A newly proposed bill in Florida, HB 243, aims to overhaul the state’s regulations on high-speed electric bicycles and scooters, potentially reshaping the landscape for riders and retailers.
Filed by Republican Representative Yvette Benarroch, the bill will be considered in Florida’s upcoming legislative session and could introduce new licensing, safety, and reporting requirements for e-bike users.
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Under current Florida law, anyone aged 16 or older can operate legal electric bicycles without a driver’s license. However, HB 243 would require a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit for riders of Class 3 e-bikes—those capable of pedal-assist speeds between 21 and 28 mph (32 to 45 km/h).
The bill also proposes the inclusion of e-bike and scooter safety education in both the learner’s permit curriculum and the Class E driver’s license test, ensuring new drivers understand how to safely interact with these fast-growing vehicle types.
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The legislation would establish a new “electric motorcycle” category for higher-powered vehicles, such as light electric dirt bikes from brands like Sur Ron. Riders under 16 would be prohibited from operating any electric motorcycle producing 750W or more of power.
Additional provisions include mandatory yielding to pedestrians on shared paths, the use of audible signals when passing, crash reporting for all incidents involving e-bikes and scooters, and penalties for tampering with a motor or speed limiter.
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While HB 243 has been filed in the Florida House, it currently lacks a Senate companion bill and is not yet law. If enacted, it would mark a significant shift in how the state defines, licenses, and enforces safety standards for electric micromobility vehicles, reflecting growing efforts to balance innovation with public safety.
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