New Regulations for Florida E-Bikes
Electric bicycles have become a popular way to get around in Florida for visitors and local residents alike. However, because their use is relatively new, the laws and rules that regulate them are still developing. It’s important for users to remain up-to-date on these changes, as they could affect a person’s ability to recover compensation in the event of an accident.
Minimum Age Limit Abolished and Speed Limits Increased
There are a number of e-bike regulations that apply statewide and some of those rules have changed recently. For instance, in the past, e-bicycles could only be used by those who were 16 years of age or older. This minimum age limit, however, was recently changed, which means that individuals of any age can now legally ride e-bikes on Florida roads. Speed-related rules were also recently modified, with the limits being raised from 20 to 28 miles per hour.
Other E-Bike Regulations
Besides these two major changes to e-bike regulations, there are a lot of other rules with which users must comply. These riders, for instance, can take their e-bikes not only on the roads, but also the sidewalks. Furthermore, only riders who are under the age of 16 years old are legally required to wear a helmet. E-bike riders can also file claims with their PIP insurance providers after an accident. Finally, it’s important for riders to remember that cities have the right to set stricter rules for the use of e-bikes. Some municipalities, for instance, make it illegal to use an e-bike on the sidewalks.
The Impact of E-Bike Regulation On a Personal Injury Case
Failing to comply with an e-bike-related law in Florida can result in more than a traffic citation and a fine. It could also affect an accident victim’s ability to recover compensation. If, for instance, an e-bike user was illegally riding on the sidewalk at the time of a crash, that would likely reduce any settlement or damages award for which he or she qualified. Similarly, someone who violated the speed limit prior to a crash could expect his or her recovery to be reduced. This is because Florida adheres to a comparative negligence standard, under which at-fault parties who contribute to their own injuries can have their damages awards reduced. Under a recent change, anyone who is found to be more than 50 percent at fault for a crash will actually be banned from recovery.
Contact Our Experienced Florida Personal Injury Lawyers for Help
If you or a loved one were injured while using an e-bike in Fort Lauderdale or somewhere else in Florida, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. For an assessment of your case and legal options, please call Boone & Davis at 954-566-9919 and set up a meeting with one of our dedicated Florida personal injury lawyers today. There is no charge for an initial consultation, so don’t hesitate to call or contact us online at your earliest convenience.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.20655.html
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.81.html
