Hillsborough’s New E-Bike Rules: 10 mph on Sidewalks and Fines Up to $500

Tampa BayLocal

Nov 11

The county’s new ordinance covers e-bikes, scooters and regular bicycles. Wheelies and stunts are out, and parents can be on the hook for their kids’ tickets.

By Joseph J. Jackson | TAMPA (Nov. 11, 2026)

The short version

Hillsborough commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to set speed limits for e-bikes, scooters and bicycles: 10 mph on sidewalks, 15 mph on shared paths and trails, 28 mph on roads and bike lanes.
Fines start at $50 and climb to as much as $500 for repeat violations. Parents may be held responsible for their children’s tickets.
The rules apply in unincorporated Hillsborough for now. Tampa City Council is expected to consider them.
The Sheriff’s Office says it will educate riders before it starts enforcing.

If your kid rides an e-bike to school in Brandon, Riverview or Town ’n’ Country, the rules just changed.

Hillsborough County commissioners unanimously approved a new ordinance Tuesday that sets speed limits and bans stunts for electric bikes, scooters and traditional bicycles. The Sheriff’s Office and health officials wrote it in response to what they called an alarming increase in serious injuries and deaths.

What are the speed limits?

Sidewalks: 10 mph
Shared-use paths and trails: 15 mph
Roads, shoulders, bike lanes and bike paths: 28 mph

What else is banned?

The ordinance outlaws wheelies and other stunts, towing, and street takeovers, and requires riders to yield to pedestrians and stay out of restricted areas, according to Col. David Arthur of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It also includes helmet requirements.

“This proposed ordinance builds on those protections with clear, local speed limits, restrictions on dangerous stunts, street takeovers, and additional enforcement tools to ensure public safety,” Arthur told commissioners, WFLA reported.

What happens if you break it?

First offense: a $50 fine
Repeat violations: fines up to $500
Kids: parents may be held responsible for infractions committed by their children
Impoundment: the rules allow deputies to impound devices in some cases, FOX 13 reported

The Sheriff’s Office says it will educate the community, schools and neighborhoods about the changes before enforcement begins.

Why now?

Crashes involving e-bikes and scooters have already hit twice last year’s total, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Injury crashes are up 61%, and crashes without injuries are up 35%. Five people have died in crashes involving the devices over the past two years, including a 68-year-old woman last week.

Across the region, more than two dozen people have died riding e-bikes over the last five years, a Tampa Bay Times analysis found.

Where do the rules apply?

For now, only in unincorporated Hillsborough County. Cities can adopt them. Commissioner Harry Cohen, who asked staff to draft the rules last month, said the Tampa City Council is expected to consider them. Pinellas County commissioners have also weighed e-bike rules but signaled they’d wait for state lawmakers to act, Axios Tampa Bay reported.

The pushback

Not everyone signed on. Paula Flores of Walk Bike Tampa questioned how cyclists without speedometers are supposed to know they’re going 10 or 15 mph, and warned that parking restrictions could penalize riders in areas without enough bike parking, Florida Politics reported.

Parents and riders: what do you think of the new rules? Tell us at tips@floridamannewsnetwork.com.

Sources

E-BikesScootersBicyclesHillsborough County CommissionHillsborough County Sheriff’s OfficeHarry CohenTraffic SafetyTampa

Joseph Jackson