Commission advances micro-mobility discussion; may move forward before county draft is ready

Commissioners signaled urgency for a micro-mobility ordinance before the start of the school year and discussed aligning Winter Park's rules with neighboring jurisdictions.

Commissioner Russell said the city is working to avoid a patchwork of local rules and to "future proof" the ordinance: "the ultimate goal is obviously get something out around the beginning of the school year, also to make sure that it matches with Orange County's impending ordinance," he said. Russell and others emphasized education, accountability, and not criminalizing responsible riders while focusing enforcement on illegal devices and unsafe behavior.

City Attorney Peter Aardeman told the commission that Orange County and the sheriff's office had not yet provided a draft; depending on timing the city may need to move forward on its own for the initial reading. "We hope to have that back to the commission for the next reading if we're gonna be in advance of the school year," Aardeman said, but added coordination with county attorneys remains ongoing.

Next step: staff will return with ordinance language for commission review and a possible next reading in advance of the school year.