Palm Coast works draft ordinance to regulate e-bikes, sets age, helmet and sidewalk rules; council seeks clearer language and education plan

City staff and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office presented a draft ordinance at the Sept. 9 workshop that would regulate electric bicycles (ebikes) and higher‑powered electric cycles on Palm Coast streets, paths and sidewalks. Councilmembers did not adopt the ordinance at first reading but requested clearer, simpler language — particularly on sidewalk speed limits and age limits — and asked staff to add coordinated education and point‑of‑sale safety outreach.

The draft distinguished three state statute‑defined classes of ebikes: Class 1 (pedal assist, max 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle assist, max 20 mph) and Class 3 (pedal assist, max 28 mph). It separately defined “electric powered cycles” as motorized vehicles with seats and no pedals — examples include electric dirt bikes — and would prohibit those higher‑powered machines on city streets, sidewalks and parks. The draft also set an operator‑ID requirement and required helmets for younger operators, following direction from council.

Why it matters: council members said uncontrolled speeds on sidewalks and misuse of high‑powered, converted bicycles pose safety…