E-Bike Safety

The Lighthouse Point Police Department wants to ensure the safety of everyone who utilizes our roadways.

With e-bike popularity on the rise, be sure you and your loved ones know the laws, regulations, and responsibilities that come along with riding electric devices like e-bikes.

By following a few safety tips, you have the power to e-bike safely!

KNOW THE LAWSKnow The Laws

Florida law treats e-bikes the same as traditional bicycles, meaning they have the same rights and privileges, and are subject to the same duties, as bicycles.

  • E-bikes are allowed on “any road, path or way that is open to bicycle travel.” This means they can be ridden on roads (except limited access highways), bike lanes, bike paths, multi-use paths, and sidewalks.
  • E-bikes must follow all traffic laws including riding with traffic and obeying traffic signals.
  • Every e-bike in use between sunset and sunrise must be equipped with a front white light visible from 500 feet away and a rear red reflector and lamp visible from 600 feet away.
  • A person may not tamper with or modify an electric bicycle so as to change the motor-powered speed capability or engagement of an electric bicycle.
  • If you are riding below the posted speed limit, you are required to ride in the bike lane or as close as practical to the right-hand curb.
PROTECT YOURSELFProtect Yourself

  • Always wear a helmet regardless of your age. The law requires riders under the age of 16 to wear one at all times.
  • Limit distractions and never wear ear buds when riding.
BE AWAREBe Aware of Traffic and Pedestrians
  • The more predictably you ride, the safer you are. Don’t weave in and out of traffic.
  • Always be courteous to pedestrians around you.
  • Use bicycle hand signals, when turning or slowing down.

CONTROL YOUR SPEEDControl Your Speed and Brake Early
  • E-bikes are quick to pick up momentum and can cause severe injury when at high speeds. Give yourself the appropriate amount of time to slow down.
STAY VISIBLEStay Visible
  • Know that you are not as visible to drivers as they are to you. Wear bright or reflective clothing and use lights when riding in low-light conditions or at night.

E-Bike/Bicycle Hand Signals

HAND SIGNALS

E-Bike Classifications

CLASS 1

CLASS 2

CLASS 3

The Class 1 E-bikes are pedal-assist only, meaning the motor only provides assistance when the rider is pedaling, and have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph with no throttle control.
The Class 2 E-bikes are characterized by having both a throttle (allowing for motor-driven movement without pedaling) and pedal assist, with a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph.
In Florida, the Class 3 E-bikes are pedal-assist only, meaning the motor only provides assistance when the rider is pedaling. The motor wattage can not exceed 750W and the maximum assisted speed is 28 mph.


Educational Programs

The Lighthouse Point Police Department offers a number of bike and pedestrian safety programs that can be brought to your location or classroom, or conducted at the Lighthouse Point Police Department.

To learn more about the programs above, please contact the Lighthouse Point Police Department at 954-942-8080.