How Fast Can You Ride an E-Bike in Fernandina Beach? New Rules Set the Limits

By Mike Lednovich/Editor

FERNANDINA BEACH — The city has adopted new regulations governing e-bikes and other motorized mobility devices, setting speed limits for city streets, trails, sidewalks and beaches following a unanimous City Commission vote Tuesday.

Commissioners approved the ordinance on third and final reading, establishing a 25 mph speed limit for bicycles, electric bicycles, personal mobility devices and mopeds operated on roadways within city limits. The limit had been set at 20 mph following the ordinance's second reading in June before commissioners increased it to 25 mph.

The ordinance also sets a 10 mph speed limit for bicycles, e-bikes, personal mobility devices and mopeds on trail networks, multi-use paths and city-owned beaches.

"When not otherwise restricted by law, operating bicycles, electric bicycles, personal mobility devices and mopeds are allowed upon and along the sidewalks, or upon any unpaved portion of a public right-of-way in the City only when operated by human power and shall not exceed ten (10) miles per hour," the ordinance states.

There was no commissioner comments Tuesday on the third reading of the revised ordinance and no public comment.

The ordinance represents the city's effort to address the growing use of e-bikes and other electric mobility devices while balancing safety concerns with their increasing popularity as transportation and recreation.

The regulations apply throughout Fernandina Beach and establish different speed limits depending on where the devices are operated: 25 mph on roadways and 10 mph on trails, multi-use paths and city-owned beaches.

The ordinance was approved unanimously.