CAPE CORAL, Florida — The Cape Coral Police Department is intensifying efforts to enforce regulations on motorized transportation, particularly focusing on electric bikes that are classified as electric motorcycles under Florida law. These vehicles require a driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement, registration, and insurance to be legally operated on roads.
Electric bicycles are limited to motors under 750 watts and a maximum speed of 28 mph, allowing them to be used on roads and sidewalks at lower speeds. However, more powerful electric motorcycles must remain on roadways and comply with all motor vehicle requirements, according to the Cape Coral Police Department. A significant number of bikes encountered by officers are labeled “off-road use only,” making them illegal to ride on roads, sidewalks, and vacant lots without the property owner’s permission.
The department has responded to multiple incidents involving juveniles riding non-registered e-bikes at unsafe speeds, often on sidewalks or private property, and attempting to evade police, creating significant safety risks. Some cases have resulted in arrests, including a juvenile fleeing from police in a parking lot, another operating a non-registered e-bike without a license, and two juveniles riding recklessly on public streets and sidewalks…