Final vote may restrict e-bikes, scooters, and other electric rides
The St. Augustine Beach City Commission takes a public hearing and final reading of Ordinance 26-06 on September 8 — the second vote that would lock in city rules on e-bikes, scooters, one-wheels, and other small electric rides. A yes puts age limits, banned pavement, and tickets on city rights-of-way. City Attorney John Steinmetz presents.
This is not a new file. Since April they have drafted it, set a minimum age of 12, argued helmets for riders under 16, a $100 fine, and sidewalks, then sent it back to "simplify." That is the kind of call a parent usually makes — how old is old enough, whether a kid wears a helmet — written into city code with a ticket behind it. One step closer to City Hall parenting the e-bike, while the parent is still the one at home.
Gary and Deborah Testa warned a ban would hit seniors and people who need assist. Nick Binder noted electric tricycles used by older adults and said the city should spell out where those devices can operate safely next to people on foot. First approval came August 3. Police said the ordinance would put "teeth" on the books and would be "a lot for people to swallow at first."
The police chief asked for an alternative-vehicle ordinance in July 2022 and said e-bikes were doing 20 to 30 mph on sidewalks. Four years of meeting time to write another permission slip for an ordinary ride. The packet does not say what the extra age floor, helmets, banned courtyards and boardwalks, or a civil fine would mean for riders who need a motor for a normal trip — or why the city, not the parent, should be the one micro-managing a child's ride.
The matter is set for 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 8, at City Hall, 2200 A1A South.
Sources
- City Commission Meeting, September 8, 2026 agenda packet (PDF) 6:00 p.m. regular meeting; Ordinance 26-06 public hearing and final reading to regulate electric mobility devices; presenter City Attorney John Steinmetz.
- City Commission Meeting, August 3, 2026 livestream (YouTube) First approval of Ordinance 26-06 on a voice vote; shared-mobility definitions; police “teeth” / “swallow”; education talk.
- City Commission Meeting, July 13, 2026 minutes (PDF) Draft sent back to staff to simplify; Binder noted electric tricycles used by older adults and said the city should spell out where those devices can operate safely next to people on foot; bans on courtyards, promenades, seawalls, boardwalks kept.
- City Commission Meeting, June 9, 2026 minutes (PDF) Minimum operating age 12; sidewalk ban vs reckless-operation; Gary and Deborah Testa on seniors/mobility; Binder wanted a higher age.
- City Commission Meeting, May 4, 2026 livestream (YouTube) Workshop: age, helmets under 16, $100 fine, sidewalk limits; not a first reading.
- City Commission Meeting, April 6, 2026 minutes (PDF) Commission directed staff to draft an e-bike ordinance; Steinmetz on home-rule power to regulate where e-bikes operate and set civil penalties.
- City Commission minutes, July 11, 2022 (PDF) Police chief sought an alternative-vehicle ordinance; e-bikes 20–30 mph on sidewalks.
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