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- calendar_today November 10, 2026
City Considers New E-Bike and Scooter Restrictions
New Smyrna Beach is moving forward with a proposed ordinance that would set new restrictions on where e-bikes, electric scooters, and other micromobility devices can be used in the city. The initiative arises from increasing concerns about traffic safety, pedestrian encounters, and the behavior of riders in busy areas.
Ordinance 44-26: Details of the Proposal
The City Commission is reviewing Ordinance 44-26, which aims to restrict the operation of e-bikes, electric scooters, and similar motorized devices in various parts of New Smyrna Beach. Residents and local officials have cited recurring issues including riders traveling on sidewalks, weaving among pedestrians, and neglecting traffic rules.
A recent public forum, led by the city’s police chief, gave residents an opportunity to hear about the proposal and express their own concerns. The police chief emphasized that all e-bike riders must follow standard traffic regulations, underscoring that running red lights, disobeying stop signs, and riding against traffic are unacceptable behaviors for any road user, including those on micromobility devices.
Emphasis on Rider Education
Amid calls for stricter rules, some residents advocated for increased education on road safety, especially for younger riders. One woman attending the public forum suggested that kids should undergo some form of training before using e-bikes or scooters. Another resident, named Karen, described frequent encounters with young riders on city sidewalks and raised concerns about their awareness of pedestrian safety and traffic laws. She suggested that age-appropriate education would be just as important as the new restrictions themselves.
Areas Targeted for Restrictions
Under the proposed ordinance, the following zones would be subject to e bikes restrictions and regulations regarding electric scooters and other devices:
- Public sidewalks within the Mainland Special Parking District, Flagler Avenue Special Parking District, and business districts, including shopping centers.
- City recreational parks, encompassing sidewalks, pathways, trails, open areas, and any designated pedestrian space, unless official signage permits their use.
- Recreational courts such as basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts operated by the city.
Furthermore, the city manager would have authority to impose additional restrictions on specific sidewalks, bike paths, or multi-use paths deemed hazardous for pedestrians. Any changes would be reflected through posted signage or markings.
Penalties and Helmet Requirements
Violations of the new rules would result in a $150 fine plus court costs for a first offense. Subsequent violations could carry further penalties, including possible seizure of the e-bike or electric scooter by police. The ordinance also specifies that riders aged 16 and 17 must wear properly secured bicycle helmets while operating these vehicles.
Shared mobility companies and rental operators would be forbidden from staging or storing micromobility devices on public property within the city, further clarifying operational boundaries for rented e-bikes and scooters.
Next Steps for the Ordinance
The City Commission is scheduled to review the ordinance for a second reading with a public hearing to follow. If approved, the measure would formalize these new e bikes restrictions and rules for micromobility devices across New Smyrna Beach, with the stated goal of improving safety while continuing to allow their use where permitted.
Source: clickorlando.com.
