Charlotte County leaders review sheriff’s proposal for countywide e‑bike ordinance

Terry Cochran, speaking on behalf of the Charlotte County sheriff’s office, presented a proposed countywide ordinance to regulate electric bicycles and similar personal mobility devices, saying the measure is aimed at public safety rather than trying to legislate evolving technology. "We want to say a speed limit of no more than 15 miles per hour on a sidewalk," Cochran told the board, and described safety equipment requirements and yield‑the‑right‑of‑way expectations modeled on Florida's bicycle statutes.

The proposal breaks regulation into three areas: operations on sidewalks (15 mph limit, helmet and light requirements for minors), operations on roadways (machines allowed but operators must follow posted or statutory speed limits and applicable licensing rules) and prohibition of e‑bikes on certain trails and greenways, with carve‑outs for assisted mobility devices and authorized utility or law‑enforcement operations. Cochran emphasized a behavior‑based approach: "We need to regulate behavior rather than regulating machines," he said, arguing the county cannot keep pace with changing device capabilities.

Commissioners raised enforcement and age concerns. Commissioner DeWitt said he had observed children as young as 8–11 operating high‑speed devices and asked how the ordinance would protect younger, inexperienced riders and be enforced. Cochran and other presenters responded that where a vehicle meets motorcycle or motor‑vehicle statutory definitions, existing licensing and registration requirements would apply, and that the ordinance would not impede enforcement of other state statutes.

Commissioner Constance and Commissioner Daugherty voiced support for the behavior‑focused approach but requested clearer definitions for terms such as "trail" to avoid unintended bans on hard‑surface, wide recreational paths. Cochran said parks staff could use local signage to permit or prohibit certain devices on specific trails, allowing tailored management of different park facilities.

Board members also discussed pending state legislation. Staff noted House Bill 243 and Senate Bill 382 are working through the legislature and that statewide definitions and registration provisions are being considered; a sheriff’s office representative said he did not expect a final state law this year and described an exploratory committee to research vehicle classes and best practices before state or local code changes are finalized.

The board did not vote on the ordinance at the workshop. Commissioners directed staff to continue coordination with the sheriff’s office and to return with clarifications — including trail definitions and enforcement implications — and to monitor related state legislation before scheduling a formal vote.