Navigating the Future of Electric Mobility: FBA’s Stance on E-Bikes and E-Motos
As electric mobility continues to transform how we move throughout the Sunshine State, the Florida Bicycle Association remains committed to ensuring our roads and trails stay safe, predictable, and welcoming for everyone. With the rise of high-power "e-motos" and evolving technology, clear distinctions are more important than ever to protect vulnerable road users and preserve the integrity of our cycling infrastructure.
Today, we are sharing our official position on proposed legislation regarding e-bikes and electric motorcycles.
Our focus remains steadfast on education-first safety strategies, practical youth operator programs, and advocating for policies that reduce crashes while maintaining equitable access to bicycling for health, transportation, and joy.
Read the statement below or download a PDF copy by clicking the button
Public Statement: Electric Bicycles (E-Bikes), High-Power “E-Motos,” and Safer Micromobility in Florida
The Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) supports safe, predictable, and lawful bicycling and micromobility across Florida. As electric mobility grows, clear definitions and practical safety measures are essential to protect everyone who uses Florida’s roads, sidewalks, and shared-use paths.
1) Keep E-Bikes and E-Motos Separate
FBA supports clearly distinguishing legal electric bicycles from high-power electric motorcycles often referred to as “e-motos.” These higher-speed, higher-power vehicles should be regulated appropriately so bicycle infrastructure and shared-use paths remain safe for people walking, biking, and rolling.
2) Clear Rules Reduce Confusion
Many conflicts stem from public confusion about what counts as a bicycle and what does not. We support clear, enforceable definitions that help riders, families, and law enforcement understand where different devices belong and how they should operate.
3) Education Improves Safety More Than Licensing
FBA does not support requiring a driver’s license to ride an e-bike. Driver’s licensing requirements can create barriers for people who rely on e-bikes for transportation, health, and independence—without guaranteeing safer behavior. Safety outcomes improve when education, infrastructure, and fair enforcement work together.
4) Youth Safety Needs Practical Solutions and Statewide Funding
FBA supports an education-first approach for youth riders, especially around schools and shared-use paths. Young riders and parents benefit from learning the rules of the road, practicing safe riding skills, and understanding how to ride predictably around pedestrians and traffic.
5) Promote Responsible Use and Stop Unsafe Modifications
FBA supports efforts to reduce dangerous “jailbreaking” and unsafe conversion kits that increase speed beyond intended limits. We also support targeted enforcement of reckless behavior that puts riders and the public at risk.
6) Safer Streets and Safer Paths for Everyone
FBA supports solutions that reduce conflict and improve safety for all users—through education, consistent operating rules, safer design, and clear separation of higher-risk devices from bicycle facilities.
Our goal is simple: safer roads and paths, clear definitions, and practical policies that protect people while preserving the freedom and benefits of bicycling and lawful e-bike use across Florida.
