Federal Law

• Federal Electric Bicycle Law H.R. 727 states that an electronically driven bicycle should be considered a bicycle as long as it has functional pedals, a maximum speed less than 20 miles per hour, and a motor less than 750 watts. This law supersedes any local or state laws about electric bikes. Additionally, because mopeds, motorized scooters, go-peds and pocket bikes do not meet the requirements of the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act, they may not be registered for operation on public roadways.
  
  

Public Road Vehicles

• Mopeds and motorized bicycles, characterized as two-wheeled vehicles with 50cc or less engines, may be operated on public roads in Florida. The driver of either must be at least 16 if used on a public road and both can be used on sidewalks and bike paths as long as they are operated with purely human power. A motorized bicycle does not require a Class E driver's license, but a moped does, as well as tag registration. Mopeds also require a helmet to be worn by the driver if he is under 16 years old.
  
  

Private Road Vehicles

• It is illegal to operate motorized scooters, pocket bikes and go-peds on public roadways, sidewalks and bicycle paths in Florida. However, it is legal for stores to sell and citizens to possess and operate these vehicles as long as it is on private property. Therefore, these vehicles must be carried or secured to a trailer if transported along public roads between two private areas.
  
  

Repercussions

• Under Florida Statute 316.1995, a person caught operating a go-ped, pocket bike, or motorized scooter (or a motorized bicycle or moped if the engine is engaged) on a sidewalk will be issued a traffic citation. Interestingly, although some of these vehicles do not require a driver's license or registration when operated in private areas, Statutes 320.02 and 320.03 state that it is a criminal offense to operate one on a public road without license and registration. Statute 322.35 states that a parent who knowingly allows a juvenile to operate one of these vehicles on public streets without a driver's license is subject to arrest for a misdemeanor.