Helmets, sidewalks, and tickets were ordered into a draft e-bike rule

The City Commission on April 6 directed staff to draft an electric-bicycle ordinance after City Attorney John Steinmetz said Florida law lets the city regulate where e-bikes may operate and set civil penalties.

Steinmetz said city code already bars e-bikes from sidewalks the city controls, but has no ticket attached. Commissioners cited minors traveling at high speeds near pedestrians and discussed a sidewalk ban, helmets for riders under 16, and a civil fine. Police Chief Daniel Carswell preferred a reckless-operation standard anywhere rather than only a sidewalk ban.

That is more city time spent writing rules on where adults may ride electric-assisted bikes. Staff were told to draft language on sidewalk use, helmets for riders under 16, and penalties, and to bring it back. No ordinance was adopted that night.