Photo courtesy of the City of Gulfport
Gulfport City Council wants more evidence before adopting new e-bike regulations. During an Aug. 4 meeting, Council members directed staff to narrow a proposed ordinance and collect local safety information. No vote was taken, and no new restrictions are in effect.
Council members expressed support for possible helmet requirements for children and temporary controls during crowded events. However, several opposed an immediate citywide ban on sidewalk riding.
Officials questioned whether Gulfport has enough documented safety problems to justify permanent restrictions. They requested police reports, crash data, and resident complaints before moving forward.
Questioning Need for New Regulations
Ward III Council member Jennifer Webb said the City should identify a specific local problem before creating rules.
“I don’t like regulation for the sake of regulation,” Webb said. “A regulation should solve a problem.”
Some Council members said residents have raised concerns about speeding, weaving through traffic, and other unsafe riding. Vice Mayor Marlene Shaw said some residents reported riders knocking down pedestrians, although those incidents apparently were not reported to police.
“Speed is the issue,” Shaw said.
Without police records, officials said they cannot determine how often incidents occur, where they happen, or what type of behavior needs to be addressed.
Mayor Karen Love and other council members said the City should consult Gulfport Police Chief Mary Farrand before adopting rules. Ward I Council member Jennifer Daunch also questioned how police would enforce age and speed restrictions because children may not carry identification and many e-bikes do not have speedometers.
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That’s not all that happened at the Aug. 4 Gulfport City Council meeting. Read about Ian O’Hara lawsuit, public safety, special events, and what we overheard.
Limit Sidewalk Riding and Speeds
City Attorney Andrew Salzman drafted an eight-page proposal that includes several regulatory options allowed under state law. He said he expected Council members to remove provisions before advancing the ordinance.
The draft would prohibit e-bikes on sidewalks and establish a 15 mph speed limit on paths, trails, and in parks. It also would allow Gulfport to create high-pedestrian activity zones with an 8 mph limit and require riders to dismount in those areas.
The proposal would require riders younger than 16 to wear helmets. Children younger than 14 could not operate Class 3 e-bikes, which provide motor assistance up to 28 mph.
Penalties would range from a warning or $50 fine to $250 for repeat violations.
Florida generally treats e-bikes like traditional bicycles but allows local governments to regulate their use in certain areas.
Sidewalk Ban Draws Opposition
Several Council members and residents opposed requiring all e-bike riders to use streets. They stated that some streets are unsafe for bicycle travel and some sidewalks provide important connections between bicycle routes.
Love said residents and workers use e-bikes as transportation. She opposed banning them from downtown and beachfront sidewalks but supported keeping powered bicycles off the sand.
“Wheels yield to heels,” Love said.
Gulfport resident Julie Armstrong said she rides an electric tricycle slowly on downtown sidewalks to reach bicycle racks because pushing the vehicle is difficult. She said a sidewalk ban could make it harder for some riders to access parking.
Council members also questioned whether the proposed ordinance covers all types of electric devices, including stand-up scooters, lightweight microbikes, and devices without pedals or saddles. Salzman said he plans to revise those definitions.
Temporary Event Rules Gain Support
Council members showed more support for temporary e-bike restrictions during festivals, markets, and other crowded events.
The proposal would allow the city manager or police chief to reduce speeds, create dismount zones, designate parking areas, or temporarily restrict e-bike use during special events.
Salzman suggested removing the permanent high-pedestrian-zone section while retaining special-event authority. Council could test those restrictions through a resolution before adding permanent rules to the City code.
Salzman will return with a revised ordinance, but Council members did not set a date for further discussion.
The Gulfport City Council’s next meeting is Sept. 3 at 6 p.m.
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