Orange County commissioners imposed sweeping rules on riding e-bikes, e-scooters and other micromobility devices across the county as their rising popularity among children — and surging number of injuries — has spurred governments and schools to grapple with how to regulate them.
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The measure adopted unanimously Tuesday sets a 10 mph speed limit for devices on sidewalks and shared paths, unless posted otherwise. For devices on roads, shoulders, bike lanes, bike paths and trails the speed limit was set at 20 mph.
The restrictions have the broadest impact of the rash of e-vehicle rules adopted this year in Central Florida, including a ban on the devices on public school campuses.
The county’s rules went into effect immediately in unincorporated areas and cities and towns without their own ordinances. Citations can be issued for violating speed limits, parking requirements and a litany of other prohibited actions. Aside from warnings, penalties include $100 fines and possible impoundment of devices.
The new restrictions come after the death of a 13-year-old Lake Nona boy struck by a car while riding an e-scooter on Mother’s Day drew increased attention to e-bike and e-scooter safety in the region. In Polk County, a 14-year-old was killed Sept. 17 after he was struck by a vehicle while riding an electric scooter in Davenport.
Commissioner Nicole Wilson said she met with trauma surgeons last week at Orlando Regional Medical Center who described what they’re seeing with the devices as a health crisis.
“These are people who deal with crises everyday, so if they say it I believe it,” Wilson said.
Orlando Health said that from January through July there were three deaths and 124 visits (82 were age 13 or younger) to the emergency room for traumatic injuries involving e-devices — compared to 135 injuries (and two deaths) in 2025 and 57 injuries (and no deaths) in all of 2024.
AdventHealth Orlando said it treated 614 injuries in the area related to e-bikes and e-scooters from 2023-2025.
Lauren Torres, senior project manager for the Transportation Planning Division, said that while federal and Florida laws establish the basic framework for e-bikes and micromobility devices, “There is a gap that local governments are being asked to fill.”
The ordinance makes it illegal to park or abandon any such device so it obstructs traffic, parking spaces or driveways, while also banning “careless or reckless operation” along with stunt driving, street takeovers and wheelies.
Micromobility devices must also have lights, reflectors, brakes and helmets for operators or passengers under age 16, and parents and guardians cannot knowingly permit minors to commit violations.
Penalties for violators age 18 and older are a warning or citation — a Class 1 penalty with a $100 fine — and possible impoundment of device.
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For violators under age 18, the first offense is a warning or citation along with parent/guardian notification. On a second or subsequent offense, there can be another warning or a citation issued along with possible device impoundment.
The ordinance requires citations on first offense for speeders and reckless riders.
Assistant County Attorney Joy Carmichael said citations would be submitted to the clerk of courts and when contested go through the county court system, likely in traffic court.
Amanda Dukes, a senior public information officer with Demings’ office, said by email Wednesday that the Sheriff’s Office has assured the county they are prepared and ready to enforce all provisions of the ordinance.
Jason Carson, mayor of Belle Isle, said since the city does not have its own ordinance he expects city police will enforce the new county regulations. He added the issue is likely to come up at the next city council meeting.
“We have a lot of narrow corridors in Belle Isle where residents walk in the morning, and we’ve even had times they’ve complained that somebody on an e-bike going to school almost ran them and their kid over while they were walking,” Carson said.
The potential hazards of such devices came up often during public comment. Linda Sibley told commisioners how over two years ago during an early morning run she was almost struck by three teens speeding recklessly on their e-bikes.
“Had I simply just stepped to the side, the impact would have been absolutely catastrophic,” Sibley said. “Our sidewalks are rapidly turning into unregulated racetracks.”
Just last week, Winter Park became the latest government in Central Florida to enact restrictions on use of micromobility devices. The strictest rule is a ban on children younger than 16 riding them without first completing a city-approved safety course.
Winter Garden, Ocoee and the Orange County School Board have all enacted restrictions this year.
Orlando is also considering restrictions, as is Oviedo in Seminole County, but both have held off in part to see what Orange County does.
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