HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-09 - Ordinance Amending Chapter 153 of the City Code - Regulating Micromobility VehiclesORDINANCE 2026-09
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 153 OF THE CITY CODE
("STREETS AND SIDEWALKS") TO ESTABLISH A NEW
ARTICLE V TO REGULATE AND GOVERN THE
OPERATION OF ELECTRIC BICYCLES, ELECTRIC
SCOOTERS, AND OTHER MICROMOBILITY DEVICES;
PROVIDING DEFINITIONS; ESTABLISHING
OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS;
ESTABLISHING SIDEWALK, STREET, PARK, AND
PUBLIC PROPERTY REGULATIONS; PROHIBITING
RECKLESS OPERATION AND STUNTS; PROVIDING FOR
ENFORCEMENT, PENALTIES, SEVERABILITY,
CONFLICTS, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
WHEREAS, the City Commission of the City of Ocoee recognizes the increasing use of
electric bicycles, electric scooters, and other micromobility devices within the City; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission finds that reasonable regulations are necessary to
protect pedestrians, motorists, park property, and to provide for the public health, safety, and
welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission desires to promote the safe and lawful operation of
micromobility devices while maintaining consistency with applicable provisions of Florida law,
including Chapter 316, Florida Statutes; and
WHEREAS, Section 316.2065, Florida Statutes, states, "[T}his section may not be
construed to prevent a local government, through the exercise of its powers under s. 316.008, from
adopting an ordinance governing the operation of electric bicycles on streets, highways, sidewalks,
and sidewalk areas under or within the local government's jurisdiction [or] to prevent a
municipality... having jurisdiction over the bicycle path, multiuse path, or trail network from
restricting or prohibiting the operation of an electric bicycle on a bicycle path, multiuse path, or
trail network...." and
WHEREAS, the City Commission has full authority to regulate electric bicycles, electric
scooters, and other micromobility devices under its Home Rule Powers in Article VIII, Section
2(b) of the Florida Constitution and Section 166.021, Florida Statutes.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. AMENDING CHAPTER 153 OF THE CITY CODE TO CREATE A NEW
ARTICLE V, SECTION 153-40.
Chapter 153 of the City of Ocoee Code of Ordinances ("Streets and Sidewalks") is hereby amended
to create a new Article V to read as follows (underlined words constitute additions):
§§ 153-34 -- 153-39. - Reserved
ARTICLE V — Electric Bicycles, Electric Scooters, and Micromobilitv Devices
153-40 — Regulation of Electric Bicycles, Electric Scooters and Micromobility Devices
A. Purpose and Intent.
The purpose of this section is to regulate the operation of electric bicycles electric
scooters, and other micromobility devices to:
(1) Promote safe interaction between pedestrians, bicyclists motorists and
micromobility users;
(2) Prevent and reduce injuries and fatalities;
(3) Protect public parks, sidewalks, streets, and other public infrastructure from
damage;
(4) Prohibit reckless operation and reduce hazardous and nuisance behaviors-, and
(5) Maintain consistency with applicable Florida law.
B. Definitions.
For purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the meanings provided below:
(1) Electric Bicycle (E-Bike).
Any bicycle equipped with fully perable pedals an electric motor of less than
seven hundred fifty (750) watts or less motor, and meeting the classifications
established under Section 316.003 Florida Statutes.
(2) Electric Scooter.
A device weighing less than seventy-five (75) pounds that has handlebars a
floorboard designed to stand upon while riding and is powered by an electric motor,
including devices defined under Section 316.2128, Florida Statutes.
(3) Micromobility Device.
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Any electric bicycle electric scooter, motorized skateboard self -balancing device
one -wheel electric device, or similar small -wheeled transportation device designed
for individual transportation.
(4) Sidewalk.
That portion of a right-of-way or street between the curbline or lateral line of a
roadway and the adjacent property line intended for use primarily by pedestrians
(5) Public Park.
Any public park recreational facility, trail athletic field playground open green
space, or other publicly owned recreational propertyoperated or maintained by the
CAL
(6) Reckless Operation.
Operation of a micromobility device with willful or wanton disregard for the safety
of persons or property. Reckless operation includes operation in a manner that
endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property, including excessive speed
abrupt maneuvers, stunts, or the failure to yield.
C. General Operating Requirements.
(1) Compliance with State Law.
Operators of electric bicycles electric scooters, and micromobility devices shall
comply with all applicable provisions of Chapter 316 Florida Statutes governing
bicycles and vehicles unless otherwise specifically exempted by law.
(2) Careless or Reckless Operation Prohibited.
No person shall operate an electric bicycle electric scooter, or micromobility
device in a careless, reckless, negligent or unsafe manner.
(3) Limitation on the Number of Riders.
No electric bicycle, electric scooter or micromobility device shall carry more
persons than it is designed to accommodate
(4) Audible Warning.
Operators shall provide an audible warning prior to overtaking or passing
pedestrians on a sidewalks multi -use path or trail network
(5) Lighting.
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Micromobility devices operating- between sunset and sunrise must be equipped with
a front white lamp, a red rear light and rear reflector that complies with the
requirements of section 316.2065(7) Florida Statutes
D. Sidewalk and Shared -Use Path Operation.
(1) Yield to Pedestrians.
