The second reading of an ordinance regulating micromobility vehicles passed unanimously Tuesday night in Ocoee.The city has officially amended its code regarding streets and sidewalks to include e-bikes, e-scooters, and other micromobility devices.”Since October, we’ve had 16 incidents involving some type of cycle. We’ve identified eight of them having involved micromobility devices, meaning, they’re e-scooters or e-bikes,” said Ocoee police Chief Vincent Ogburn, who brought the matter to city commissioners. “Some of these e-bikes and e-scooters are not stopping at stop signs. They’re swerving in and out of traffic and they’re just on the sidewalks, they’re driving fast, so this will give us the opportunity to stop them. We want to educate first because education is the biggest thing, enforcement is necessary.”The requirements comply with state laws and ordinances. That means no stunt riding, wheelies, or racing.”Prohibitive acts that we’ve been seeing around Ocoee is wheelies on public roadways, racing on public roadways, operating while impaired,” Ogburn said.Audible warnings or devices like bells are required when sharing sidewalks with pedestrians to let them know you’re approaching.”Proper lighting is required when operating between the hours of sunset and sunrise. Operators 16 years of age and under are required to wear helmets,” Ogburn added.The ordinance states, “No person shall operate a micromobility device on a sidewalk or shared-use path at a speed exceeding ten (10) miles per hour.”Ogburn said he doesn’t think e-bikes and e-scooters are bad, calling them a good mode of transportation of recreation and clarifying Tuesday, “We just want people to use them safely.”Violators can be fined, per state statute, $15 per violation, per occurrence.A parent or legal guardian could also be cited for allowing a minor to violate the provisions.
OCOEE, Fla. —
The second reading of an ordinance regulating micromobility vehicles passed unanimously Tuesday night in Ocoee.
The city has officially amended its code regarding streets and sidewalks to include e-bikes, e-scooters, and other micromobility devices.
“Since October, we’ve had 16 incidents involving some type of cycle. We’ve identified eight of them having involved micromobility devices, meaning, they’re e-scooters or e-bikes,” said Ocoee police Chief Vincent Ogburn, who brought the matter to city commissioners. “Some of these e-bikes and e-scooters are not stopping at stop signs. They’re swerving in and out of traffic and they’re just on the sidewalks, they’re driving fast, so this will give us the opportunity to stop them. We want to educate first because education is the biggest thing, enforcement is necessary.”
The requirements comply with state laws and ordinances. That means no stunt riding, wheelies, or racing.
“Prohibitive acts that we’ve been seeing around Ocoee is wheelies on public roadways, racing on public roadways, operating while impaired,” Ogburn said.
Audible warnings or devices like bells are required when sharing sidewalks with pedestrians to let them know you’re approaching.
“Proper lighting is required when operating between the hours of sunset and sunrise. Operators 16 years of age and under are required to wear helmets,” Ogburn added.
The ordinance states, “No person shall operate a micromobility device on a sidewalk or shared-use path at a speed exceeding ten (10) miles per hour.”
Ogburn said he doesn’t think e-bikes and e-scooters are bad, calling them a good mode of transportation of recreation and clarifying Tuesday, “We just want people to use them safely.”
Violators can be fined, per state statute, $15 per violation, per occurrence.
A parent or legal guardian could also be cited for allowing a minor to violate the provisions.