E-bike safety crackdown: Fernandina Beach commission to debate speed limits Tuesday

FERNANDINA BEACH - Electric bicycles speeding through downtown sidewalks, weaving around pedestrians and racing along recreational paths have become an increasingly familiar sight in Fernandina Beach — and city commissioners are now poised to act.

City officials say the goal is to enhance public safety, create predictable operating rules and protect pedestrians and environmentally sensitive areas, including trail systems such as the Egans Creek Greenway. The proposal also follows updates to Florida law during the 2026 legislative session concerning electric bicycles and micromobility devices.

• E-bikes, scooters, mopeds and personal mobility devices would be limited to 20 mph on roadways and 10 mph on sidewalks, multi-use paths and trail networks, including areas such as the Egans Creek Greenway.

• Riders would be required to obey stop signs, traffic lights and other traffic-control devices and must yield to pedestrians while giving an audible signal before overtaking them on sidewalks or crosswalks.

• Violations would carry a $50 fine.

• The ordinance would also prohibit e-bikes and similar devices in city recreational parks unless signage specifically authorizes them.

Language in the ordinance requires riders to operate in a “careful and prudent manner,” taking into account traffic, curves, pedestrian activity and surrounding conditions. Riders who operate in a way that endangers “life, limb, or property” could be cited for careless driving under city code.

According to prior Fernandina Observer reporting, Fernandina Beach Police received 188 complaints involving juvenile e-bike riders in 2025, highlighting what officials described as a rapidly escalating issue as the devices surged in popularity among teens.

Residents have also voiced frustrations publicly on local Facebook community pages. In one recent Amelia Island community discussion, residents complained about youths performing wheelies, weaving through traffic and riding at high speed through downtown areas, particularly Centre Street, describing the behavior as dangerous for both pedestrians and motorists.

Beach and tourism communities throughout Florida have grappled with the same challenge as increasingly powerful e-bikes capable of speeds up to 28 mph have exploded in popularity. Municipalities in South Florida, Tampa Bay and other coastal communities have adopted local restrictions or stepped-up enforcement after reports of crashes, injuries and near misses involving pedestrians.

The ordinance formally incorporates Florida statutory definitions for electric bicycles, motorized scooters and micromobility devices into city code while clarifying that riders must follow the same traffic rules that apply to vehicles and bicycles.

City Manager Sarah Campbell is recommending approval of the ordinance on first reading Tuesday. If approved, it would return to the commission for a second and final reading before taking effect.