Jacksonville considers tighter e-bike rules as injuries rise and school nears

Jacksonville City Council could consider tightening rules for electric bicycles.

Councilman Michael Boylan introduced Ordinance 2026-570, which would add regulations to Jacksonville’s traffic code related to e-bikes.

“They think they’re invincible,” Boylan said. “And they’re not. And they’re not only putting themselves in jeopardy but the people they come into contact with.”

READ MORE: Nassau County schools will require e-bikers to pass safety course

The proposal comes as Wolfson Children’s Hospital and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office warn about safety concerns — especially with school starting soon.

Wolfson Children’s Hospital said in a recent Facebook post that its trauma center treated 97 children for traumatic e-bike and e-scooter injuries in the first six months of 2026 — close to the number treated for all of 2025.

Wolfson said the trauma center projects it could reach 194 traumatic injuries by the end of the year if the trend continues.

“These aren’t just scrapes and bruises,” the hospital wrote. “We’re seeing concussions, facial fractures and traumatic brain injuries.”

Wolfson’s post urges parents to understand the risks before buying an e-bike or letting a child ride one, warning that what seems like a quick ride around the neighborhood can quickly turn serious.

Current e-bike law

In a separate social media post, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said it has been getting questions at recent town halls about e-bikes, particularly ahead of the start of school.

The post says:

• E-bikes are limited to 28 mph.
• There is no age minimum to ride.
• Citations are possible if riders are reckless.
• People under the age of 15 must wear a helmet or they’ll receive a citation. Helmets are recommended for everyone.

The Sheriff’s Office also warns about “e-motorcycles,” saying they are not legal and can go much faster than 28 mph. Parents can be cited if a child is caught riding one.

Councilman’s proposal

Among the changes in Boylan’s proposal:

• A 10 mph speed limit on sidewalks for e-bikes
• Requirements that riders yield to pedestrians, follow pedestrian traffic signs and signals, and provide an audible signal before passing on a sidewalk
• A minimum age: No one under 11 could operate an e-bike on bicycle lanes, bicycle paths, bikeways, rights-of-way, roadways, sidewalks or other city-owned property

Equipment, modifications and nighttime visibility

The ordinance also would:

• Require operators or passengers under 16 to wear a properly fitted helmet.
• Require e-bikes to display a label with the bike’s classification, top assisted speed and motor wattage.
• Prohibit modifying motors to allow higher speeds than designed by the manufacturer.
• Require a front white light and rear red light/reflector when operating between sunset and sunrise.

Enforcement and penalties

The ordinance states that violations would be treated as a civil infraction and says parents or guardians could not authorize or knowingly allow a minor to violate the rules, which could result in fines.

“Enforcement’s not going to be easy,” Boylan said. “I get that. But that still doesn’t mean you can’t put it in place.”

Boylan said he expects the ordinance to head to City Council committees in the coming weeks.

He said local lawmakers had to go back to the drawing board after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed e-bike legislation that had unanimously passed the Florida Legislature. DeSantis cited concerns of government overreach and law enforcment surveillance.

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This story was produced by News4Jax, a Jacksonville Today news partner.