Florida Ebike Restrictions and Laws | Classes of Ebikes | Who Can Ride an Electric Bicycle

What are Florida's e-bike restrictions and laws? Florida has adopted the common definition of e-bikes which is a three-class system. So, if you buy an e-bike that meets one of these classifications, then your bike is considered legal in Florida. However, if you have something that is not meeting this three-class system, because it goes too fast, or is equipped with equipment that exceeds Florida's requirements, then it is not considered a bicycle or e-bike. In this case, it would mean it's a moped or something else that may require a license, tag, and insurance.

The three classifications of e-bikes in Florida are Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. Class 1 is a pedal-assisted bicycle which essentially means motor-driven with pedal assist and it goes up to 20 miles per hour. This bike does not increase speed unless your manual is peddling at about 20 mph. Class 2 is a throttle bike, which will go up to 20 miles per hour without pedaling. This e-bike runs on a motor. And, Class 3 is a pedal-assisted e-bike. It goes up to 28 miles per hour. It's a fast e-bike. And, there are restrictions on the motor size in Florida. Florida sets a standard of 750 watts for the motor. So, if you have a motor that's greater than that, it's not considered an e-bike in Florida. It's something else. This is an important class to understand, because if you are injured while riding an e-bike in Florida, and it is a bicycle by definition because you're riding one, which is a class 1, 2, or 3, then it would be covered by uninsured, underinsured motorists (UM coverage) on your auto policy as a bicycle. It also affords you some protection potentially on your homeowner's policy. If you're riding an e-bike that doesn't fall in one of the three classes, and you don't have it registered and you don't have insurance for it, legally you wouldn't be covered if you were injured.

Remember that a bicycle can be ridden by an adult and by a child. However, in Florida, you have to be 16 to operate an e-bike. Bicycles and e-bikes can be ridden on the sidewalk in Florida unless the jurisdiction has restricted them. You need to be mindful of pedestrians, yield the right of way to pedestrians and follow all cycling laws.

Now, let's look at what some other states have to say about this, you know, we're surrounded by Alabama and Georgia on our immediate borders and Georgia considers a bicycle to be a vehicle. Florida does the same. When you're on the roads in Florida, riding a bicycle, you are subject to all the motor vehicle rules that apply in terms of traffic, yielding, stopping, etc. But in Georgia, bicycles, even e-bikes are not permitted to ride on sidewalks. Alabama is the same. And, while Georgia does have a three-class system, each state has its own requirements about what they do and don't allow in terms of where they can be ridden. And even in Florida, you may not be allowed to ride a bike or e-bike on the sidewalk. But places like St Augustine, Sarasota, and others, restrict using any bike on the sidewalk, particularly in tourist corridors, where there are more people on the sidewalk. So, you have to be aware, whether your local jurisdiction does or does not permit an e-bike or a bicycle on the sidewalk where you intend to ride.

[greenrhinofarms]

Places like Tampa’s Riverwalk you have to be careful you can have a E bike on certain parts of it but then there are certain parts where an E scooter or bike are not permitted

[katijones]

Thank you for the valuable eBike information, Jim! This isn't so easily found through Google so this video is particularly helpful about this important topic.

[MiamiElectrix]

Have the laws stayed the same in broward county..cause I have a class 3 ebike which I ride in bike lanes not on the side walk..so I just want to make sure thanks

[slidinwithleesburg]

What about electric unicycles any info on those Jim???

[michaelpatenaude]

What statute states 16 is the minimum age to drive an electric bicycle? I have read a lot of statues but could not find one that states that children under 16 can not drive electric bike? I found the requirement for a helmet under 16-yrs old and definitions of electric bikes, but nothing that states an age restriction. Thanks

[Triplebuc]

I am a Michigan resident. I am also a Lectric XP 2.0 E-Bike owner. I want to ride my E-Bike in Florida. The area I will be in is a Mixture or Sidewalks & No Sidewalks. So if I am on a No Sidewalks area, may I ride on the edge of the road, either Facing Traffic, or With Traffic?
Will I need a License or Special permit. I have a Headlight & Taillight & 2 Red Flashing Safety Lights & a bright Yellow reflective Vest

on my E-Bike

[thegucciszz]

I’m going to turn 16 do I need a license to ride one or not if yes what can I do ?

[Artist_Kevin]

No fault in Florida if a car is involved, with PIP . Definitely hire a lawyer!