With the first day of school approaching, the City of Palm Coast, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, and Flagler Schools are asking families to take a fresh look at what’s required and what’s expected when kids ride electric bikes. The message is simple: review the city’s e-bike ordinance now, then spend a little time going over safe riding habits before students are back on the roads.
Officials say the start of the school year always brings more foot traffic and more bikes, including e-bikes, on neighborhood streets, sidewalks, and shared paths. When riders stick to the rules of the road, it helps protect everyone — pedestrians, drivers, other cyclists, and the riders themselves.
“Back to school means more kids are walking, biking, and riding e-bikes throughout our community,” Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris said. “We want every student to arrive at school safely and return home safely each day.” He also pointed to the role parents play, saying it matters that children understand the rules, and that going over the law together can help avoid serious injuries.
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly urged parents to make sure the e-bikes their children are using are actually legal. “Modified e-bikes that no longer conform to e-bike laws and exceed defined speed limits are prohibited on city streets, sidewalks, and paths and, if operated in violation of the city ordinance, may be impounded and result in fines,” he said.
Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore echoed the safety focus, encouraging students to make responsible choices. “As more students choose e-bikes for transportation, I encourage them to ride responsibly and put safety first,” she said.
Palm Coast’s e-bike ordinance, adopted in 2025, lays out how electric bicycles can be operated within the city. Riders must be at least 11 years old to use an e-bike on city streets, sidewalks, or shared-use paths. They’re also required to follow traffic laws, yield to pedestrians, and use an audible signal when passing. E-bikes that have been modified in ways that put them outside Florida’s legal definition of an electric bicycle are not allowed.
The ordinance also requires riders to carry a government-issued photo ID and show it to law enforcement when asked. Violations can bring fines of up to $100, and e-bikes used in violation of the ordinance can be impounded.
The city added a separate reminder tied to state law: anyone under 16 must wear a helmet. Officials also recommend steps that can cut down crash risk, like wearing bright or reflective clothing, staying off cell phones and skipping headphones while riding, and being especially alert at intersections.
Families are encouraged to check their child’s e-bike before school starts, confirm it meets Florida’s legal definition, and have a clear conversation about expectations for safe riding. The notice is part of the city’s ongoing “Ride Smart. Ride Safe.” effort, a joint education initiative with Palm Coast, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, and Flagler Schools. More details are available at www.palmcoast.gov/ebikes.
The post Palm Coast Reminds Families of E-Bike Rules Ahead of School Year first appeared on Flagler County Buzz.
