The Village of Key Biscayne instilled a 60-day ban of all motorized and electric vehicles as of Feb. 16. If caught riding one, fines start $250. A second violation could cost $500.
This comes as a new bill to regulate ages and boundaries for how e-bikes and motorized scooters are ridden within city limits passed 114-0 in the Florida House of Representatives. Florida transportation House Bill 1049 now heads from the Senate to the State Appropriations Committee.Â
Firm Attorney Chuck Geary is a lifelong cyclist who has reviewed Florida’s e-bike laws and pending legislation. Florida is a well-known destination for cycling tourism – our sunny climate, warm temperatures, flat landscapes, and beaches naturally attract cyclists focused on health. Organizations such as BikeFlorida.org promote cycling in Florida, connecting cyclists from the north to the numerous opportunities for biking in the state.
E-bikes have gained popularity among riders who appreciate the benefits of higher speed and longer distances with lower physical effort and fitness demands. In July 2020, Florida enacted a bill to increase the maximum speed limit to 28 miles per hour and eliminate the age restrictions for e-bike use.
But with the higher speed, comes the higher potential for death or injuries. More than 230 people died as a result of micro-mobility devices from 2017 through 2022, and an estimate 360,800 injuries were treated in hospital emergency rooms, according to a report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Injuries have risen an estimated 23% each year since 2017, according to the report.
Chuck Geary often represents people who are involved in cycling accidents throughout Florida. Don’t hesitate to call Chuck to discuss your potential case.
