Know Before You Buy: All About E-Bikes 

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are becoming an increasingly popular way to travel across Brevard County — offering a convenient, affordable, and sustainable transportation option for commuting, recreation, and everyday trips. As e-bike use grows, it’s important for riders, parents, and the broader community to understand how e-bikes are regulated and how to ride safely and responsibly.

This page serves as a central hub for e-bike safety information, including Florida law, local municipal ordinances, educational materials, and shareable safety messaging to help everyone safely share the road and shared-use paths.

Florida law classifies electric bicycles based on their speed and motor assistance. Understanding these classifications helps riders know where they can ride and what safety rules apply.

E-Bike Classifications

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only; motor provides assistance up to 20 mph
• Class 2: Throttle-assisted; motor can propel the bike up to 20 mph
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only; motor assists up to 28 mph

Statewide Rules & Requirements

• E-bikes are generally treated as bicycles under Florida law
• Riders must follow the same traffic laws as bicyclists
• Class 3 e-bikes may be restricted on certain shared-use paths
• Local governments may regulate where e-bikes are permitted

Helmet Requirements

• Helmets are required for riders under 16 years old
• Helmets are strongly recommended for riders of all ages
• Class 3 e-bike riders are encouraged to wear helmets due to higher speeds

Not All Motorized “Bikes” Are E-Bikes

Florida law defines specific criteria for an electric bicycle. Devices that do not meet the criteria and legal definition might not be street legal and may require registration, licensing, and insurance. Devices that Do Not Meet Legal e-bike criteria:

• Modified e-bikes with removed pedals, higher attainable speeds, or increased motor wattage
• Converted or custom-built bikes exceeding legal limits
• Other motorized or electric vehicles, such as mopeds, motorized scooters, or dirt bikes

How can I tell if an electric bike meets the requirements? By Florida law, manufacturers and distributors of e-bikes must apply a label permanently affixed in a prominent location on an e-bike that displays:

• Classification number
• Top assisted Speed
• Motor wattage

Current Legislation: Florida Statute: 316.20655 Each local government may adopt an ordinance governing the operations of electric bicycles.

• Electric bicycles are afforded the same rights and privileges as traditional bicycles
• Electric bicycles are not subject to insurance requirements, licenses, vehicle registrations
• Electric bikes cannot be modified or tampered with
• E-bikes can be used where bicycles are allowed, including but not limited to: streets, bicycle lanes, multi-use paths

🔗 Learn more about the current Florida Statutes

Local Municipal Ordinances

In addition to state law, some cities and towns in Brevard County have adopted local ordinances that further regulate e-bike use. These rules may include restrictions on where e-bikes can be ridden, speed limits on shared-use paths, or helmet requirements. Riders are encouraged to check local ordinances before riding and to respect posted rules to ensure the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and other path users.

Current municipal ordinances are summarized below. To view other current state-wide ordinances visit: https://www.floridalel.info/resources/e-bike/ 

City of Cocoa Beach (Per Ordinance No. 1700)

City of Indian Harbour Beach (Per Ordinance No. 2025-07)

Speed Limit: 10mph on sidewalks

Where Can They Ride?: Permitted anywhere micromobility devices are allowed, including but not limited to:

• Bicycle lanes
• Streets
• Multi-use paths
• Sidewalks

Safe Behaviors:

• Must slow down and give an audible signal before passing a pedestrian
• No dangerous tricks or “wheelies” near individuals

 Safety Equipment:

• Properly fitted helmet required
• Proper lighting is required

Age & Class Restrictions:

•  Class 3 e-bike users must be at least 16 years old
• Riders must carry identification verifying their age
• Removal of pedals from any class of e-bike is prohibited

Enforcement and Penalties:

• 1^st violation- $50 fine
•  2^nd violation- $100 fine
• 3^rd and subsequent violation- $250 fine

City of Satellite Beach (Ordinance currently in draft form):

Speed Limit: 10mph citywide

Safe Behaviors:

• Cannot ride in a manner that disregards the safety of another
• No dangerous tricks or “wheelies” near individuals

Age & Class Restrictions: Class 3 E-bikes can only be operated by those 16 years or older

FDOT Digital & Print Educational Materials

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) offers a variety of educational resources focused on bicycle and e-bike safety for riders of all ages. Check out some of the available resources for downloading and printing:

Help spread the word about safe e-bike riding with ready-to-share graphics and messaging. These materials are available for community partners, schools, parents, and riders to use across social media and outreach efforts.

E-Bike Safety Social Media Campaign

• Downloadable safety graphics for social media with captions and hashtags for easy posting
• Topics include:
• Know Before You Buy
• Know Your E-Bike Class
• Where Can You Ride?
• E-Bike Safety Tips

📥 Download social media graphics and sample posts 

Current Brochures

• Know Before You Ride Brochure (General Audience)
• E-Bikes in Florida: What Parents Should Know (Parent-Focused)
• Teen E-Bike Safety Brochure (High School Audience)

These resources support safe riding habits and reinforce the importance of following traffic laws.
🔗 Explore More FDOT Bicycle Safety Resources

Questions or Safety Concerns?

If you have questions about e-bike safety, local regulations, or would like to request safety materials or an educational presentation, please contact SCTPO Community Engagement Coordinator, Leah Nepo, at leah.nepo@sctpo.com. Together, we can support safer streets for everyone.