The Cape Coral Police Department in Florida has started a campaign to address unsafe electric bike riding in the city. Police have found that many vehicles called ‘electric bikes’ are actually electric motorcycles under Florida law. These require a motorcycle license, registration, and insurance. Electric bicycles, by law, have motors under 750 watts and a top speed of 28 mph. They can often be used on roads and sidewalks at lower speeds.
Many vehicles stopped by officers are marked ‘off-road use only.’ This makes them illegal to use on public roads, sidewalks, or private property without permission. Police have responded to incidents involving juveniles riding unregistered e-bikes at high speeds. Some riders have tried to avoid police. These actions have resulted in arrests for fleeing police, reckless driving, and operating unregistered vehicles without a license.
Recent incidents include a juvenile arrested after fleeing officers in a parking lot, another caught riding recklessly in a shopping center, and two more who tried to evade police on public streets and private property. These cases show the potential dangers to riders, pedestrians, and other drivers…