ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando city commissioners discussed new regulations for e-bikes and e-scooters Monday as police say they are seeing hundreds of incidents involving the devices.
Orange County Schools has already banned e-bikes and e-scooters for some students as the district works to keep students safe.
Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said officers are also dealing with issues involving young riders, modified bikes and parents who may not know enough about the devices.
“That’s where we get most of our complaints, and it’s mostly from high schools and middle schools because when school lets out, hundreds of kids get on e-mobility devices,” Smith said.
Since Jan. 1, officers say they have had more than 800 interactions with e-bike riders, along with 21 accidents and 46 crashes involving injuries.
Police also reported 10 hit-and-runs involving injuries, more than a dozen drivers with drug violations and 112 incidents involving thefts.
City officials said the issue has become a growing problem for cities across Florida, but state and federal laws limit what cities can do when it comes to criminal enforcement.
“The City of Orlando is often accused of not doing enough, but how can you control things when we are preempted by the state, right?” Tony Ortiz said during Monday’s discussion.
However, city leaders are considering regulations they can implement locally.
The Orlando City Council will decide on an ordinance that would include a 15 mph speed limit, require riders to yield to pedestrians and require helmets for riders younger than 16.
The proposed ordinance would also ban riders from sidewalks and prohibit reckless driving.
In the meantime, city officials are working on additional education for riders and the public.
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