2024 E-Bikes and Florida Law
Chris Burns discusses Florida law applicable to electronic-assist bicycles, frequently called "e-bikes" or ebikes. E-bikes are usually "pedal-assist" - the cyclist must pedal to receive power from the electric motor.
If you require legal help due to an e-bike accident, please email or call me at (904) 632-2424. I also have an E-Bike Accidents page that goes over FAQ's about e-bikes in the State of Florida.
On this type of e-bike, there is no hand throttle. European rules require that e-bikes only provide power if the rider pedals but in the U.S., most but not all e-bikes require pedaling for assistance. A few e-bike models can assist the rider even without pedaling, when the rider turns a hand throttle.
In all likelihood, you have seen many e-bikes in your community as the e-bike industry has seen substantial growth due to their popularity. Even though the average price of an e-bike is $2400 purchases have tripled in the last 3 years, and increased by nearly 100% just in the last 12 months.
E-Bike Growth
- The Global E-Bike Market was valued at USD 49.1 Billion in 2021 and is projected to reach a value of USD 86.0 Billion by 2028. source
- Another source suggests that the global E-bike market was valued at USD 77.2 billion by 2028 and is expected to reach USD 51.5 billion in 2023, at a CAGR of 8.4% from 2023 to 2028.
- The global electric bike market size was valued at USD 37.47 billion in 2022. The market is projected to grow from USD 43.32 billion in 2023 to USD 119.72 billion.
- The global electric bike market was valued at $40,312 million in 2019, and is projected to reach $118,657 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 10.5% from 2020.
Why the Popularity of E-Bikes
There are many reasons for the popularity of e-bikes. People who would not otherwise ride a traditional bike tend to be the most likely purchasers. Thus, the e-bike can offer cycling as exercise or transportation to a wider range of people than traditional unassisted bicycles. Less physically fit people can commute to work or exercise at a more moderate effort level with an e-bike. People enjoy commuting on e-bikes without arriving so sweaty. Hills are a breeze due to the electric assistance. The electric motor is especially beneficial when climbing grade or going longer distances - operators can go longer and faster than on a regular bike. E-bikes don’t require gas. They are environmentally friendly due to their lack of gas burning emissions. They are generally noise-free.
Florida e-cyclists don’t have to have a special license or registration, or obtain specific insurance on their e-bike.
Although not well understood by many, e-bikes can provide excellent exercise. When comparing the effort level required between a normal cyclist, walker and e-bike operator over the same distance, it appears that the e-bike requires 64% less energy than walking and 22% less energy than regular cycling. E-biking is less exercise than regular cycling. Experienced cyclists may likely not be interested. Less fit or inexperienced cyclists are the typical users. E-biking may interest certain persons in riding a bike for exercise, when ordinarily they would not. Research indicates e-bikers still receive beneficial exercise.
How does Florida Law Apply to E-Bikes?
As of 2020, Florida law was changed to provide a specific definition of “electric bicycles” which is found at Section 316.003(22), Florida Statutes. E-bikes are categorized in 3 distinct classes depending on how fast they can go, and whether you have to pedal to receive electric assistance. Here are the electric bicycles definitions:
- “Class 1 electric bicycle” means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
- “Class 2 electric bicycle” means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the electric bicycle and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
- “Class 3 electric bicycle” means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.
Who may ride an e-bike in Florida?
As of 2020, there is no age limitation on who can ride an e-bike in Florida. Before 2020, Florida law disallowed children under the age of 16 from operating e-bikes.
Do you have to use a bicycle helmet when riding an e-bike in Florida?
E-cyclists under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet.
Where is it legal to ride an e-bike?
By Florida state law, electric bikes may be operated in the exact same locations as regular bicycles. Electric bikes are allowed on “any road, path or way that is open to bicycle travel.” This means they can be ridden on roads (except limited access highways), bike lanes, bike paths, multi-use paths, and sidewalks. However, local communities may pass their own ordinances.
Fort Myers Beach has banned e-bikes as of May 4, 2018.
Access to park land and their trails is complicated. For example, most national parks do not allow cycling, including e-biking, except on paved road and in designated areas. There are certain exceptions in parks such as Acadia National Park in Maine, where mountain bikes can be used on certain off-road trails. Park regulations do not allow e-bikes on those same "carriage roads". Some state parks allow e-bikes, such as Alafia River State Park, Jonathon Dickson State Park, and Fort Clinch State Park. The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) policy supports pedal-assist e-bikes being allowed access on certain trails.
What should you do if in an e-bike accident?
If you have a legal question or have suffered an accident while riding an e-bike, please give me a call or email me to discuss your legal rights.
