Miami city commissioners have approved a new set of regulations for e-scooters and other micro-mobility devices, while also voting to significantly increase civil penalties for animal cruelty.

The micro-mobility ordinance, approved Thursday, establishes rules that city leaders say are designed to improve safety for riders and pedestrians.

Under the new regulations, riders will only be allowed to operate micro-mobility devices in bike lanes or on streets. Riding on sidewalks will be prohibited. The ordinance also sets a maximum speed limit of 20 mph and requires operators to be at least 16 years old.

The rules are expected to take effect in about 10 days.

E-scooter rider Sid Campbell welcomed the changes.

“You have to watch your back out here, but I think that most of the time people are kind of watchful for you and stuff like that, but it can get crazy out here,” Campbell said.

The vote comes as Miami has experienced several incidents involving micro-mobility devices in recent months, including at least one fatal crash last month.

Commissioners also approved a sharp increase in civil penalties for animal cruelty violations.

Previously, civil fines ranged from $50 to $500. Under the new structure, first-time offenders can face a $2,500 civil penalty. A second violation carries a $5,000 fine, while a third violation can result in a $7,500 penalty.

City officials said work on increasing the penalties began before several recent high-profile cases gained attention.

Last week, a dog was found dead in Biscayne Bay near Coconut Grove, tied to a cinder block. In another case last month, a dog was seen on a downtown Miami balcony in severely neglected condition, reportedly without adequate food or water.

Commissioner Damian Pardo said the tougher penalties reflect growing concern about animal abuse.

“It reflects the seriousness of what is happening. These instances have been growing in frequency,” Pardo said. “A lot of psychopathic behavior starts this way, so we want to make sure we crack down as much as possible.”

Officials noted that individuals accused of animal cruelty could still face criminal charges in addition to the city’s civil penalties.