Doctors and law enforcement have reported a surge in crashes and injuries since becoming e-bikes have grown in popularity.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Florida lawmakers are taking aim at e-bike safety as discussions continue this week during the legislative session.

A pair of bills aims to crack down on dangerous riding with the goal of protecting pedestrians, drivers and cyclists. HB 243 and SB 382 would require people using a class 3 e-bike, which goes up to 28 miles per hour, to have a driver’s license or learner’s permit.

“A lot of kids under 15, and they’re just not knowledgeable in the rules of the road and they’re being very unsafe,” Drew Pomeroy, owner of EBike Adventures of St. Pete, said.

Pomeroy said the majority of his customers are more than 50-years-old and often use e-bikes as a way to get exercise without hurting themselves.

Pomeroy, who is diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, said using an e-bike has given him a new lease of life and allows others with similar conditions to become more active without pain. However, he said the rise of injuries and deadly crashes taking place, especially among younger riders have been a concern.

Doctors and local law enforcement have raised concerns about the rise of injuries as a result of improper e-bike use.

“They have fun, but they need to understand that it’s kind of dangerous to everyone. [They] need to be polite to the other people who walk around, who walks with dogs, who ride bikes,” one man said who frequents the public trails often.

If the bills get passed, the definition of the term “electric motorcycle” would be defined as any motorcycle powered by a motor of 750 watts or more and capable of a speed greater than 28 miles per hour. 

Fines could also be imposed for those who alter the speed of the e-bike. 

Pomeroy said he has some concerns over people who are older and may not have access to their license, given that others rely on e-bikes as their mode of transportation, too. 

However, he hopes potential changes can lead to safer use throughout the area.

“I think it’s a great decision on where they’ve started,” Pomeroy said. “I think it’s really to keep people safe at this point in time to operate an e-bike.”

If Florida’s bills get passed, they may not take effect until 2027. A separate bill filed last year would also require e-bike users to wear a helmet if they are under the age of 18.

Proposed legislation could also revise certain driver’s ed courses.

The move comes as New Jersey’s governor signed a bill into law requiring licensing, insurance and registration for e-bikes.