TAMPA, Fla. —A bill aimed at regulating electric bikes across Florida is set to be debated in the Florida House, as communities statewide grapple with the rapid rise in e-bike usage.
The proposed legislation would establish new safety requirements, including setting speed limits for riders in certain situations. The debate comes as colleges, cities, and neighborhoods report growing concerns about safety as e-bikes and e-scooters become more common modes of transportation.
What You Need To Know
Since last fall, USF says it has seen a dozen accidents involving eBikes, pedestrians and vehicles
The spike in accidents has led to a campaign by USF sharing safety tips for eBikes for riders, pedestrians and drivers
Speed is the top cause of eBikes accidents across the state
Legislators are debating a bill right now that would set a speed limit of 10 miles an hour for eBikes that come within 50 feet of pedestrians
At the University of South Florida, the impact of the e-bike boom is especially visible.
USF’s Tampa campus is a densely packed environment, with as many as 45,000 vehicles circulating on campus on any given day. Parking challenges and heavy traffic have made e-bikes and e-scooters an increasingly popular alternative for students and staff.
But with that surge in use has come a noticeable increase in accidents.
Since last fall, approximately a dozen crashes involving e-bikes, pedestrians, and cars have been reported on campus.
USF Regional Police Chief David Hendry says the university is taking a proactive approach by launching a safety campaign aimed at riders, drivers, and pedestrians alike.
“They may not be seen as well in the community,” Hendry explained. “We’re educating drivers to be prepared for these vehicles, which may cross into a crosswalk at a greater rate of speed than a pedestrian normally would. It’s a universal approach — not just educating the users of the transportation mode, but also educating drivers on the roadway.”
University officials emphasize that safety awareness must extend beyond e-bike riders to include motorists and pedestrians who share the same spaces.
The legislation under consideration in Tallahassee would require e-bike riders to slow to 10 miles per hour when approaching pedestrians. It would also mandate that law enforcement agencies track e-bike-related accidents and establish a state task force to further study their use and impact.
USF officials say they would support legislation designed to make e-bike use safer.
Late last year, the City of Tampa debated a local ordinance that would have set a 10-mile-per-hour speed limit for e-bikes. However, the proposal was ultimately struck down by city council members after significant pushback from residents.
As lawmakers revisit the issue at the state level, the debate highlights a growing challenge for communities across Florida: balancing the convenience and environmental benefits of e-bikes with public safety concerns in increasingly crowded spaces.
With e-bike usage continuing to rise, the outcome of this legislative effort could shape how Florida cities and campuses manage the fast-changing transportation landscape.