Operators using sidewalks, multi -use paths or trail networks shall always yield the
right-of-way to all pedestrians.
(2) Safe Speed Required.
No micromobility device shall be operated on a sidewalk or shared -use path at a
speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under existing conditions and not
greater than 10 miles per hour if within 50 feet of a pedestrian
(3) Maximum Sidewalk Speed.
No person shall operate a micromobility device on a sidewalk or shared -use path at
a speed exceedingten (10) miles per hour.
(4) Congested Areas.
In areas of high pedestrian activity, operators shall reduce speed to avoid
endangering pedestrians and shall dismount when necessary for public safety.
(5) Pedestrian Priority.
Pedestrians shall have priority on all sidewalks and shared -use paths Operators
shall maintain control of the device and maintain a safe separation distance from
pedestrians.
E. Street and Roadway Operation.
(1) Compliance with Bicycle Rules.
No person shall operate an electric bicycle, electric scooter, or other micromobili
device upon a public roadway except in compliance with all laws and regulations
applicable to bicycles under Chapter 316 Florida Statutes
(2) Direction of Travel.
Micromobility devices operated on streets shall travel in the same direction as
vehicular traffic.
(3) Traffic Control Devices.
Operators shall obey all traffic control devices signs and signals
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(4) Prohibited Streets.
The City Manager or their designee may prohibit or restrict micromobility device
operation on designated roadways or corridors when deemed necessary for public
safe .
R Parks and Public Property.
(1) Damage to Grass or Landscaping Prohibited.
No person shall operate a micromobility device in any landscaped area athletic
field, or grass area in a manner that damages or is likely to damageturf
landscaping, irrigation systems or other public property
(2) Off -Path Operation Restricted.
Micromobility devices shall remain on designated paved surfaces trails or
authorized paths within public parks unless otherwise authorized by the Cit,Y.
(3) Wet or Sensitive Areas.
Operation through muddy, saturated newly seeded or environmentally sensitive
areas within public parks is prohibited.
(4) Event Restrictions.
The City may temporarily restrict or prohibit micromobility device use within parks
or public property during special events maintenance operations or emergency
conditions.
G. Prohibited Acts.
No person shall:
(1) Stunt Riding.
Operate a micromobility device while performing stunts, tricks, or acrobatic
maneuvers upon public streets sidewalks parks parking lots or other public
property.
(2) Wheelies.
Operate a micromobility device while intentionally lifting one or more wheels off
the ground for an extended distance or period of time commonly known as a
"wheelie," in any public area or right-of-way_
(3) Racing.
Engage in racing, speed contests or exhibition riding upon public proper
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(4) Towing.
Attach a micromobility device to any moving motor vehicle except that an electric
bicycle may be transported on a motor vehicle on a bicycle rack designed for such
purpose.
(5) Obstruction.
Park or leave a micromobility device in a manner that obstructs sidewalks
driveways, ramps, crosswalks, entrances, or accessibility features.
(6) Use While Impaired.
Operate a micromobility device under the influence of alcohol or controlled
substances to the extent that normal faculties are impaired.
(7) Operation on Environmentally Sensitive and Private Property.
Operation through muddy, saturated, newly seeded or environmentally sensitive
areas and signed prohibited areas of private property. Damaging_ private property
by careless or reckless operation.
H. Minors and Safety Equipment.
(1) Helmet Use.
Helmet use shall comply with applicable provisions of Florida law. Helmets are
required for all persons under 16 years of age while operating an electric bike
electric scooter or micromobility device.
(2) Parent or Guardian Responsibility.
A parent or legal guardian shall not knowingly permit a minor to violate the
rovisions of this section.
I. Enforcement.
(1) Enforcement Authority.
The Ocoee Police Department Code Enforcement Officers or any authorized
enforcement official of the City may enforce the provisions of this section
(2) Violations.
Violations of this section may be enforced through-.
a. Warning notices;
b. Civil citations,
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c. Noncriminal traffic citations when authorized by law_
d. Impoundment of micromobility devices when authorized by law; and/or
e. Any other lawful enforcement mechanism available to the City.
(3) Continuing Violations.
Each separate occurrence violating the provisions of this section shall constitute a
separate offense.
J. Interpretation and Consistency with State Law.
This section shall be interpreted consistently with applicable provisions of Florida law,
including Chapter 316, Florida Statutes. In the event of a direct conflict between this
section and state law, state law shall control.
SECTION 2. SEVERABILITY.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or provision of this Ordinance is held invalid
or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the validity
of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.
SECTION 3. CODIFICATION.
It is the intent of the City Commission that the provisions of this Ordinance shall become and be
made a part of the City of Ocoee Code of Ordinances, and that the City Clerk is authorized to
renumber or re -letter this Ordinance as appropriate to accomplish such intent.
SECTION 4. CONFLICTS.
This ordinance prevails in the event of any conflict with another ordinance or any part thereof.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption as provided by law.
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PASSED AND ADOPTED this day of --,2026.
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By:
Zich6Vard S. Geller, City Attorney
Rusty Johnson,
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