preference or mobility trends, but also a growing public safety issue that demands local attention. Understanding and applying electric bike laws in Florida is a necessary step in protecting everyone who uses our roads.
Residents Are Speaking Up—and With Good Reason
One longtime Tuscawilla resident described what many of you are witnessing firsthand: kids riding electric bikes at high speeds, sometimes carrying passengers, without helmets or adult supervision. Golf carts are now being driven to school and through retail centers by unlicensed minors. In some cases, children are operating electric bikes and scooters on public roads, swerving into traffic lanes and creating serious hazards.
These behaviors are becoming more frequent since school let out for summer. The risks are real, and the consequences could be severe if we do not act proactively.
Electric Bike Laws in Florida: What They Do and Don’t Cover
According to Florida Statutes, electric bikes fall into three classifications based on speed and power. Riders under 16 are not allowed to operate the highest-speed Class 3 models. Helmets are only required for those under 16, and no license is needed to operate most electric bikes or golf carts on local roads.
Key gaps in the law include:
- No required safety training for minors
- Limited enforcement of helmet or equipment use
- Lack of regulation on child passengers or after-dark operation
- No consistent oversight of where these vehicles are permitted
While electric bike laws in Florida provide a general framework, they were not designed for widespread, unsupervised use by children on residential and arterial roads.
Florida Statute 316.20655 – Electric Bicycle Regulations
- Rights and Duties: E-bike riders have the same rights and responsibilities as traditional bicycle riders under Florida law, including those in statute 316.2065.
- Local Control: Local governments (cities, counties) and state agencies can regulate where e-bikes are allowed — including on sidewalks, trails, beaches, and dunes — even if state law allows their use generally.
- Exemptions: E-bike operators are not required to have:
- Insurance
- A driver’s license
- Vehicle registration or title
- Labeling Requirement (since Jan 1, 2021): Manufacturers must affix a label to each e-bike showing:
- The class of the e-bike (Class 1, 2, or 3)
- Top assisted speed
- Motor wattage
- Modification Rule: You can’t alter the e-bike to increase its speed or performance unless the classification label is updated accordingly.
- Safety Standards: E-bikes must comply with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations (specifically 16 C.F.R. part 1512).
- Operation Requirements: The motor must shut off when:
- You stop pedaling
- You apply the brakes
- Where E-Bikes Can Ride: E-bikes can be used anywhere bicycles are allowed, including:
- Roads and highways
- Shoulders
- Bike lanes
- Multi-use paths
In essence, e-bikes are treated like regular bicycles under Florida law — with a few extra requirements and exceptions — but local governments can set stricter rules in certain areas.
Where Winter Springs Can Step In
Our City has the ability—and responsibility—to address safety concerns specific to our neighborhoods. Here are a few of the actions I’m working to advance:
- Launch of public safety announcements through schools, social media, and HOA boards
- Promotion of voluntary safety measures, including helmets, reflectors, and speed awareness
- Police patrols in high-activity zones, such as Northern Way and Trotwood Boulevard
- Exploration of local ordinances that limit speeds, restrict night use, and establish age minimums
- Increased engagement with parents and guardians to encourage supervision and accountability
These steps are not about limiting freedom or fun. They are about creating safe conditions for responsible riding.
A Call for Prevention, Not Reaction
We do not want to wait for an accident or injury to take action. The rise of powerful electric rideables has created a safety gap that many cities, including ours, are now confronting. By strengthening community education and refining how we apply electric bike laws in Florida at the local level, we can better protect all who share our streets.
If you have feedback, ideas, or concerns, I invite you to reach out to my office. Your input helps shape our response and guide our policies.
Thank you for continuing to care deeply about the safety of our Winter Springs neighborhoods.
Victoria K. Bruce
Commissioner, District 2
Winter Springs, Florida
