eBikes in Williston

Question

Chester asked: Can an electric bicycle be ridden on the streets and sidewalks in Williston, Florida.

Answer

Bicycles are permitted on the roadway and on sidewalks in Florida unless there is a local ordinance to the contrary. I can find no such ordinance for Williston or Levy County.  I suggest checking with your police department to confirm this information.

s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations

(9) A person propelling a vehicle by human power upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, has all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances.

(10) A person propelling a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian.

Bicycles equipped with electric assist motors are considered bicycles if they meet the statutory definition.

s. 316.003 – Definitions

(2) BicycleEvery 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 a 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.

With few exceptions, only human powered vehicles may be operated on sidewalks.

s. 316.1995 – Driving Upon Sidewalk or Bicycle Path

(1)…. a person may not drive any vehicle other than by human power upon a bicycle path, sidewalk, or sidewalk area, except upon a permanent or duly authorized temporary driveway.

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

A bicycle equipped with a motor could only be used on a sidewalk with the motor power entirely disabled.

2 Comments on “eBikes in Williston

  1. My understanding is that only HUMAN POWERED vehicles are permitted on the side walks. Did that change?

  2. Phil,

    I did not include the exceptions in the answer above since they did not apply to the question. The omitted part of s. 316.1995 is as follows:

    “(1) Except as provided in s. 316.008 or s. 316.212(8),”

    s. 316.008 – Powers of Local Authorities
    (h) Regulating the operation of bicycles.

    That could possibly include motorized bicycles meeting the statutory definition of “bicycle’.

    Under certain very strict conditions, golf carts may be used on sidewalks.

    s. 316.212 – Operation of Golf Carts on Certain Roadways
    (8) A local governmental entity may enact an ordinance relating to:
    (b) Golf cart operation on sidewalks adjacent to specific segments of municipal streets, county roads, or state highways within the jurisdictional territory of the local governmental entity if:
    1. The local governmental entity determines, after considering the condition and current use of the sidewalks, the character of the surrounding community, and the locations of authorized golf cart crossings, that golf carts, bicycles, and pedestrians may safely share the sidewalk;
    2. The local governmental entity consults with the Department of Transportation before adopting the ordinance;
    3. The ordinance restricts golf carts to a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour and permits such use on sidewalks adjacent to state highways only if the sidewalks are at least 8 feet wide;
    4. The ordinance requires the golf carts to meet the equipment requirements in subsection (6). However, the ordinance may require additional equipment, including horns or other warning devices ….
    5. The local governmental entity posts appropriate signs or otherwise informs residents that the ordinance exists and applies to such sidewalks.

    Segways and similar devices may be operated on sidewalks.

    s. 316.2068 – Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices; Regulations
    (1) An electric personal assistive mobility device, as defined in s. 316.003, may be operated:
    (e) On a sidewalk, if the person operating the device yields the right-of-way to pedestrians and gives an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian

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