As E-Bikes Take Off, So Does THE Need for Safety

If you’ve noticed more e-bikes cruising around Collier County lately, you’re not alone. Electric powered bicycles are becoming a common sight on our roads and sidewalks. They’re a fast and convenient way to get around. And as e-bike use increases, so does the need for awareness and safety. That’s especially important now with more and more afternoon hours.

We may start seeing even more e-bikes on our roads and sidewalks as many young people may have received them as gifts during the holidays. That seasonal bump makes safety education even more important for new and inexperienced riders. Last year, Collier County commissioners passed new ordinances to help keep everyone – riders, motorists and pedestrians – safe on our roads and sidewalks.

Here are some important things you should know: E-bikes fall under three different classes: A Class 1 e-bike gives the rider the added benefit of an electric, motor-assisted experience while pedaling; a Class 2 e-bike comes equipped with a throttled controlled motor and doesn’t require pedaling when in use; and a Class 3 e-bike is pedal-assisted, similar to a Class 1 but can reach speeds up to 28 mph.

If you’re riding any type of e-bike on the sidewalk, you must keep your speed under 15 mph. That’s about as fast as a light jog. If you’re younger than 16, you’re not allowed to ride a Class 3 e-bike at all. These bikes can reach higher speeds and require more responsibility.

Class 3 riders over 16 must use the bike lane when it’s available—and again, don’t exceed 15 mph. Sidewalks are off limits for solo Class 3 riders unless you’re with a child.

If an adult is operating an e-bike while accompanying a child or children under 16 years of age who are riding on the sidewalk, they too can lawfully ride on the sidewalk to not separate from the child and must not exceed a max speed of 15 mph.

Safety around school buses is critical. If you’re on a sidewalk or in a bike lane and come across a stopped school bus with its signal out, you must stop too. Don’t go around the bus until that signal is off and it’s safe to proceed.

In parks and on recreational trails, remember to yield to pedestrians and give them a warning before passing.

At intersections, e-bike riders on the sidewalk must follow pedestrian crossing signals. If there’s no pedestrian signal, follow the traffic light for the direction of travel.

If your e-bike has more than 750 watts of power, you can’t use it on sidewalks, bike lanes or shared roadways in Collier County. Those higher-powered bikes belong on the road and must follow
the same rules as motor vehicles.

The growing popularity of e-bikes in our community has also led to an increase in crashes over the past year. Because of this rise in crashes, it’s more important than ever for riders to make safety a priority. That includes following safety laws and riding cautiously.

Florida law and the county ordinance require riders under the age of 16 to wear a helmet. Adding front and rear lights can also make you more visible and prevent crashes.

To learn more about e-bike safety-including about e-motors and electric scooters-visit the Collier County Sheriff ’s Office

website www.colliersheriff.org or click on this link:

www.colliersheriff.org/my-ccso/operations-department/special-operations/traffic-safety/e-bike-safety.

You can also check out CCSO’s Sworn Statement podcast, which devotes an entire episode to e-bike safety. In it, we break down the rules and regulations for e-bikes, e-scooters and e-motos, share tips for staying safe, and explain how to protect your ride from theft.