Commission asks staff to study e‑bikes and scooters, prioritizing school zones and enforcement

Commissioner Nicole Wilson opened a countywide discussion on micromobility (e‑bikes, e‑scooters and similar motorized devices) at the Dec. 2 meeting and asked staff to research crashes, hospital responses, enforcement data and state legislative activity.

Wilson said micromobility provides mobility benefits but poses safety challenges when devices reach higher speeds or operate near schools. Commissioners across the board raised related concerns: enforcement capacity, registering devices, helmet requirements, age or speed limits, and how to address rental vendors and tourists in high‑visitor corridors such as International Drive.

Commissioner Uribe noted enforcement difficulties from previous efforts (citing golf‑cart regulation) and asked staff to examine whether camera or enforcement concentrations create equity concerns. Commissioner Moore emphasized education and coordination with schools to help families reduce usage and bills; Commissioner Simrad stressed the need to include school board representatives and to map school zones. Staff recommended a two‑step approach: conduct interagency research and stakeholder outreach with Sheriff’s Office, Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), Public Works and tourism partners, then return in the spring with a set of recommended actions.

No ordinance was adopted; the board authorized county administration to pull together subject‑matter staff and external partners to develop recommendations for future policy or code changes.