E-bikes & motorized scooters: Here's what you need to know

Gone are the days of bicycles, tricycles and even good ol’ fashioned walking.

These days, students are zipping around on motorized bikes and scooters to get them to and from their schools.

These supercharged modes of transportation have caused some confusion — and dangerous situations — in the mornings and afternoons. So to combat this, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office sent a reminder to Orange County Public Schools parents about the laws children need to follow while riding their motorized bikes and scooters — and the consequences if they don’t. 

Parents and students: Here’s what you need to know.

ELECTRIC BIKES

Description: These are equipped with pedals, seat and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. Their max speed is 28 mph.

RULES

• These can be operated on roadways and sidewalks, with a maximum speed of 10 mph on sidewalks.
• No license or registration is required.

MOTORIZED SCOOTERS AND GO-PEDS

Description: These are small two- or three-wheel vehicles with a T-shaped handlebar. 

RULES

• Students riding these must wear a helmet if under age 16.
• These can be operated on sidewalks, although they cannot exceed 10 mph. 

POCKET BIKES

Description: These are considered miniature motorcycles with an electric motor. 

RULES

• They cannot be operated on sidewalks, roadways or bicycle paths. 
• It is not against the law to own one, but it must be ridden on private property. 

MOPEDS AND MOTORIZED BIKES

Description: These mopeds and bikes are able to reach speeds of up to 30 mph.

RULES

• Riders must have a Class E driver’s license to operate one. 
• These can be operated on roadways, but riders must use pedals to operate it on sidewalks and bike paths.
• Riders under age 16 may only ride a moped on private property with proper headgear. 
• Motorized bicycles can travel up to 20 mph and do not require a driver’s license, but riders must be at least 16 years old to ride it on public roadways. 
• These can travel on the sidewalk, as well, but may not exceed 10 mph. 

CONSEQUENCES

If riders are found violating the laws above, the consequences are as follows:

•  Per Florida Statute 316. 1995, operators caught riding a vehicle using engine power or an electric scooter or bicycle in excess of 10 mph, or a pocket bike on a sidewalk can be issued a noncriminal traffic citation punishable as a moving violation for operating a motorized vehicle on a sidewalk. 

• The operator also could receive a criminal citation for operating an unregistered motor vehicle. This is a criminal violation which requires a mandatory court date and the operator is subject to arrest, per Florida Statute 320.02.

• According to Florida Statute 322.03, to operate a motor vehicle in Florida, the operator must possess a valid driver’s license. If the operator is caught operating a motor vehicle without a valid license, he or she is subject to a criminal citation, mandatory court appearance and arrest.

• Parents who knowingly allow a juvenile without a driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle on public streets are subject to arrest and/or a citation for violating Florida Statute. 322.35.

For more information, contact Orange County Sheriff's Office at (407) 836-0800.