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Collier County adopts sidewalk e-bike restrictions, adds 15 mph sidewalk limit and age limits for high-speed e-bikes
Summary
Commissioners approved an ordinance amending the county's pedestrian safety rules to regulate electric-assist bicycles: sidewalks limited to 15 mph, class 3 e-bikes banned for riders under 16, and class 3 riders over 16 must use bike lanes when available; board will file revised ordinance for state review.
The Collier County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously April 22 to advance an amended pedestrian-safety ordinance that adds new rules for electric-assisted bicycles and other small electrically powered devices in unincorporated Collier County.
Commissioner Matthew Kowal, who led the initiative, said the ordinance responds to an uptick in higher-speed electric bicycles and safety complaints. "Some of those things that go up to 50 miles per hour...the class threes can go up to 30 miles per hour," he said during the discussion, arguing the county needs tools to address devices traveling faster than typical pedestrian traffic.
Key changes the board approved to be incorporated before the ordinance is filed with the state include: - A new sidewalk speed ceiling: "the operation of all devices allowed under the ordinance on any sidewalk shall not exceed 15 miles per hour," language proposed by Deputy County Attorney Scott Teach and adopted by the board. - An age restriction: "any person under the age of 16 years old is prohibited from riding a class 3 electric bicycle" on county public rights-of-way. - A lane-use rule: riders age 16 and older operating class 3 electric bicycles must operate in a bicycle lane when one is available.
Deputy County Attorney Scott Teach recommended the 15 mph sidewalk cap be added to strengthen the ordinance's legal defensibility; he told the board the statute allowing sidewalk ordinances requires a maximum sidewalk speed. Ms. Susan Sonenshein of the Naples Pathways Coalition, a frequent presenter to the board, urged the commission not to conflate pedal-assist bicycles (which "require pedaling") with throttle-operated motorbikes, saying the faster throttle machines "should be licensed, registered, and insured" and are the source of the greatest risk to pedestrians.
Public commenters and commissioners emphasized a period of education before vigorous enforcement. Commissioner Kowal said the sheriff's office had been engaged in development of the measure and that enforcement posture would be refined during outreach. The board directed staff to revise the ordinance with the agreed amendments and circulate the revised text to commissioners; if no changes are raised by Friday, staff will file it with the state for formal adoption steps.
