- April 7, 2026
Ormond Beach Police are reporting an increase in unsafe and reckless electric bike riding behaviors. Should the city look into a new ordinance to address the issues?
While no fatalities or major incidents involving e-bikes have occurred yet in the city, OBPD data shows there have been 27 bicycle-related crashes between Jan. 1, 2025, and Jan. 1, 2026. This figure accounts for crashes involving bicycles, e-bikes, e-motos and mopeds.
"As of now, our agency does not track e-bikes and e-motos as a separate category," said Sgt. Caleb Braun to the Observer. "These incidents are documented within standard crash and incident reports. However, we are clearly observing an increase in unsafe operation of e-bikes and e-motos."
One recent incident involved a juvenile operating an e-bike at about 34 mph. The juvenile collided with the side of a truck.
Operating an e-bike at such a rate of speed may become illegal soon in the state of Florida, as a bill seeking to implement a speed limit for e-bikes of 10 mph when on a sidewalk or within 50 feet of a pedestrian recently passed with unanimous votes in the Florida House and Senate. SB 382 would also create a Micromobility Device Safety Task Force, under the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, to examine and recommend further improvements to state law to prevent traffic incidents involving e-bikes.
The bill awaits the governor's pen. If signed, it would take effect on July 1.
Braun said OBPD is taking a "proactive, prevention-focused approach" by engaging with the community and raising awareness about safe e-bike riding practices.
"Whether it’s a traditional bicycle, e-bike, or e-moto, operating any of these unsafely can lead to serious injuries or worse — fatality," he said. "Our goal is to educate both riders and parents on the risks, reinforce that traffic laws still apply, and ultimately prevent more serious incidents from occurring in our community before it gets way too out of hand."
In February, City Commissioner Kristin Deaton asked city staff to look into possible safety ordinances for e-bikes, a suggestion born out of concerns over e-bikes in busy parks and facilities, such as at Nova Rec, she said to the Observer.
Deaton had also recently witnessed an e-bike pulling a wagon in town. The wagon flipped and injured a child.
"It showed how quickly things can get out of control," Deaton said. "We have also heard from residents about close calls with e-bikes and cars, including situations where riders are pulling out into traffic. That puts everyone in a difficult position. For me, it comes down to awareness and making sure people adjust how they ride based on where they are. I want people to feel safe whether they are walking, driving, or riding."
Under current Florida law, e-bikes can be operated anywhere traditional bicycles can— roadways, bike lanes, shoulders, sidewalks and multi-use trails, if allowed in the park. Riders just need to follow existing bicycle and traffic laws, as well as yield to pedestrians. All under 16 must wear a helmet.
But whether an e-bike is truly an "e-bike" comes down to technical specifications. OBPD states that if a bike exceeds 750 watts, can go faster than 28 mph or lacks pedals, it's not considered to be an e-bike in the state of Florida.
If the bike exceeds these specifications, it's likely considered an e-motorcycle; top speeds can reach 45-75 mph. Unlike e-bikes, e-motos do require a license and registration and riders must be at least 16 years old.
Some people are confusing e-bikes and e-motos, as they can look similar, according to OBPD.
"We cannot confirm if parents are purchasing them for their children not knowing if it’s an e-bike or e-moto," Braun said. "However, it’s likely that parents may not know the difference. It’s very possible for someone to purchase what they believe is an e-bike, when in reality, they’re buying a higher-powered electric motorcycle (e-moto) or mopeds."
Some common traffic law violations in the city involving e-bikes have included reckless/careless riding (such as riding at high speeds in pedestrian areas and performing stunts like wheelies), disobeying traffic signals and signs, riding on the wrong side of the road, riding too fast on sidewalks and failing to yield to pedestrians.
"E-bikes are capable of higher speeds and quicker acceleration than standard bikes," Braun said. "That means riders have less reaction time, crashes can be more severe, and it can be harder to safely navigate sidewalks, intersections, and pedestrian areas."
Last October, the Palm Coast City Council adopted an ordinance restricting e-bike use on city-owned property by implementing an age restriction.
Those wanting to ride an e-bike on city roads, bike paths and sidewalks have to be at least 11 years old. They must also carry a photo ID and present it to law enforcement if requested. Those who violate the ordinance are subject to a fine up to $100 per violation.
In Volusia County, DeLand may ban e-bikes and scooters from downtown sidewalks. A first reading of an ordinance passed last month.
Deaton said SB 382's proposed 10 mph speed limit is a good first step, as it gives guidance to riders and law enforcement officers, but probably "not the only step." It would make sense, she added, for the city to keep an eye out on what is working in other communities.
"From an enforcement standpoint, the focus should be on situations where someone is clearly riding in a way that is unsafe, whether that is speed, not yielding, or not paying attention to their surroundings," she said. "This is not about targeting people who are using e-bikes responsibly. It is about addressing the situations that create risk for others."
Much of the issue comes down to awareness, Deaton said, suggesting signage in parks and recreation facilities, as well as utilizing the city's communication platforms, as ways to reach and educate the public.
"People need to understand that these bikes can move quickly and that they need to adjust how they ride, especially in areas with pedestrians," she said. "We can help by making expectations clear."
OBPD wants to address unsafe behavior, Braun said.
"Ultimately, our goal is to improve safety, not to restrict responsible riders," Braun said. "Based on what we’re seeing, an ordinance could focus on clear definitions to help individuals distinguish e-bikes from higher-powered e-motos; speed limits in pedestrian-heavy areas like sidewalks, parks, and trails; age considerations for higher-powered/classified e-bikes; and stronger enforcement language for reckless and unsafe operations."
