Electric motorcycles without pedals cannot legally be ridden on sidewalks in Pasco County, the Pasco Sheriff's Office warned in a public safety alert posted Wednesday, Aug. 26.
The agency said it is seeing more of the vehicles on sidewalks across the county. The Sheriff's Office had previously issued similar guidance before repeating the warning this week.
The distinction starts with pedals. Under Florida Statute 316.003(23), an electric bicycle must be a bicycle or tricycle with fully operable pedals, a seat or saddle and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. It also must meet one of Florida's three e-bike classifications, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles department.
A vehicle without fully operable pedals does not meet Florida's definition of an electric bicycle. Its legal classification depends on characteristics such as its design, power, speed and equipment. Depending on those characteristics, it may be a motorcycle, moped, motorized scooter, miniature motorcycle or another motor vehicle.
The PSO alert laid out requirements for a vehicle that is legally classified and operated as a street-legal motorcycle:
- The vehicle must be registered and display a license plate.
- The rider must hold a valid driver license with a motorcycle endorsement, or a motorcycle-only license.
- The vehicle cannot be ridden on sidewalks.
- Riders under 21 must wear a helmet.
- Riders must obey all traffic signals and traffic laws.
Many of the vehicles resemble electric bicycles or pocket bikes, the Sheriff's Office said, and riders may not realize the vehicle does not meet Florida's definition of an electric bicycle.
The agency also addressed pocket bikes in the Aug. 26 alert. Florida law calls pocket bikes "miniature motorcycles." Miniature motorcycles are not legal for operation on public roads and may not be registered as motor vehicles. They may not be operated on sidewalks unless a local ordinance specifically authorizes sidewalk use.
Illegal operation may result in a citation or other enforcement action, depending on the vehicle's classification, registration status, location and the rider's conduct.
