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Bonita Springs holds first reading of ordinance to regulate e‑bikes, e‑motorcycles and micro‑mobility devices
Summary
Staff presented a first‑reading ordinance that focuses enforcement on rider behavior and proposes default sidewalk passing limits; council debated enforceability and speed thresholds and requested revisions ahead of a planned June second reading.
Bonita Springs City Council held a first reading on May 6 of a proposed ordinance that would regulate electric bicycles, motorcycles and other personal electric mobility devices on city streets, sidewalks, trails and greenways.
City staff (Derek, staff legal/ordinance lead) told the council the draft would emphasize user behavior as the primary enforcement point rather than complex vehicle classifications. “This ordinance is primarily dealing with the behavior of the drivers,” Derek said, adding the draft includes a 15‑mile‑per‑hour standard staff believes deputies can readily enforce.
Councilmembers pushed back on speed choices and enforceability. One councilmember noted a state proposal to lower sidewalk speeds and urged that the city consider aligning with state law when it is finalized. Another member illustrated the safety issue: “At 15 miles an hour, you do 22 feet per second,” a councilmember said, arguing that 15 mph may be too fast for narrow sidewalks and recommending a lower passing speed.
Council discussed two options staff could use for the second reading: set a uniform 10 mph (or lower) limit citywide or keep a 15 mph baseline and allow ‘‘unless otherwise posted’’ signage to set lower limits in constrained locations. Staff said they would bring back edits and clarifications and indicated the second reading will likely occur in June.
Public commenters urged signage, active speed displays and public education if the ordinance advances. Ron George, a downtown resident, said downtown near‑misses and noncompliance with basic traffic rules are a major safety concern. Rachel Brown suggested speed‑display signs and traffic‑calming transitions on streets approaching downtown.
The first reading is intended to establish the council’s direction; no adoption vote occurred. Staff said they will make drafting tweaks — including clearer yield‑to‑pedestrian language, possible site‑specific restrictions for multiuse trails, and revised enforcement language — and return for a formal second reading.
