Motorized Bicycles on Sidewalks

Question

Henry asked: Is it legal for a 12 YR old, or any child less than 16yrs old, on a electric cycle that goes no more than 17mph to ride on a sidewalk in Florida. I believe statutes state, 16 or older, more than 20 miles per hour.

Answer

Vehicles under power other than human power are not permitted on sidewalks.

s. 316.1995 – Driving upon Sidewalk or Bicycle Path

(1) No person shall drive any vehicle other than by human power upon a bicycle path, sidewalk ….

(3) This section does not apply to motorized wheelchairs.

Persons under 16 years of age are not permitted to operate motorized bicycles.

s. 316.003Definitions

(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.

2 Comments on “Motorized Bicycles on Sidewalks

  1. Lee,

    Normally, a bike path is a paved shared-use path, but the statutory definition in traffic law which would be used for enforcement does not specify paved or unpaved.

    s. 316.003 – Definitions

    (63 Bicycle Path – Any road, path, or way that is open to bicycle travel, which road, path, or way is physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or by a barrier and is located either within the highway right-of-way or within an independent right-of-way.

    The authority having jurisdiction over the path may have rules or regulations about the use of motorized vehicles on unpaved bike paths. See this post:

    http://flbikelaw.org/2012/10/bike-path-hours-of-use/

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