Miami Approves E-Bike and Scooter Rules: Riders Must Be 16, No Sidewalk Riding, 20 MPH Cap and $100 Fines

The Miami City Commission on Thursday, October 22, 2026, approved new rules for e-bikes, motorized scooters and other micromobility devices. Riders must be at least 16, sidewalk riding is banned, and top speed is capped at 20 mph, NBC 6 South Florida reported. NBC 6 said the rules are expected to take effect in about 10 days.

We are the e-bike experts, and we read the posted ordinance so you don't have to. Here is what changes for riders in the city of Miami.

What the ordinance says

The text posted for Thursday's meeting creates a new Section 8-20 of the Miami City Code. Under that text:

Age 16 and photo ID. Riders under 16 may not operate e-bikes, motorized scooters or other micromobility devices on city streets and rights-of-way. Riders must carry a valid government-issued photo ID.

No sidewalks. No riding on public sidewalks or pedestrian walkways, except to walk the device or park it.

Where you can ride. Bike lanes where they exist, or streets with a posted speed limit of 30 mph or less.

20 mph cap on all street rights-of-way.

One rider per device. An adult may still carry a child who is securely attached and wearing a helmet.

Parking. No parking on sidewalks except in a designated spot, and never where it blocks a doorway or leaves less than 3 feet clear for people walking.

What counts as an e-bike. The ordinance defines an electric bicycle as having a motor of less than 750 watts, and it exempts devices used under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Miami Local Today reported.

Fines and enforcement

Each violation, and each day of a violation, is a separate offense punishable by a $100 fine, under the posted text. Miami Local Today reported that Miami police could also write state traffic tickets and that fines could be appealed to a special magistrate.

The ordinance itself says it takes effect immediately after final reading and adoption, unless the mayor vetoes it within 10 calendar days. NBC 6 reported the rules are expected to take effect in about 10 days. The city's online legislative record says the item was adopted with modifications, pending final approval as to form by the city attorney, so the final adopted text could differ from the version posted before the meeting. The rules apply in the city of Miami only, not all of Miami-Dade County.

Why Miami acted

The ordinance was sponsored by Commissioners Damian Pardo, Rolando Escalona and Rafael Rosado, according to the city's legislative record, and passed on first reading 5-0 on September 24, Miami Local Today reported. NBC 6 said the vote comes after several incidents involving micromobility devices in recent months, including at least one fatal crash last month.

Miami joins other Florida local governments writing their own rules: Palm Beach County has advanced e-bike rules with a final vote set for Dec. 1, and Oviedo set a 15 mph sidewalk limit (see below).

What riders should do now

Check your route. If your commute uses sidewalks or a street posted above 30 mph with no bike lane, plan a new one.

Carry ID. A driver's license or state ID card works as government-issued photo ID.

Wear a helmet. The ordinance's child-passenger exception requires the child to wear one, and we recommend one for every rider. Shop our helmet picks.

Park with 3 feet to spare. Keep doorways and walking paths clear.

This is a summary of news reports and the posted ordinance text, not legal advice. Check the City of Miami's final adopted ordinance for exact rules.

More from ElectricBikes.com News: Palm Beach e-bike rules · Oviedo, Fla., sets 15 mph sidewalk limit · More e-bike news

Sources

"Miami approves new e-scooter rules, increases penalties for animal cruelty," NBC 6 South Florida, October 22, 2026: nbcmiami.com

"Miami to vote on e-bike rules: age 16, no sidewalk riding," Miami Local Today: miamilocaltoday.com

City of Miami, legislative record for Ordinance 14497, creating Section 8-20 of the City Code (read Oct. 23, 2026): miamifl.iqm2.com

Photo: Miami City Hall at Dinner Key in Coconut Grove, by Gary Miotla via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0); cropped, headline added in the featured image. Illustrative.

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