PROPOSED NAPLES BILL COULD REWRITE E-BIKE SAFETY AND RIDER RULES

A proposed piece of local legislation could change how electric bicycles are used and regulated across Naples and other parts of Collier County, sparking conversations about rider safety, pedestrian protection and new rules of the road.

Under consideration by county officials, the ordinance would establish clearer safety standards for e-bike riders, particularly on sidewalks, crosswalks and shared pathways through neighborhoods and parks. The move comes amid growing e-bike popularity throughout Southwest Florida as well as concerns over crashes and close calls involving both riders and pedestrians.

At its core, the proposal seeks to integrate e-bikes more explicitly into Collier County’s existing Pedestrian Safety Ordinance, which currently governs bicycles and pedestrian interactions. Advocates for the change argue that the rapid increase in e-bike use, especially among younger riders, has outpaced the clarity of existing rules, leading to confusion over where and how these vehicles should operate.

If approved, the ordinance would impose specific guidelines on e-bike behavior in public spaces. Among them: riders would be required to stop before entering intersections and yield to vehicles already in the roadway, and they would need to signal before passing pedestrians and other cyclists on sidewalks and multi-use paths.

Another significant element of the proposed rules focuses on speed and age restrictions. While statewide regulations already differentiate classes of e-bikes, local leaders are considering limits on how fast e-bikes can travel on certain paths and potential restrictions on riders younger than 16 operating high-powered models in busier areas.

Public safety officials, including representatives from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, have been part of the discussions, emphasizing that education — paired with clear rules — could reduce accidents and protect vulnerable groups such as children and seniors. Some officials have highlighted that e-bikes traveling at higher speeds on sidewalks can create risky situations for pedestrians, particularly in densely populated areas.

The idea isn’t without its supporters and critics. Advocates of active transportation say more defined e-bike rules could make Naples’ neighborhood trails and streets safer for everyone. Others worry new mandates could overregulate a popular and eco-friendly mode of transport, especially for commuters who rely on e-bikes as an alternative to cars.

Collier County commissioners will hold additional public hearings before any final vote on the ordinance. If approved, the updated e-bike safety provisions would be incorporated into existing local law, giving law enforcement clearer language to cite and residents a better understanding of their responsibilities.