Hillsborough approves new e-bike regulations

Here in Hillsborough County, new rules for anyone who rides e-bikes and scooters. Commissioners just approved an ordinance requested by the Sheriff's Office. And our Heather Healy joins us now with a closer look. And Heather, there are a lot of new rules to follow here, right? There are quite a bit. Russell, good morning to you. And if you ride an e-bike or scooter to work, school, or really just around the neighborhood, new speed limits and strict fines, they're now on the books in Hillsborough County. So commissioners unanimously approved the new rules to tackle a spike in crashes After data showed more than two dozen e-bike deaths, across Tampa Bay over the past five years, seven of those here in Hillsborough County. Now, under the new ordinance, riders must keep it under 10 miles an hour on sidewalks, 15 on shared trails, and 28 on roads and bike lanes. Now, wheelies and street takeovers are also now officially illegal. Some cycling advocates pushed back, pointing out that many traditional commuters don't even have speedometers on their bikes. But deputies say current state laws just aren't enough to stop. Reckless riding. The city fully supports this ordinance as it's written. We're seeing the same issues that the sheriff's office is seeing regarding the injuries associated with these devices. And we believe that continuity throughout the county would be beneficial for the citizens. So they're not facing different rules when they enter the city limits rather than the outside. So for now, deputies are going to hand out verbal warnings to educate riders on this. Eventually, violators, it's going to cost you first starting around 50 bucks, and then it can jump to 500 for repeat offenders and even risking having your e-bike impounded. It's not good. The rules cover all of unincorporated Hillsborough County, as well as Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City, at least until those cities pass their own ordinances. Tampa City Council is expected to debate its own version in the coming weeks. So a lot of moving parts, Russell, but this is really the start to all this e-bike craziness. Okay. Thank you, Heather. You bet.