Authorities in Sarasota, Florida, are advising holiday shoppers to know the difference between electric bicycles and electric motor bicycles. The two types of vehicles may look similar, but they have different legal requirements.
Electric motor bicycles are classified as motorcycles under Florida law. They require registration, a license plate, and a motorcycle endorsement on the driver’s license.
Electric bicycles have pedal-assist, a top speed of 28 MPH, and can be used on bike paths and sidewalks without a license or registration. Electric motor bicycles do not have pedals, can travel at higher speeds, and are not street-legal…