E-Bike Safety

The North Palm Beach Police Department is committed to keeping our roadways safe for everyone. As e-bikes grow in popularity, it’s important to understand the laws, regulations, and responsibilities that come with riding electric devices like e-bikes and e-motos.

By following a few key safety tips, you can ride with confidence and stay safe on the road!

Stoplight symbol.

Know Your Traffic Laws

  • E-bikes are allowed on “any road, path or way that is open to bicycle travel.” This means they can be ridden on roads (except limited access highways), bike lanes, bike paths, multi-use paths, and sidewalks.
  • E-bikes must follow all traffic laws including riding with traffic and obeying traffic signals.
Helmet symbol.

Protect Yourself

  • Always wear a helmet regardless of your age. The law requires riders under the age of 16 to wear one at all times.
  • Limit distractions and never wear ear buds when riding.
Caution symbol.

Be Aware of Traffic and Pedestrians

  • The more predictably you ride, the safer you are. Don’t weave in and out of traffic.
  • Always be courteous to pedestrians around you.
Speed symbol.

Control Your Speed and Brake Early

  • E-bikes are quick to pick up momentum and can cause severe injury when at high speeds. Give yourself the appropriate amount of time to slow down.
Vigilant symbol.

Stay Visible

  • Know that you are not as visible to drivers as they are to you. Wear bright or reflective clothing and use lights when riding in low-light conditions or at night.
Bike versus Electric Bike Laws and Regulations graphic.

Florida State Statutes

There is a common misconception that operating e-bikes and e-scooters on city sidewalks and roadways is unlawful or unsafe.

However, Florida Statute FSS 316.2128 grants operators of micromobility devices and motorized scooters the same rights and responsibilities as bicycle riders under FSS 316.2065.

According to FSS 316.2065, riders are permitted to use both roadways and sidewalks. Section (10) specifically states that when riding on a sidewalk or crossing a roadway via a sidewalk, riders must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and provide an audible signal before passing.

E-Motos are not street legal.