ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick is taking action to improve safety for young e-bike riders. After recent injuries involving children on e-bikes, Hardwick is drafting legislation to update Florida’s e-bike laws.
“We just had a meeting with school officials, county commissioners and staff to discuss how to do better,” Hardwick said. “We’re looking at e-bike rodeos like the old bicycle rodeos — teaching kids and parents the rules of the road, helmet safety and pedestrian awareness.”
The sheriff praised the county’s traffic division for their summer campaign educating riders and parents. Flyers explaining safety rules were distributed, some kids were cited and deputies contacted parents of children who continued not to follow the rules.
“It’s just like the wild west right now,” Ken Hinkle, owner of Sprockets said of e-bikes.
Hardwick said the legislation will clarify e-bike regulations, which currently fall under bicycle statutes.
“E-motos stand on their own now, treated like motorcycles. But e-bikes are more like mopeds with pedals — we need clear laws for them,” Hardwick said. “We are drafting as we speak.”
There has been a rise in e-bike injuries, according to the trauma center at Wolfson Children’s Hospital:
- 2022 - three
- 2023 - 23
- 2024 - 74
- As of Aug. 5, 2025 - 76
Hardwick said Senator Tom Leek and Representative Kim Kendall have agreed to sponsor the bill in the Senate and House.
“When you have blood on your hands from kids getting hurt, it’s time to act,” Hardwick said.
RELATED |‘Scariest moment of my life’: Father, son recount frightening e-bike crash, warn others about safety|Neighbor describes aftermath of 15-year-old’s e-bike crash in St. Johns County
The sheriff’s office is also partnering with St. Johns County School District to launch mandatory e-bike safety classes for sixth through eighth graders. Taught by resource deputies, the classes will cover helmet use, road rules, and safe riding practices.
“It’s a train-the-trainer model,” Hardwick said. “Our deputies train school staff, who then teach students in their schools. We want to reach as many kids as possible.”
The classes will last about 30 to 45 minutes and aim to be completed in the first semester. “We’re teaching the basic laws from Florida’s bicycle statute and emphasizing safety,” Hardwick said.
SJSO has issued seven citations in 2025 related to e-bikes.
