Hillsborough County to Draft E-bike & Micromobility Rules

Hillsborough County Commissioners voted unanimously to develop regulations for e-bikes, scooters and other micromobility devices. The county aims to address growing safety concerns surrounding their operation.

The County Attorney's Office, working with county staff and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, will draft the rules. Potential regulations may include operating and parking restrictions, enforcement measures and public education campaigns.

Commissioner Harry Cohen cited Orange County's recent adoption of similar rules as a model. Orange County's ordinance governs where devices can be used and parked, sets requirements for commercially owned devices and outlines penalties.

"There are growing safety concerns related to the operation of micromobility devices, which really encompass e-bikes and other modes of transportation," Cohen said. He hopes the ordinance will be structured for easy adoption by the city of Tampa and other municipalities within the county.

The county's review will also assess its regulatory authority under Florida law. State law generally categorizes e-bikes as bicycles but allows local governments to establish specific rules for their operation on streets, sidewalks, bike paths and trails.

Cohen requested the County Attorney's Office present a draft ordinance at the board's next meeting.