Electric bikes have grown in popularity in the last few years, especially in Florida’s balmy climate, where people can enjoy touring around all year long. The sale of Ebikes in the United States has increased by 240% between 2019 and 2021, and with more of these recreational vehicles on the roads, the chances of injuries has also increased.
When it comes to ebike accidents, a number of factors will be taken into account to determine liability and who is at fault. One of these is speed. The speed in which the vehicle was moving at can impact what you can expect from a personal injury settlement, especially if it turns out that you were traveling at a speed that exceeds local limits.
What Class of E-Bikes Are Allowed in Florida?
There are different types of e-bikes that a person can own and ride in Florida. There are three main classifications of e-bikes that are legal in Florida.
- Class 1 e-bikes – This type of e-bike works if the cyclist is pedaling, but the bike does not have throttle assist. The cyclist must pedal to get the benefit of the motor, but they get an easier, more consistent ride. These are also referred to as pedelecs, and don’t exceed top speeds of 20 miles per hour (mph).
- Class 2 e-bikes – This type of e-bike also doesn’t exceed speeds of 20 mph, but do have a motor that is controlled by a throttle and can move the bike forward even if you aren’t actively pedaling. This will drain the battery faster than if you are pedaling however, and although you don’t need a driver’s license for class 2 e-bikes you must be over the age of 16 to operate one.
- Class 3 e-bikes – This is the fastest type of legal e-bike on the road and is capable of reaching speeds up to 28 mph. They work the same as the class 2 e-bikes where the motor will propel the bike, however they can reach faster speeds than class 2 e-bikes. Again, you don’t need a driver’s license, but you must be 17 or older, and you must wear a helmet while operating a class 3 e-bike.
All three types of e-bikes are allowed on Florida roads, provided that they do not exceed the speed limit of 28 mph and their electric motor power wattage does not exceed 750.
Where Are You Allowed to Ride E-bikes in Florida?
E-bikes are typically allowed to be driven wherever other bicycles are allowed throughout the state of Florida. This means the e-bikers can drive in bike lanes, on bike paths and multiuse paths, and on the shoulders of most roadways. E-bikes can also be allowed on some trails depending on the type of trail that it is. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection allows Class 1 e-bikes in all areas where normal bicycles are permitted. However, some state parks do restrict e-bike usage. It is always best to check with the state park you plan on visiting before riding.
