Police outline e-bike classifications and golf-cart rules; commission plans public awareness effort

Police and public-safety staff used the town hall to explain rules governing electric bikes and neighborhood golf carts and to recommend a city public-awareness campaign.

A public-safety official summarized FDOT classifications for e-bikes and the relevant Florida statute numbers, explaining class 1 (pedal assist, 20 mph max), class 2 (pedal assist and throttle control) and class 3 (pedal assist only, up to 28 mph). The official said department posts and an FDOT flyer are already on the city's Facebook page and that staff would supplement that information for residents.

Officials discussed a pending state bill that raised the minimum recommended operator age in draft language and noted that local ordinances must match state law. Police staff also described equipment and visibility requirements for golf carts to operate on streets and said parents would likely be cited when minors violate provisions.

Commissioners and staff agreed to double-check the city's online guidance after attendees noted the police webpage still showed earlier age provisions for golf-cart operation; they planned a coordinated public-awareness effort ahead of summer to reduce confusion and improve safety.

No ordinance change was adopted at the meeting; staff said they would compare state law, the city ordinance and FDOT guidance and return with clarifying materials.