by Florida may introduce some of the strictest rules for electric bicycles in the country. Legislators are considering bills that would require obtaining a driver’s license for high-speed models, expanding accident reporting, and introducing fines for dangerous riding or vehicle modifications.
Key Provisions of the Bills
House Bill 243, authored by Republican Yvette Benarroch, and its identical Senate companion bill SB 382 aim to control what legislators describe as a growing public safety problem due to the rapid spread of electric bicycles, electric scooters, and other similar means of transportation throughout the state. Both bills are advancing through committees during the 2026 legislative session.
New Requirements for High-Speed Models
At the core of the proposal is a new requirement for cyclists operating Class 3 electric bicycles. These bicycles, which can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour, will require the operator to have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit.
Legislators and law enforcement report that young, inexperienced cyclists are increasingly involved in accidents and lack basic knowledge of traffic rules.
Data Collection and Local Initiatives
The bills will also expand the list of information that must be included in accident reports involving electric bicycles, scooters, and electric motorcycles, while requiring the state to maintain detailed statistics on accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Proponents argue that better data is necessary for shaping effective safety policy and law enforcement.
Some cities and counties have already taken matters into their own hands. For example, Palm Coast bans modifications that allow electric bicycles to exceed 30 miles per hour, while St. Johns County collaborates with schools and law enforcement to promote safe riding. However, not everyone is convinced that stricter rules are the answer.
Concerns Regarding Accessibility
A number of legislators have expressed concern that increased enforcement could make life more difficult for residents who rely on electric bicycles for daily commutes, especially the elderly or those with limited mobility.
Several electric bicycle retailers have also shared these concerns. While most support the desire to curb illegal modifications and irresponsible riding, they also warn of unintended consequences that could limit access to a practical and affordable mode of transportation.
Questions About the Effectiveness of the Proposed Measures
As already noted in the context of New Jersey’s new law, targeted actions against electric bicycles, rather than electric motorcycles or mopeds, may not be as successful. Those already breaking the law could potentially continue to do so, while law-abiding cyclists will face another mandatory procedure before being able to safely use their bicycles as they already do. If the bill is approved, it will take effect only on July 1, 2027.
The proposed changes reflect a complex balance between road safety and freedom of movement. The speed of electric micromobility adoption often outpaces the development of regulatory frameworks, forcing regulators to react to existing challenges. The experience of individual Florida municipalities shows that local educational and prohibitive initiatives can run parallel to state ones. The success of any new rules will depend not only on the clarity of the law but also on the resources for its implementation and public support, especially from those for whom an electric bicycle is not a leisure item but a means to solve everyday transportation needs.
