Coral Springs city leaders back new state regulations to improve safety for e-bike and scooter riders
Coral Springs, Florida – City leaders in Coral Springs are taking steps to address growing concerns over electric bicycle and scooter safety after a series of recent accidents involving young riders. This week, the City Commission formally backed a resolution supporting bills in the Florida Legislature aimed at strengthening regulations for e-bikes, scooters, and motorcycles.
The surge in popularity of electric bikes and scooters across Florida has been accompanied by a worrying rise in injuries, prompting both local and state officials to act. The new legislation seeks to set clear rules to protect pedestrians and riders alike. Among the proposed measures, e-bike operators traveling on sidewalks or other pedestrian areas would be required to slow to 10 mph if a pedestrian is within 50 feet. Additionally, riders would need to use audible signals such as horns or bells before passing pedestrians, and fines would increase for anyone modifying their e-bikes to exceed legal speed limits.
“Safety is our top priority, and these regulations are a necessary step to protect our residents,” said a city official. Local leaders emphasized that the measures are designed not only to enforce speed limits but also to encourage responsible riding habits among young riders, many of whom have limited experience operating motorized vehicles.
The push for stronger regulations comes in response to recent, serious incidents. Late Monday night, a young person riding an “Ultra Bee E-Moto” electric motorbike was airlifted to a hospital with life-threatening injuries after a crash on University Drive, according to Coral Springs Police. The incident follows another crash in late November, when two juveniles were seriously injured after their mini dirt bike collided with a vehicle. These cases have highlighted the dangers associated with high-speed e-bikes and scooters, particularly among younger riders.
City commissioners noted that while these accidents are tragic, they also provide an opportunity to advocate for common-sense rules that could prevent similar injuries in the future. By supporting the proposed bills, Coral Springs is aligning with statewide efforts to make streets safer for everyone, including pedestrians, families, and children.
The resolution passed by the commission demonstrates Coral Springs’ proactive approach to public safety. Officials stressed that backing state legislation allows local authorities to complement their own city regulations while addressing the growing trend of electric-powered transportation.
As lawmakers continue to review the proposed bills, city officials hope that public support and careful oversight will help reduce the number of serious accidents in Coral Springs and across Florida. For many residents, the measures offer reassurance that safety concerns are being addressed while still allowing e-bikes and scooters to remain a viable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
