eBikes in Hillsborough County Parks

Question

Phil asked: I can’t find anything about using Ann eMtb at Hillsborough County parks, mainly Morris Bridge and Flatwoods in Tampa. An information on this?

Answer

The County has a page about Flatwoods Park but no regulations are present there.

https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/locations/flatwoods-conservation-park

The County Code of Ordinances does address motorized bicycles in parks. Motorized bicycles are not permitted on trails or other specific non-motorized vehicle facilities. See the definition at the end of the quoted ordinance.

Hillsborough County Code of Ordinances

Sec. 38-25. – Recreational activities and facilities in park areas.

(c) Bicycles and other self-propelled vehicles.

(1) The operation of bicycles, tricycles and other self-propelled vehicles are limited to roads, trails and other areas designated for such type of vehicles unless otherwise authorized by the Director or his/her designee. This prohibition shall not apply to personal assistive mobility devices and law enforcement personnel or park officials who use such transportation in the normal course of their duties.

(2) No person shall ride a bicycle, tricycle or other self-propelled vehicle on any grassy area, path, or walkway designated solely for pedestrian use. This prohibition shall not apply to personal assistive mobility devices and law enforcement personnel or park officials who use such transportation in the normal course of their duties.

(3) No person shall operate any self-propelled vehicle (other than a bicycle) at a speed in excess of 15 miles per hour while in the parks or on park property.

(4) All persons operating bicycles or any other self-propelled vehicle shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing the use and operation of such vehicles.

(5) All persons operating bicycles, tricycles or other self-propelled vehicles must wear helmets and/or other safety gear in accordance with Florida Statutes. This provision does not apply to personal assistive mobility devices unless otherwise provided for in the Florida Statutes.

(6) When not in use, bicycles must be placed in designated bicycle racks where available.

(7) No person shall leave a bicycle, tricycle or other self-propelled vehicles in any place where other persons may trip over or be injured by it.

(d) Bicycle paths and multi-use paths/trails.

(1) No person shall operate a motorized vehicle, go-cart or skateboard on any bicycle path/trail or multi-use path/trail unless the path/trail is specifically designated for such use. This prohibition shall not apply to personal assistive mobility devices and law enforcement personnel or park officials who use such transportation in the normal course of their duties.

(2) No person shall hold any competitive event on any bicycle trail or multi-use path/trail without a permit issued for such use.

(3) Bicycle paths/trails and multi-use paths/trails may be closed at the discretion of park officials in the event of inclement weather or if use of such paths/trails may present a danger to the public’s health, safety or welfare.

(f) Motorized vehicles.

(1) The term “motorized vehicle(s)” as used in this section, shall have, but is not limited to, the following meaning: Any all-terrain vehicle, motorized scooter, motorized bike, motorized skateboard, go-cart, golf cart, electrical cart or any other motorized vehicle that is not licensed for use on public highways.

(2) No person shall operate or drive a motorized vehicle within the parks or on park property. This prohibition shall not apply to personal assistive mobility devices and law enforcement personnel or park officials who use such vehicles in the normal course of their duties.

3 Comments on “eBikes in Hillsborough County Parks

  1. i read the last section, d(1), as not applying to an e-bike. an e-bike is still a bicycle by name, description and definition. it is still sold as a bicycle. there is probably some sticker on the e-bike that says “bicycle” on it. i would use it anyway and if ticketed, fight it before the judge with this very reply.

  2. Sorry but I dropped the end to which I referred. The corrected version is above. The definition leaves no room for ambiguity.

  3. State law defines an e bike as a regular bicycle as long as it doesn’t exceed 20 mph. State law also supercedes local ordinances. Making this not apply to e bikes.

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