As e-bike and e-scooter safety become a growing concern, especially among young people, we’re seeing a rise in both excitement and risk. These electric rides offer speed and independence — but without proper education and precautions, they can quickly become dangerous.
More kids in SWFL are riding e-bikes and e-scooters to get to school, sports, and friends’ houses. Parents like them for reducing car trips, and kids love the speed and independence they offer. But we’ve also seen a sharp increase in crashes resulting in serious injuries and fatalities, near-misses, and a lot of risky riding behaviors.
Why E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety Matters
E-bikes can weigh twice as much as a traditional bike and reach speeds over 20 mph. They accelerate quickly and require accurate depth perception of moving objects, braking skills, balance, and traffic awareness. That’s a tall order for young riders whose brains and judgment are still developing.
E-bikes and e-scooters are vehicles, not toys. Parents must make sure their kids have the maturity, skills, and understanding of the rules of the road needed to ride responsibly.
Important Safety Tips
Always Wear a Helmet – Helmets are legally required for children under 16 and smart for every rider. They are the only protection we have, and helmets reduce the risk of serious head injury by up to 85%. Make sure it fits snugly and is buckled before every ride.
Mastery Before Hitting the Streets – Practice starting, stopping, turning, avoiding debris or potholes, and braking in a safe, open space before riding in traffic.
Follow All Traffic Laws – E-bikes are legally considered vehicles, and riders must abide by the rules of the road. Ride in the same direction of traffic (on sidewalks too), stop at all lights and signs, use hand signals for turns and stops, make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of a motor vehicle, and don’t ride between vehicles or cross mid-block.
Be Seen, Be Safe – Wear bright colors, add reflective gear, and use both front and rear lights, day or night.
Stay Focused – No texting, no scrolling, and no earbuds. A split-second distraction can cause a lifetime of regret.
Sidewalks Risks – Riders on sidewalks may cross many driveway and parking lot entrances, and bikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters move much faster than pedestrians. Most drivers don’t look far enough down the sidewalk, especially for riders going against traffic. And because pedestrians have the right-of-way, faster riders must slow significantly and call out a warning before passing safely.
Drivers Must Remember – All bike riders have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as you. Focus on the road and put away phones and other distractions. Give them space (at least three feet when passing), slow down, and expect the unexpected.
Naples Pathways Coalition is dedicated to creating a safer community for everyone who walks, runs, or bikes. They offer free safety presentations to schools, churches, and businesses. To schedule, please contact Michelle@NaplesPathways.org.
Electric Bike (E-Bike) Laws in Florida
In Florida, there are currently no minimum age requirements for riding an electric bike. Previously, riders had to be at least 16 years old, but this age restriction has been removed. However, riders under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when operating an Ebike.
It’s also important to note that while Florida state law doesn’t impose age restrictions, some local municipalities may have specific regulations, so it’s a good idea to check local ordinances before riding. (Heybike.com)
Classification System:
Class 1: Pedal-assist only; motor assists up to 20 mph; no throttle allowed.
Class 2: Throttle or pedal-assist; motor assists up to 20 mph.
Class 3: Pedal-assist only; motor assists up to 28 mph.
Peak motor power across all classes must remain below 750 watts.
Rights & Requirements:
E-bikes have the same rights and duties as bicycles under Florida law (e.g., ability to ride in bike lanes, roadways) and are exempt from driver’s license, registration, title, and insurance requirements
Manufacturers must label each e-bike with the class prominently affixed, per state statute Florida Senate.
Helmet Rules:
Riders under 16 must wear helmets; adults (16+) are not legally required but strongly encouraged to wear one.
Electric Scooter (E-Scooter) Laws in Florida
General Rules:
Riders under 16 years old must wear helmets.
Scooters must have a maximum top speed of 20 mph to remain within the “micromobility” category and not be treated as mopeds/motorcycles
No license, registration, or insurance is needed for scooters that meet these criteria
Must be equipped with functional front and rear lights and reliable brakes
Where You Can Ride:
Allowed on roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less, bike lanes, and in many areas, sidewalks—but this varies by municipality.
On sidewalks where permitted, riders should limit speed to 15 mph and yield to pedestrians
Local cities may have additional rules (e.g., Tampa bans scooter riding on certain downtown sidewalks)
Pending Legislation: Battery Safety (2025)
SB 410 (2025) proposes the “Florida E-Scooter and E-Bike Battery Safety Act”, which would:
Define “personal mobility device.”
Require certified ingress protection (IP) standards for batteries.
Involve the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in ensuring compliance. Florida Senate