Residents urge stronger rules on high‑powered electric motorcycles after near‑misses and injuries

During public comment June 2, resident Iris Adivi urged the city to close gaps in its micromobility rules to cover motor‑style electric bikes (examples named in the record: Suron, Razer MX models) that lack pedals, exceed 50 pounds and can reach speeds well above 28 mph. Adivi said she has observed children as young as 11 or 12 riding these vehicles on sidewalks and cited increased injury calls reported to local first responders.

Adivi asked the commission to treat devices without pedals and with higher weight/speed as motorcycles under state law, restrict sales to minors and clarify prohibited locations (streets, sidewalks, bike paths, parks and gated‑community common areas). “These vehicles...are being operated by minors on our streets, sidewalks and within gated communities,” she said during a three‑minute comment.

Mayor Weinberg and other commissioners said they share the concern and outlined steps already under way: police impoundment of hazardous devices when practical, an education campaign with local schools, coordination with homeowners associations that can set stricter private rules, and review of neighboring cities’ ordinances (Sunny Isles cited) and state statutes to identify options that will survive legal scrutiny. The mayor suggested legislative outreach in Tallahassee may be necessary to address statutory gaps.

Commissioners emphasized enforcement limits on public roadways and the greater ability of HOAs to set rules inside private communities; they also asked staff and police to meet with residents for follow‑up. The city said it will continue enforcement and evaluate ordinance amendments and education to reduce risks to pedestrians and riders.