TALLAHASSEE, Florida — The Florida Senate unanimously passed a bill Wednesday that would mandate speed limits for electric bicycle riders, in an effort to curb the rising number of deadly statewide e-bike accidents.
Details: Under S.B. 382, an e-bicycle rider would have to yield to pedestrians and follow a 10 mph speed limit if they’re less than 50 feet from someone in a pedestrian-designated area. Violators would be subject to a minor fine.
E-bicycle use has skyrocketed in recent years, with its popularity attributed to the vehicles’ affordability and energy efficiency. But accidents and deaths caused by e-bicycles have also spiked, which lawmakers have cited as the bill has moved. Electric bicycles can reach speeds of 28 mph, but the state does not impose age limits on using them.
“It’s real. It’s happening to a lot of youth in our communities, and we have to take some kind of action to figure out how we can fix or correct in the future,” said state Sen. Keith Truenow (R-Tavares), the bill’s sponsor.
