E-bike safety crackdown: Fernandina Beach commission to debate speed limits Tuesday

By Mike Lednovich/Editor

FERNANDINA BEACH - Electric bicycles speeding through downtown sidewalks, weaving around pedestrians and racing along recreational paths have become an increasingly familiar sight in Fernandina Beach — and city commissioners are now poised to act.

The Fernandina Beach City Commission on Tuesday will consider a proposed ordinance aimed at slowing down e-bikes and other personal mobility devices as complaints mount over safety concerns involving speeding riders, particularly juveniles.

The proposed ordinance would establish new rules governing electric bicycles, scooters and similar devices within city limits, including speed restrictions, enforcement provisions and fines for violations. The ordinance comes as communities across Florida struggle to address the growing popularity — and growing concerns — surrounding high-powered e-bikes.

City officials say the goal is to enhance public safety, create predictable operating rules and protect pedestrians and environmentally sensitive areas, including trail systems such as the Egans Creek Greenway. The proposal also follows updates to Florida law during the 2026 legislative session concerning electric bicycles and micromobility devices.

Under the proposed ordinance:

• E-bikes, scooters, mopeds and personal mobility devices would be limited to 20 mph on roadways and 10 mph on sidewalks, multi-use paths and trail networks, including areas such as the Egans Creek Greenway.

• Riders would be required to obey stop signs, traffic lights and other traffic-control devices and must yield to pedestrians while giving an audible signal before overtaking them on sidewalks or crosswalks.

• Violations would carry a $50 fine.

• The ordinance would also prohibit e-bikes and similar devices in city recreational parks unless signage specifically authorizes them.

Just as importantly, the proposal gives the city clearer authority to crack down on reckless riding.

Language in the ordinance requires riders to operate in a “careful and prudent manner,” taking into account traffic, curves, pedestrian activity and surrounding conditions. Riders who operate in a way that endangers “life, limb, or property” could be cited for careless driving under city code.

The proposed restrictions follow growing complaints in Fernandina Beach about riders traveling at high speeds through crowded areas, blowing through stop signs and creating close calls with pedestrians.

According to prior Fernandina Observer reporting, Fernandina Beach Police received 188 complaints involving juvenile e-bike riders in 2025, highlighting what officials described as a rapidly escalating issue as the devices surged in popularity among teens.

Police have increasingly used social media to warn parents that many of the powerful motorized bikes children are riding may not legally qualify as e-bikes under Florida law and, in some cases, may not be street legal.

Residents have also voiced frustrations publicly on local Facebook community pages. In one recent Amelia Island community discussion, residents complained about youths performing wheelies, weaving through traffic and riding at high speed through downtown areas, particularly Centre Street, describing the behavior as dangerous for both pedestrians and motorists.

For many residents, the concerns go beyond annoyance and have become a public safety issue in a city where narrow sidewalks, heavy tourism and seasonal pedestrian traffic already strain downtown streets.

Beach and tourism communities throughout Florida have grappled with the same challenge as increasingly powerful e-bikes capable of speeds up to 28 mph have exploded in popularity. Municipalities in South Florida, Tampa Bay and other coastal communities have adopted local restrictions or stepped-up enforcement after reports of crashes, injuries and near misses involving pedestrians.

Fernandina Beach has wrestled with the issue before. Several years ago, city officials debated whether e-bikes should even be allowed on portions of the Egans Creek Greenway, illustrating an ongoing tension between recreational use, alternative transportation and safety concerns.

The ordinance formally incorporates Florida statutory definitions for electric bicycles, motorized scooters and micromobility devices into city code while clarifying that riders must follow the same traffic rules that apply to vehicles and bicycles.

The city agenda summary notes that the proposed regulations are intended to “protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public,” while creating consistent operational standards for the safe use of personal mobility devices within city limits. City staff reported no anticipated fiscal impact from the proposal.

City Manager Sarah Campbell is recommending approval of the ordinance on first reading Tuesday. If approved, it would return to the commission for a second and final reading before taking effect.