Palm Beach County commissioners voted 7-0 on Tuesday to advance a micromobility ordinance that would set speed limits, age requirements and enforcement rules for e-bikes, electric scooters and similar devices. The measure passed on first reading and will return to the commission for final approval.
County staff said the Healthcare District of Palm Beach County has documented 613 micromobility-related injuries since January 2023. About 59% of those involved children ages 12 to 15. Officials also reported eight deaths tied to the devices between January 2025 and September 2026.
As proposed, riders would have to be at least 14 and carry a government-issued photo ID. They would be capped at 15 mph on bike paths and shared-use areas, and would need to slow to 10 mph within 50 feet of pedestrians. Dangerous stunts would be banned.
Enforcement would start with education. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said early efforts will focus on outreach, safety campaigns and free helmets handed out at schools. Officials said grant money paid for the helmets, and a countywide awareness campaign aimed at kids and parents is planned.
Commissioner Joel Flores said some parents do not realize certain devices can be modified to reach speeds of 40 mph. Commissioner Gregg Weiss argued e-bikes should be treated as motor vehicles and called for statewide crash reporting rules.
Staff said several municipalities are waiting for the county to act. Wellington and the Town of Palm Beach already have local ordinances, and Palm Beach’s rules are stricter than the county proposal.
