Florida Wants To Make You Get A License To Ride Your E-bike

Florida lawmakers are moving closer to imposing some of the strictest electric bicycle regulations in the country, with new bills that would require licenses for faster e-bikes, expand crash reporting, and introduce penalties for unsafe or modified machines.

House Bill 243, sponsored by Republican Rep. Yvette Benarroch, and its identical Senate companion, SB 382, aim to rein in what lawmakers describe as a growing public safety problem thanks to the rapid rise of e-bikes, e-motos, and e-scooters across the state. Both bills are now advancing through committees as the 2026 legislative session continues.

Who’s Riding What, and How Fast?

At the center of the proposal is a new requirement for Class 3 e-bike riders. These bikes, which can reach speeds of up to 28 mph, would require the operator to hold a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit.

Lawmakers and law enforcement tell First Coast News that younger, inexperienced riders are increasingly involved in crashes and lack basic knowledge of traffic laws.

The bills would also expand what information must be included in crash reports involving e-bikes, scooters, and electric motorcycles, while requiring the state to maintain detailed statistics on accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Supporters argue that better data is essential to crafting effective enforcement and safety policies.

More: New York’s E-bike Chaos Hits A Breaking Point After Fatal Collision

Some cities and counties have already taken matters into their own hands. Palm Coast, for example, now bans modifications that allow e-bikes to exceed 30 mph, while St. Johns County has partnered with schools and law enforcement to promote safer riding. Not everyone is convinced tougher rules are the answer.

A number of lawmakers have voiced concern that stricter enforcement could end up making life harder for residents who depend on e-bikes for everyday travel, especially older adults or people with limited mobility.

Several e-bike retailers have echoed those worries. While most back the push to discourage illegal mods and reckless riding, they also warn against unintended consequences that could limit access to a practical, affordable mode of transport.

Enforcement or Overreach?

As we’ve pointed out in coverage of New Jersey’s new law, targeting e-bikes rather than e-motos and e-mopeds might not work out so well.

Those who already break the law could potentially just continue doing so, while law-abiding riders have one more thing to do before enjoying their bikes safely, the way they already do. If approved, the legislation would not take effect until July 1, 2027.