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DeLand staff, police outline options to regulate e‑bikes; age limits and education proposed
Summary
City legal and police staff briefed commissioners on e‑bike classes and statutory limits and proposed a local ordinance framework that could bar riders under about 12 from operating e‑bikes in town, limit younger riders from higher‑speed roads, and pair regulation with education and enforcement targeting high‑powered off‑road conversions.
City legal staff and police presented an initial proposal Oct. 20 to regulate electric bicycles under authority allowed by recent state statute revisions.
Attorney Darren Elkind reviewed the state framework that classifies e‑bikes into three classes (class 1 and 2 up to 20 mph, class 3 up to 28 mph and capped at 750 watts) and noted the legislature preserved local authority to regulate where e‑bikes can operate and to set age limits, but precluded local requirements such as driver's licenses or vehicle insurance for e‑bikes. Chief/lieutenant from the DeLand Police Department said the department’s complaints focus on high‑powered off‑road conversions capable of far exceeding statutory limits and on rider behavior (running stop signs, earbuds, speed), and recommended a mix of education and enforcement.
Police staff suggested prohibiting riders younger than about 12 from operating e‑bikes within the city and restricting riders under a higher threshold (suggested 15) from roads with speed limits above 35 mph; police also recommended targeted enforcement against nonconforming off‑road bikes and outreach to Stetson University and schools. "A simple $100 modification can actually make these bikes go up to 90 miles per hour," an officer said, noting the public‑safety risks those machines present.
Commissioners asked for clarity on enforcement practicalities (age verification, which IDs to accept), alignment with neighboring municipalities, balance between legitimate commuting uses by adults and youth safety, and whether scooters and other micro‑mobility devices should be included. Staff said the city could draft an ordinance regulating e‑bikes and separately consider rules for scooters and other emerging micro‑mobility devices; commissioners requested staff coordinate with county and nearby cities and return with a draft that addresses enforcement, permitted locations, and an education campaign.
Staff emphasized an education‑first approach and noted the department already plans outreach to student orientation at Stetson and distribution of informational materials.
