ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Winter Park city commissioners and Police Chief Tim Volkerson are set to discuss possible updates to the city’s micromobility rules during a work session at City Hall, including changes related to e-bikes and e-scooters.
Volkerson said in an email to Spectrum News that parents and residents have raised concerns about micromobility throughout Winter Park. The work session will focus on possible amendments to the city ordinance addressing how the devices are used and parked.
A draft of the updated ordinance specifies the city’s definition of e-bikes and adds them to several sections related to micromobility riding and parking.
For example, under the draft, riders would not be allowed to exceed 10 mph on sidewalks, trails or areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. Riders would also be required to carry identification in case they are stopped by an officer.
Marcus Perry, who was visiting Winter Park, said he regularly sees e-bikes and scooters in the city.
“I think it is a lot of fun, but unfortunately we don’t make a lot of changes until someone gets hurt or gets killed,” Perry said. “And I think the earlier that we get involved in taking advantage of that, as far as talking about it, making regulations, safety stuff, I think it’s better for everyone involved.”
The draft ordinance also includes a section addressing younger riders. It says no one under 16 could ride without a city-issued card showing they completed a city-approved educational program. The Winter Park Police Department would be responsible for determining whether a course meets the city’s criteria.
The draft also lists possible violations. For a first violation, riders would have the option to complete the city-approved course instead of paying a fine. The ordinance also says riders could risk having a device taken away. Families would be responsible for paying fines issued to minors.
Sammy Nudelman, manager at Advanced Cycles, says the devices have gained popularity among young and older riders.
“So a good thing with a lot of these e-bikes is they have pedal assist, so you’re not putting all the power in,” said Nudelman. “The bike helps you as you’re pedaling. And if you get tired, they also have a throttle. So you don’t have to pedal at all once you get to the end of the road and then need to get back to your house.”
He explained that safety is important for them too, so they provide discounts on accessories like lights and helmets and give riders a quick lesson before they get out there. He believes the trend is here to stay.
“With e-bikes, there’s gonna always be people that need that assistance. Whether they’re elderly, disabled, young and just want to have fun, there’s going to be an option for everyone,” said Nudelman.
The work session begins at 3:30 p.m. at Winter Park City Hall.