ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – St. Johns County officials are intensifying efforts to address mounting e-bike safety concerns after injuries among young riders continue to rise in 2025.
Hours before a packed town hall meeting at the Ponte Vedra Branch Library, Sheriff Rob Hardwick said a 7-year-old collided with a car and was transported to Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
According to hospital data, e-bike-related injuries are on pace to double compared to 2024.
“I was actually on the radio this morning when I heard that incident with the 7-year-old boy, and I just get sick to my stomach,” Hardwick said. “We want these kids to be kids. We don’t want to take away that element of being out and being involved in their community and being active.”
Hardwick said his office has already implemented several measures to combat the rising incident rate. The sheriff’s office shared that each middle school has gone through a 45-minute course on proper e-bike safety rules. However, Hardwick emphasizes that community involvement is crucial.
“This starts in your homes,” Hardwick told the crowd. “Let’s be honest about this. It starts with educating.”
District 5 Commissioner Ann Taylor said e-bike safety has been a top concern from residents. She said she has seen positive changes already taking shape.
“I’ve noticed so many more kids wearing their helmets,” Taylor said. “We still have a long way to go, but I can tell you that just what’s been done in the last few months, it’s definitely exceeded my expectations.”
The sheriff said law enforcement is currently working with state legislators to develop comprehensive e-bike regulations. He said, as of now, most electric bikes operate under bicycle laws while others are like motorcycles.
He said the goal is to clearly define where e-bikes can and can’t be and what laws they should follow.
State Rep. Kim Kendall is expected to co-sponsor the legislation, which officials hope to pass in the next legislative cycle.
“We can’t do this alone,” Hardwick emphasized. “We have to have people at the podium, speaking at the Florida Legislature and sharing these stories of what we can do better as a community.”
The town hall meeting drew a capacity crowd, with residents raising questions about age restrictions, enforcement capabilities, and pending legislation. It’s a level of engagement that encouraged local officials.
“They want to learn,” Taylor said. “And hopefully they’ll go back and even share what was discussed tonight.”