Navigating Micromobility in Florida: FBA Releases New Model Recommendation & Local Ordinance Resources
Electric bicycles, motorized scooters, and high-power electric devices are transforming how Floridians move. However, the rapid evolution of technology has left riders, parents, retailers, local officials, and law enforcement facing a confusing patchwork of rules and device classifications.
To address these challenges, the Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) has released a comprehensive set of micromobility resources, including model legislative language and actionable ordinance templates for local governments.
Explore and Download the Resources
Whether you are a state legislator, a city commissioner, a traffic safety advocate, or a local resident, these resources offer a clear roadmap for safer streets and consistent policy:
📄 Cover Letter
An executive overview by FBA Vice President Eugene Rider outlining the state of micromobility, crash data insights, and the critical need for funded public education. (Download PDF Here)
📄 Full Model Recommendation - Version 1.0
The complete 38-page framework featuring statutory drafting language for the Florida Legislature, policy choice options, legislative findings, and funding models. (Download PDF Here)
📄 Local Edition for Counties & Municipalities
A streamlined 4-page guide providing five ready-to-adopt ordinance provisions that local governments can implement today without waiting for state action. (Download PDF Here)
Key Takeaways from the Model Recommendation
Statewide Uniform Device Classification: The model builds on state defined class 1, 2, and 3 electric bicycles while creating a distinct category for non-classified electric devices (e-motos) based on peak motor output and speed capabilities.
Preserving Local Control: While device definitions are standardized statewide to prevent confusion, local governments retain full authority over facility access, operating conditions, minimum age limits, and local safety training requirements.
Education as a Funded Duty, Not an Aspiration: Moving beyond online quizzes, the framework establishes hands-on, practical riding skills instruction for youth and provides free, state-supplied public education materials in four languages (English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese).
Addressing Crash Vulnerabilities: Highlights FDOT crash data showing that older Floridians (ages 65+) experience the highest burden of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities, ensuring outreach extends to adult and senior riders—not just school-age children.
Supplier & Retail Accountability: Places legal exposure on manufacturers and retailers regarding device labeling, speed-limiter tampering, and point-of-sale disclosures, rather than penalizing young riders.
What Local Governments Can Adopt Today
Local municipalities don't have to wait for state legislation to take action. The Local Edition provides five specific provisions local leaders can enact immediately:
Provision 1: Adopt device definitions by reference to state statute to automatically stay up to date.
Provision 2: Set facility speeds and operating rules for sidewalks, trails, and shared-use paths.
Provision 3: Establish clear notice, posting, and online publication requirements before enforcing local restrictions.
Provision 4: Enact local minimum age requirements.
Provision 5: Assign local education delivery to a dedicated office or department using certified instructors.
Get Involved & Learn More
For free e-bike field guides, rules of the road, and classification workflows in multiple languages, visit our educational portal at floridabicycle.org/ebikes.
Have questions about implementing these model recommendations in your community? Contact FBA Vice President Eugene Rider directly at vp@floridabicycle.org
