Deltona approves first reading to regulate e-bikes and scooters, commissioners ask for ADA clarifications

Deltona — The City Commission on first reading amended local traffic and vehicle code to address micro‑mobility devices, including e‑bikes and shared scooters, and set an age threshold and operating-area restrictions for higher‑powered vehicles.

City Attorney read Ordinance 020‑2026, which updates the city's general code in line with state statute and adds targeted restrictions for devices that exceed 750 watts. Commissioner Harriet moved to raise the minimum age for certain e‑bikes from 16 to 18 and to limit their operation to sidewalks and bike lanes rather than mixed vehicle traffic; Commissioner Howington seconded an amended motion to explicitly include bike lanes. Commissioners agreed to draft the finalized language between first and second readings to reduce confusion and to ensure ADA‑protected mobility devices are not inadvertently restricted.

Public commenters urged care on ADA protections. Tim Blodgett warned the commission that federal ADA protections may prevent sweeping sidewalk bans for mobility conveyances used by people with disabilities and suggested specific carve‑outs in the draft ordinance. The City Attorney said staff will provide an analysis and clarifying language for second reading.

The motion to approve the ordinance at first reading, with the requested clarifications to be crafted before second reading, passed 6–0.

Next steps: Staff will prepare revised ordinance language and an ADA analysis ahead of the second reading, and bring the item back for a final vote.