Holmes Beach Cracks Down on Motorized Micromobility Devices to Keep Streets and Sidewalks Safe
HOLMES BEACH — As electric bikes and other motorized devices gain popularity, the City of Holmes Beach is stepping up enforcement and awareness efforts to ensure riders stay safe — and compliant with the law — on local roads and sidewalks.
Under City Ordinance 62-87, motorized scooters, mopeds, Segways, autocycles, and electric bicycles are not permitted on sidewalks within city limits. Officials emphasize that any device requiring power to operate and unable to be pedaled manually is classified as an electric motorcycle and comes with stricter rules.
Vehicles that fall under the electric motorcycle category must be registered, operated only on roads, and driven by someone with a motorcycle endorsement. Additionally, riders under 21 must wear a helmet. Segways used in guided tours are allowed brief access to sidewalks to reach designated roads with a speed limit of 25 MPH.
Understanding Electric Bike Classes:
Florida Statute 316.003 outlines three legal e-bike classes allowed in bike lanes:
Class 1: Pedal-assist only, max speed 20 MPH
Class 2: Throttle-powered, max speed 20 MPH
Class 3: Pedal-assist only, max speed 28 MPH
Any bike that exceeds these specifications is considered a motor vehicle and must comply with all applicable regulations.
The Holmes Beach Police Department urges all riders to:
Obey traffic signals and stop signs
Ride with the flow of traffic
Follow the same traffic laws that apply to cars
With safety and shared road access in mind, city officials hope these guidelines will help protect both pedestrians and riders while preserving the charm and walkability of the Holmes Beach community. For full details, residents and visitors can visit www.holmesbeachfl.org.
