Handbikes

Question

Rafael asked: Hello. I am paraplegic and intend to do a handbike crossing throughout the state of Florida. I have some doubts. Do the same rules for bikes also apply to the handbike? Are there any restrictions on using handbikes on Florida highways? Are there any suggested routes for this type of adventure?

Answer

Your vehicle may not qualify as a bicycle under the statutory definition due to its seat height, which must be more than 25 inches. (FBA is working on legislation to change that due to the popularity of recumbents.)

s. 316.003 – Definitions

(3) Bicycle – Every vehicle propelled solely by human power, …. 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. ….

However, that would not affect your riding on the roadways, bike paths or sidewalks since you are operating a human powered vehicle. When operating any human powered vehicle, you have the same rights and duties as other drivers with few exceptions.

s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations

(1) Every person propelling a vehicle by human power has all of the rights and all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this chapter, except as to special regulations in this chapter, and except as to provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.

The only roadways that you could not use are those on which bicycles are not permitted, including interstate highways and roads deemed not for use by bicycles due to local ordinances, in which case signs should be posted.

You can find much more information about the laws related to bicycling on this site.

The ADA may have additional information, but that is beyond the scope of this site.

We can’t recommend routes. FBA or Adventure Cycling may be able to help you with that.

https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/

http://floridabicycle.org/