Law enforcement urges local restrictions as MPO and advisory committees weigh e‑bike rules

The Martin County MPO received an update and policy recommendations on e‑bikes and micromobility on May 11 as advisory committees, law enforcement and municipal officials described widespread misuse and proposed regulatory responses.

Planning staff summarized BPAC recommendations: adopt a three‑class system with age limits (class‑1 users 11+, classes 2 and 3 16+), require helmets for riders under 18, restrict sidewalk speeds (12 mph), require lights and daytime/nighttime visibility, and pursue signage and education. Staff also summarized Senate Bill 382 from the recent legislative session, which creates a micromobility task force and requires improved crash reporting for micromobility devices; the bill also limits sidewalk speeds under certain circumstances.

Law enforcement said juvenile riders create the bulk of enforcement calls. Lieutenant Rosco of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office said deputies have executed warrants, towed high‑powered e‑motos and devoted weekend manpower to address stunting and reckless riding. Jupiter Island and Stewart police described local ordinances (Jupiter Island Ordinance No. 414) that set minimum ages, require lighting, and in Jupiter Island’s case ban micro‑mobility devices in some places; Jupiter Island reported the ordinance has reduced problems there.

School district staff said enforcing speed or age limits on campus is difficult, so schools plan to require students to dismount at the property line and walk devices on campus; enforcement would go through student code of conduct. County staff and some commissioners discussed tow fees and the practicality of civil penalties that could be tied to recovery costs.

Board members asked staff to bring a follow‑up presentation to the Board of County Commissioners on potential local ordinances and tow‑fee policy. No countywide ordinance was adopted by the MPO at this meeting.