Trystan Casey
Electric bikes are legal in Florida and are classified as bicycles. Riders do not need a driver's license or any special license to operate an electric bike in Florida. Florida allows all classes of e-bikes, including Class 3 e-bikes, provided they don't exceed speeds of 28 mph and have an electric motor power with a wattage of less than 750.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age restriction | None |
| Helmet requirement | Required for under 16s |
| Maximum speed | 28 mph |
| Maximum wattage | 750 |
| Driver's license requirement | None |
| Registration requirement | None |
What You'll Learn
E-bike speed limits in Florida
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are growing in popularity in Florida and across the US. In 2023, Florida law changed to allow individuals of any age to ride e-bikes on Florida roadways.
E-bikes in Florida are not allowed to exceed 28 mph with electrical assistance. This is the top speed of Class 3 e-bikes. If an e-bike goes faster than 28 mph, it is classed as a moped or electric motorcycle under Florida law.
The law also states that the e-bike's electric motor power cannot have a wattage exceeding 750.
Florida law does not require e-bike riders to wear a helmet, but it is strongly recommended for safety reasons.
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Helmet laws for e-bike riders
In Florida, there is no legal requirement for e-bike riders to wear helmets. However, it is strongly recommended that riders wear one, as it can help to keep them safe in the event of an accident, reducing the risk of a traumatic brain injury.
Previously, Florida state law prohibited riders under the age of 16 from riding e-bikes. Now, there is no age limit on who can ride an e-bike in Florida, but riders under 16 years old are still required to wear a helmet.
Florida allows all classes of e-bikes, including Class 3 e-bikes, as long as they do not exceed speeds of 28 mph. This is because, at higher speeds, e-bikes cross into moped or electric motorcycle territory, which are not considered e-bikes under Florida law.
E-bikes in Florida cannot have an electric motor with a wattage exceeding 750. They also do not require registration, unlike motor vehicles, and riders do not need a driver's license to operate them.
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Age restrictions for e-bike riders
In Florida, there is currently no age restriction on who can ride an e-bike. However, this was not always the case. Before 2020, Florida law prohibited riders under the age of 16 from riding e-bikes. Now, individuals of any age can ride e-bikes on Florida roadways.
It is important to note that while there is no longer an age restriction, there are still some requirements for younger riders. Riders under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet. This is to ensure their safety, as e-bikes can reach speeds of up to 28 mph.
Florida allows all classes of e-bikes, including Class 3, which provides assistance only when the rider is pedalling and stops providing assistance when the bike reaches 28 mph. While there is no requirement for e-cyclists to wear helmets in Florida, it is highly recommended for all riders, regardless of age, to wear one for safety reasons.
Additionally, Florida law does not require riders to have a driver's license or to register their e-bike as a motor vehicle. However, it is important to be mindful of local or municipal laws or ordinances that may restrict or ban the use of e-bikes in certain areas.
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E-bike classification
In Florida, e-bikes are usually ''pedal-assist', meaning that the cyclist must pedal to receive power from the electric motor. However, there are some e-bikes with a hand throttle.
Florida allows all classes of e-bikes, including Class 3 e-bikes, provided they don't exceed speeds of 28 mph. The bike also can't have an electric motor with a wattage exceeding 750.
E-bikes in Florida should not be able to exceed 28 mph with electrical assistance, the top speed of Class 3 e-bikes. Otherwise, they would be classified as mopeds or electric motorcycles, which are not considered e-bikes under Florida law.
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E-bike registration requirements
In 2020, Florida introduced a dedicated law for electric bicycles, or e-bikes, which provided a specific definition of 'electric bicycles'. This law was introduced to address the growing popularity of e-bikes, which made up 10% of overall US bicycle sales from May 2017 to May 2018.
E-bikes are allowed in Florida, including Class 3 e-bikes, provided they don't exceed speeds of 28 mph. The electric motor power also cannot have a wattage exceeding 750. E-bikes do not need to be registered as motor vehicles in Florida, and riders do not need a driver's license.
E-bike riders under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet, but this is not a requirement for riders over 16.
Local or municipal laws or ordinances may restrict or ban the use of e-bikes in certain areas.
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Frequently asked questions
As of July 1, 2020, Florida has a dedicated law for electric bicycles, or e-bikes.
E-bikes are usually "pedal-assist", meaning the cyclist must pedal to receive power from the electric motor.
No, you do not need a driver's license or registration to ride an e-bike in Florida.
Yes, e-bikes in Florida should not be able to exceed 28 mph with electrical assistance, and the electric motor power should not exceed 750 watts.
Florida law does not require e-cyclists to wear helmets, but it is highly recommended for safety reasons. Helmets are required for all riders under 16 years old.
