Florida is known for its pristine beaches, Disney and other amusement parks, blue seas and epic Miami nightlife but it’s also full of places to ride an ebike. Pinellas Trail, Suncoast Trail, and Van Fleet are all examples of epic places to ride. However, like all states, Florida has laws in place to govern electric biking. Florida ebike laws are much like the laws of other states, with a few exceptions. So, if you’re planning on taking your ebike to a trail or just using it to commute through early morning Jacksonville it pays to know the Florida ebike laws.
Florida Electric Bike Laws: Where Can You Ride
The electric bike laws in Florida are pretty easy to follow and digest in regards to the where. Essentially, an electric bike can be ridden anywhere a normal pushbike can. These include the usual bike lanes, roads, paths (dirt or paved) sidewalks and trails. If human-powered bikes aren’t allowed in a certain area, neither are electric bikes. To do so would be to break Florida’s electric bike laws.
Bicycles Broader Definition
Much like Nebraska, Delaware, and Iowa, Florida defines electric bikes within the broader term of “bicycle”. This may change in the future as ebikes become more powerful and widely used, but for now, it means they view an ebike just like a normal unpowered bike. The law itself is under Florida Statute 316.003(4) if you wanted to take a look.
The short of this is that ebikes are seen as normal bikes, so you don’t need to worry about class, power, or usage for now.
What Does Florida Ebike Law Say About Age
You have to be at least 16, so no buying ebikes for those underage or they’ll be breaking the law. The law defines them as an “electric helper motor”, so make sure the rider isn’t under 16.
What Do Florida Ebike Laws Say About A Helmet
You don’t have to wear one. It doesn’t matter where you’re cycling, or for how long, the law doesn’t compel you to wear one no matter what age (being over 16).
Of course, we’d recommend you wear a helmet whenever you’re on a bike. If you’re on an ebike, this is especially the case because you’ll be going a lot faster and any accidents would have far more serious consequences.
Local Community Guidelines
Private land and local communities may set their own rules. In fact, this is becoming a little more popular as powered (especially class three) electric bikes are a lot different to use and control than a standard bike. Look out for private land laws before using your bike. This also applies to trails, certain beaches, and paths.
We hope you liked our article on Florida ebike laws. They’re well worth knowing if you live in, or are taking a trip to the sunshine state. In the meantime, you can read our other articles on ebike laws, such as Arizona, or Michigan. You can also check out our blog, full of helpful information to ebikers all over the USA. We have a review section too where you can see our recent reviews of ebikes that have hit the shelves.
