Palm Beach County leaders advanced proposed e-bike rules at a preliminary hearing earlier this week. A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for Dec. 1.
As drafted, riders would have to be at least 14 years old, carry a government-issued ID and keep to a 15 mph speed limit. That limit would drop to 10 mph near pedestrians.
The proposal comes as WPBF 25 News reviews the rules already in place across local towns and cities during Teen Driver Safety Week. Florida law requires e-bike riders to follow the same rules as bicycle riders, including helmets for anyone under 16. Some municipalities have added their own limits.
In Wellington, riders must be at least 15, carry a government-issued photo ID and observe a 15 mph limit. E-bikes are banned from neighborhood parks, equestrian trails and the Wellington Town Center. The town of Palm Beach bans all e-bikes and scooters from sidewalks, trails and public beaches. Jupiter restricts e-bikes to roadways and designated bike lanes. In Vero Beach, Class 3 e-bike riders must be at least 16.
