New Smyrna Beach city commissioners are considering an ordinance that would ban e-bikes, scooters and similar motorized devices from sidewalks in the city's business districts, shopping centers and recreational parks, backing the restrictions with a proposed $150 fine for riders who break the rules. The measure, known as ordinance 44-26, also targets devices on basketball, tennis and pickleball courts owned by the city, and would stop shared mobility and rental companies from staging micromobility devices on public property within city limits.
What The Proposed Rules Would Cover
Under ordinance 44-26, bicycles, e-bikes, scooters and similar devices would be barred from public sidewalks in the Mainland Special Parking District, the Flagler Avenue Special Parking District, and other business districts and shopping centers, according to WKMG. The same proposal would prohibit e-bikes, motorized scooters, one-wheel devices and similar motorized vehicles in the city's recreational parks, covering sidewalks, pathways, trails, open areas and other pedestrian spaces, though signs could carve out exceptions where device use is specifically allowed.
The city's own announcement frames the proposal in similar terms, describing a plan prohibiting riding electric bicycles, unicycles, scooters and similar micromobility devices in city parks, streets, sidewalks, paths and other areas deemed to pose a potential hazard to pedestrians, according to the City of New Smyrna Beach. That notice puts the proposed fine for a violation at $150. The ordinance would also require riders ages 16 and 17 to wear a properly secured bicycle helmet, with the city listing a proposed $25 fine for helmet violations.
Fines And Possible Added Penalties
A first violation would carry a $150 fine plus applicable court costs, the station's report states. Second or subsequent violations could bring additional penalties under city code, and repeat violations could result in police seizure of the bicycle or device. City officials have said the goal of ordinance 44-26 is to clarify where devices may be operated while still preserving them as transportation options in areas where riding remains permitted.
The city commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the ordinance Nov. 10 and consider it on second reading Thursday, Nov. 12. Assistant City Attorney Shane McCurdy said staff will take public comments under advisement ahead of that reading, according to citizenportal.ai. The city had scheduled an inauguration ceremony for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, followed by its nineteenth regular meeting at 5:30 p.m.
Residents Raise Safety Concerns
The proposal addresses safety concerns involving riders, pedestrians and motorists. The city held a public forum about the proposed rules on Oct. 1. Residents also asked about training for young riders.
How Nearby Cities Have Handled E-Bikes
New Smyrna Beach would not be the first Volusia County city to restrict micromobility devices. DeLand's City Commission voted 5-0 on April 20 to adopt an ordinance banning micromobility devices and e-bikes on certain downtown sidewalks, according to The Daytona Beach News-Journal. DeLand's rules call for a fine of up to $250 plus court costs for a first violation, with repeat violators facing a misdemeanor charge punishable by a fine of up to $500 and 60 days in jail. DeLand also requires 16- and 17-year-olds to wear helmets while riding bicycles, e-bikes and micromobility devices in areas where riding is permitted.
Deltona has taken a different approach, banning e-bikes, motorized scooters and mopeds for anyone under 18, per WESH. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood has said his office has no current plans to enforce that ordinance and that deputies will instead enforce state law, the station reported.
E-Scooter Injuries Among Children
A separate study found 2,117 e-scooter injuries among U.S. children from 2020 through 2024, with more than 42% of those injuries occurring in 2024, per the News-Journal's reporting.
