Officials urge cautious e-bike use and warn against high‑powered 'e‑motos' on paths

Officials used the town hall to review e-bike safety rules and to distinguish permitted e-bikes from high-powered electric mopeds that exceed legal limits for trails and sidewalks.

Speakers referenced Palm Coast's local ordinance and a state law passed this year requiring riders to reduce speed to 10 mph when within 50 feet of a pedestrian and to use an audible signal when passing. "Pedestrians rule," one commissioner said, stressing that riders must slow and give audible notice when approaching people on sidewalks and multi-use paths.

Officials summarized e-bike classes under state statute: class two bikes with throttles (manufacturer-limited to about 20 mph) and class three power-assist bikes (up to about 28 mph). They noted manufacturers sometimes provide modifications that can push speeds higher, and that bicycles must have pedals and meet wattage limits. Law enforcement representatives warned about a different category — high-powered e-motos advertised with motors above 750 W and top speeds cited in some brochures as 44–50 mph — saying those models are not permitted on public paths, lack required lights, and can be seized.

Local enforcement options include speed checks, equipment checks and fines under Palm Coast's ordinance; the town hall also noted local age and helmet rules (Palm Coast previously imposed an 11-year minimum for some uses and the state has tightened helmet rules for those under 18). Officials urged parents and buyers to read rules before purchasing and to avoid buying e-motos for children.

Ending: County and law-enforcement speakers framed the guidance as public-education and enforcement priorities, and asked residents to report unsafe behavior and to use helmets and audible signals around pedestrians.