LED Lights on a Bicycle

Question

Loan asked: I installed 600 strip led in my electric bike. Is it legal or not in Florida?

Answer

There are certain lights that are required on a bicycle at night and in inclement weather.

s. 316-2065 – Bicycle Regulations

(7) Every bicycle in use between sunset and sunrise shall be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and a lamp and reflector on the rear each exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of 600 feet to the rear. A bicycle or its rider may be equipped with lights or reflectors in addition to those required by this section.

As stated, additional lighting is permitted on a bicycle. There is no apparent limit to the additional lighting that may be used, except that blue lights visible from any direction and red lights visible from the front are prohibited. See this post:

http://flbikelaw.org/2014/02/additional-lights-on-bicycles/#more-1721

Let’s make sure we are talking about a motorized bicycle that meets the statutory definition of “bicycle”. If not, there are other requirements.

s. 316.003 – Definitions

(2) Bicycle – Every vehicle propelled solely by human power, and every motorized bicycle propelled by a combination of human power and an electric helper motor capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of not more than 20 miles per hour on level ground upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels, and including any device generally recognized as a bicycle though equipped with two front or two rear wheels. The term does not include such a vehicle with a seat height of no more than 25 inches from the ground when the seat is adjusted to its highest position or a scooter or similar device. No person under the age of 16 may operate or ride upon a motorized bicycle.