SILVER SPRINGS, Fla. — Rangers at several Central Florida state parks are getting new electric bikes designed to help them navigate large and remote areas more easily.
The Florida State Parks Foundation announced 25 new e-bikes will be distributed to parks across the state this fall as part of its Greener Initiative.
Central Florida-area parks receiving bikes include:
- Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach
- Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park in Okeechobee
- Sebastian Inlet State Park in Melbourne Beach
- Silver Springs State Park near Ocala
The latest additions will bring the statewide fleet to 75 e-bikes provided to Florida State Parks since 2024.
E-bikes designed for remote areas, cargo
The new Velotric Nomad 2 Fat Tire e-bikes feature 750-watt motors, ranges of up to 65 miles and maximum payload capacities of more than 500 pounds, according to the foundation.
Officials said rangers can use the bikes to reach areas that may be difficult to access with larger vehicles while also carrying equipment or performing light towing.
The electric motors produce no direct emissions and operate more quietly than traditional vehicles.
“No matter the park or task, our rangers are finding new and creative uses for these e-bikes all the time,” Florida State Parks Director Chuck Hatcher said.
Ocala-based Carousel E-Bikes handled the purchase, assembly and delivery of the latest bikes.
Part of broader sustainability initiative
The Florida State Parks Foundation launched its Greener Initiative to support projects aimed at reducing emissions, waste and energy costs at state parks.
Other projects have included water-bottle filling stations at 98 parks and trails, battery-powered equipment, LED lighting upgrades and a hybrid-electric river tour boat at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.
The projects are funded through community contributions and sales of Florida’s “Explore Our State Parks” specialty license plate.
More information about the program is available through the Florida State Parks Foundation’s Greener Initiative
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