Yet another night of e-bike rules ended in a first approval
ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH, Fla. — The City Commission on Aug. 3 gave first approval to Ordinance 26-06, the e-bike and scooter rules, after sending the same file back to the lawyer in July.
Staff added two definitions — shared mobility device and shared mobility device program — and the board passed the first of two required votes on a voice vote with no opposition called. The draft amends the traffic chapter to regulate bicycles, e-bikes, scooters and similar machines on city rights-of-way.
Police said the ordinance would put "teeth" on the books and would be "a lot for people to swallow at first." They talked about educating riders through officers, schools, the newsletter and a simple FAQ.
The city has been on this file since at least July 2022, when the police chief asked for an alternative-vehicle ordinance and said e-bikes were doing 20 to 30 mph on sidewalks. A second vote is still required before the rules are law.
Sources
- City Commission Meeting, August 3, 2026 agenda packet (PDF) Aug. 3 agenda lists Ordinance 26-06 as a continuation of discussion to regulate electric mobility devices, not a second or final reading.
- City Commission Meeting, August 3, 2026 livestream (YouTube) Second time on first reading; two definitions added; Chapter 19 / Section 19-66 title covering bicycles, e-bikes, scooters and like devices on rights-of-way; voice vote with no opposition; police 'teeth' and 'swallow' quotes; education through officers, schools, newsletter and FAQ.
- City Commission minutes, July 11, 2022 (PDF) Police chief sought an alternative-vehicle ordinance in July 2022 and said e-bikes can go 20–30 mph and were operating on sidewalks.
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