Manatee County Approves New Safety Ordinance Regulating E-Bike Use
Manatee County commissioners have unanimously approved a new ordinance aimed at improving pedestrian and road safety by regulating the use of electric bicycles throughout unincorporated areas of the county.
Prompted by a surge in complaints from Lakewood Ranch residents about teens riding electric bikes recklessly and taunting pedestrians, Commissioner Bob McCann initiated a motion in May directing staff to draft a comprehensive safety measure. The resulting Manatee County Pedestrian Safety Ordinance was formally presented and passed on July 29.
The ordinance places particular restrictions on Class 3 electric bicycles, which can reach speeds up to 28 mph. Under the new rules, individuals under the age of 16 are prohibited from riding Class 3 e-bikes on public roads, bike paths, and shared-use pathways.
In addition, the ordinance directly addresses the growing concern over high-powered electric dirt bikes, which can exceed 70 mph depending on model and terrain. Any electric bicycle producing more than 750 watts of power is now banned from sidewalks, bike paths, and shared roads within the county.
Speed limits on sidewalks are also now codified: electric bikes, mopeds, and motorized scooters must not exceed 15 mph when traveling on sidewalks.
The ordinance aligns with existing Florida state statutes, which categorize e-bikes as follows:
Class 1: Pedal-assist only, with a max speed of 20 mph.
Class 2: Throttle-propelled, max speed of 20 mph.
Class 3: Pedal-assist only, with a max speed of 28 mph.
McCann expressed a desire for even stricter guidelines, such as requiring adult supervision for underage riders, but acknowledged that the final ordinance is a solid first step.
Randy Warren, spokesperson for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, noted that while the ordinance hasn’t yet reached the sheriff’s office, deputies will begin enforcement after public education is complete. “The sheriff wants kids to be kids,” Warren said, explaining that deputies will start with warnings and education before issuing citations.
Although the exact cost of a citation has yet to be finalized, Florida statutes currently allow for penalties ranging from $15 to $250. The estimated annual cost to implement the ordinance is $15,000, covering code enforcement training, public education materials, and administrative processing.
The ordinance is not limited to minors. Adults over the age of 16 must use designated bike paths when available. However, the ordinance permits adults to ride on sidewalks when accompanying children under 16, allowing families to remain together.
Electric bicycle riders must now also follow the same rules as drivers regarding school buses—coming to a complete stop when a bus displays its stop sign and remaining stopped until the sign is retracted. Full stops are also required at intersections, with electric bicycles yielding to any vehicles already within the crossing.
The ordinance takes effect once filed with the state. Enforcement will follow a grace period focused on education and awareness before formal citations are issued.