Orange County Adopts New Safety Rules for E-Bikes and Electric Scooters

ordinance establishes speed limits, safety requirements and penalties.

Electric bicycles and scooters are becoming an increasingly common sight throughout Orange County. Whether residents use them to commute, get to school or simply enjoy the outdoors, these devices offer convenient ways to get around. With the growing popularity of micromobility devices comes a greater need to keep riders, pedestrians and drivers safe. Safety is the responsibility of all road users, including riders, pedestrians and motorists.

On September 29, 2026, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners adopted a new micromobility ordinance establishing clearer rules for operating and parking electric bicycles, motorized scooters and similar devices. Legal e-bikes and e-scooters are allowed on roads, sidewalks, paths and trails in Orange County unless otherwise signed or regulated by a city.

Speed Limits and Safe Riding
Where permitted, privately owned e-bikes, electric scooters and other micromobility cannot exceed 10 mph on sidewalks, shared-use and multi-use paths or 20 mph on roadways, road shoulders, bicycle lanes, bicycle paths and trails. Lower speed limits or additional restrictions may apply where posted.

Pedestrians Have the Right-of-Way

When riding on sidewalks or crossing at crosswalks, e-device operators must yield to pedestrians and provide an audible warning before passing. Riders must also operate carefully, avoid reckless behavior and follow applicable traffic laws.

No Dangerous Stunts or Street Takeovers
Reckless riding, stunt riding and street takeovers are prohibited. Riders may not tow another person or device or perform wheelies, jumps or other stunts that endanger people or property.

Park Responsibly
E-bikes and scooters must be parked upright or secured to designated bicycle racks or other approved parking facilities. Devices cannot block sidewalks, crosswalks, wheelchair ramps, driveways, transit stops, building entrances or emergency access points or be attached to public infrastructure such as fences, benches, signposts or trees. Devices left on public property for more than seven consecutive days may be removed by the County.

E-Bike vs. E-Moto
Not every electric-powered two-wheeler qualifies as an e-bike. The ordinance distinguishes traditional electric bicycles from more powerful electric motorcycles, sometimes called e-motos.

Electric motorcycles are prohibited from sidewalks, bicycle lanes, shared-use paths, trails and other specified public areas. They may be operated on roadways only when the rider and vehicle meet applicable state licensing, registration, insurance and other requirements.

Rules for Younger Riders
Parents and guardians should understand that the ordinance also applies to minors. Florida law requires riders and passengers younger than 16 to wear properly fitted bicycle helmets. Parents or guardians will receive written notice when a minor commits a first violation of the County's micromobility rules. For subsequent violations, they may be responsible for penalties and associated costs, including potential impoundment fees.

For certain violations covered by state law, including required helmet, lighting and audible-signal violations, law enforcement officers may also issue a Uniform Traffic Citation.

Penalties for Violating the Ordinance
Violations of Orange County's micromobility ordinance are noncriminal civil infractions that may result in citations. Law enforcement officers may also impound devices involved in certain violations, including speeding or dangerous operation.

The ordinance complements Orange County's broader transportation safety efforts, including its Vision Zero Action Plan and Accelerated Transportation Safety Program, by establishing clearer expectations for residents using these increasingly popular ways to get around.