eBike on Pinellas Trail?

Question

William asked: I have an e-bike (maximum speed 20 mph) which I would like to use on the Pinellas Trail and Duke Energy Trail in Clearwater, FL. The trail rangers may have different instructions for different parts of the trail as I have been given different answers in St Pete, Clearwater, and Dunedin. Note: I conducted my survey on foot so as not to violate any existing laws that prohibit power-assisted e-bikes from operating on the Pinellas Trail.  

Answer

In most circumstances, any motorized traffic is prohibited from a bike path or sidewalk. The state statutes that would normally apply are these:

s. 316.1995Driving upon Sidewalk or Bicycle Path

(1) Except as provided in s. 316.008 …. 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.

And,

s. 316.003 – Definitions

(4) 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.

However, a local authority may enact regulations or ordinances that affect bicycles, including motorized bicycles, in their jurisdiction.

s. 316.008Powers of Local Authorities

(1) The provisions of this chapter shall not be deemed to prevent local authorities, with respect to streets and highways under their jurisdiction and within the reasonable exercise of the police power, from:

(h) Regulating the operation of bicycles.

The local authority in this case seems to be Pinellas County. The main Trail site here seems to indicate that motorized vehicles of any type except as noted are prohibited.

http://www.pinellascounty.org/trailgd/#rules

Basic rules to help everyone enjoy the trail:

Motorized vehicles (except electric handicap wheelchairs, maintenance, law enforcement and emergency vehicles) are prohibited.

I recommend that you contact the office that seems to have authority over the trail for the county:

Parks & Conservation Resources
PCR Administrative Office
12520 Ulmerton Road

Largo, FL 33774
(727) 582-2100 – select option #2

When you talk to any authority you should ask them the regulatory basis for what they tell you. Is there a regulation or ordinance that backs up what they say?  You should also ask if there is other jurisdiction and other local authority in the cities through which the trail runs.

12 Comments on “eBike on Pinellas Trail?

  1. If an e-bike is both pedaled and equipped with a small helper motor then it is designated as a “Bicycle.” Not a “motorized vehicle?” Seems ambiguous to me and needs clarification but that e-bikes limited to 20mph should be allowed on bike trails marked by signs reading “No motorized vehicles” as these are “Bicycles”

  2. Chris,

    A motorized bicycle is bicycle and it is a motorized vehicle. It is not powered only by human power.

    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.

    If the trail authority’s intent is to prohibit motorized bicycles, the signs should say “Vehicles powered only by human power only”. If they want to permit motorized bicycles the authority having jurisdiction may enact a regulation or ordinance to that effect.

    • Ok. I must be especially dense. If the trailhead sign reads “Non-motorized vehicles only” then an e-bike (class 1&2 under 20mph) is allowed or not?

      Thank you for clarifying

      • Yes, I contacted the Pinellas county parks office and they stated yes you can have a peddle assist ebike on the trail. I asked if there was a wattage maximum and she said no, only max speed 20 mph.

  3. I vote for allowing e bikes. Plenty of seniors who need and desire the exercise but need a little assistance to continue. Don’t shut them out…please.

  4. I have been passed on the trail by “standard bicycles” going far more than 20 MPH….it seems very reasonable to me that electric assisted bikes with max speed of 20 MPH should be allowed. It would give access to many people that otherwise would be unable, or very limited in using the trail.

    • Federal mandate 750 watt max for electric bike, I believe the state (s. 316.003) says pedal assist is considered and defined as a Bicycle not vehicle, no registration / licence required. Don’t get caught using a Throttle, or going over 20 mph. Why this topic is such a mystery, that should be solved with one phone call, amazes me.

    • Did you have a radar gun, or some other means to accurately measure these speeds?

      It’s REALLY hard to get a solely HUMAN bike of any kind up to 20mph.

      I’m a pretty strong cycljst, and going downhill on the Tierra Verde bridge (which is VERY steep) with a SERIOUS tailwind, on a very light bike, I could only manage 27mph for a brief sprint. Therefore I have to question that you ‘have been passed on the trail by “standard bicycles” going far more than 20 MPH’.

  5. The trail through Ozona and Palm Harbor is crowded with ebikes, motorized scooters and motorized skateboards. It is becoming precarious to walk on this section of the trail as it is not always divided and some do not seem to know they should stay in their lane. A priority should be placed on dividing the pedestrian path from the bike, scooter and skateboards. It is crazy how the walkers have to walk on the same side whether going north or south.
    Quite a few of these items are being used completely by motor with the user not using his/her legs to power them. Some are definitely going faster than 20mph. .

  6. Jack,

    Prior to this year, motorized vehicles of any type were prohibited from Florida trails, sidewalks, etc.

    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 ….

    However, a new law was passed this year which permits electric bicycles on bike paths, sidewalks, etc.

    “CS/CS/HB 971 2020
    (7) An operator may ride an electric bicycle where bicycles are allowed, including, but not limited to, streets, highways, roadways, shoulders, bicycle lanes, and bicycle or multiuse paths.”

    That’s the case unless a local authority enacts a regulation or ordinance to the contrary.

    “However, this section may not be construed to prevent a local government, through the exercise of its powers under s. 316.008, from adopting an ordinance governing the operation of electric bicycles ….”

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