MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)— A Florida sheriff’s office is moving from the education phase on e-bikes to the enforcement phase after numerous complaints.
“After much proactive education and outreach, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office is now moving into a focused enforcement phase addressing illegal e-bike activity and unsafe riding behavior throughout the county,” the Martin County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on Facebook.
The sheriff’s office said their traffic unit, COP, and road patrol deputies have been educating riders and parents on the laws governing e-bike use and the importance of safe operation, but they have been receiving numerous complaints regarding reckless and unlawful behavior.
The complaints, particularly involving juveniles, include riders disregarding traffic laws, operating illegal e-bikes, riding in residential areas, and harassing citizens.
“This shift to enforcement is a direct response to ongoing violations and increasing safety concerns, including multiple crashes involving young riders. The time for education has passed. Continued violations will result in enforcement action,” the sheriff’s office said.
Over the weekend, five illegal e-bikes were towed and parents were notified.