ORLANDO, Fla. — The city of Orlando is taking steps to address large e-bike and e-scooter takeovers in downtown Orlando.
Orlando police previously released video showing dozens of young people on e-bikes and e-scooters gathering at intersections throughout downtown.
The video, recorded in July, shows riders cutting through intersections, running red lights and blocking an emergency vehicle trying to get through traffic.
OPD said people involved in takeovers could face criminal charges, traffic violations and have their e-bikes or e-motorcycles impounded. In some cases, the vehicles could also be subject to asset forfeiture.
Now, the city is looking at what additional steps it can take.
The city’s transportation department, police chief and assistant city attorney are scheduled to present information to the Orlando City Council about electric bikes and what the city can do to regulate them.
According to the presentation posted on the City Council website, cities cannot impose criminal penalties for violations involving micromobility devices.
The issue also extends beyond traffic concerns.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that more than 59,000 people went to emergency rooms because of e-bike injuries in 2024.
Locally, more than half of Orange County’s e-bike injury patients were 19 or younger.
Orlando is not the only local government dealing with questions about e-bike enforcement.
The Orange County Public Schools board voted July 28 to restrict e-bikes and e-scooters on school campuses. The policy bans elementary and middle school students from riding e-bikes and e-scooters to school.
High school students can ride the devices to campus only if they have a driver’s license or learner’s permit and register the device with their school.
However, Orange County Sheriff John Mina said deputies will not enforce the school district’s rules, which are set to go into effect in September.
“We don’t enforce the school rules. We are there for the protection of our children. We’re there to enforce state laws and local ordinances,” Mina said.
Orange County school leaders said they will discuss the details of enforcement at a later workshop.
The district also plans to review the policy after nine weeks to determine whether changes are needed.
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