Foley, Ala., Takes Up an E-Bike and Scooter Ordinance With a 15 mph Path Limit, a Sidewalk Ban and Fines Up to $500

The Foley, Ala., City Council has a first reading of a citywide ordinance on its Nov. 2, 2026 agenda for a 4 p.m. meeting, the Baldwin Citizen reported in a Nov. 1 preview. The ordinance would regulate bicycles, e-bikes, electric scooters, electric skateboards and similar devices. A first reading introduces an ordinance; it does not adopt it.

The draft sets a 15 mph limit on sidewalks, bike lanes, paths and trails, bars sidewalk riding outside designated shared-use areas, bans shared scooter and bike rentals, and sets fines from $100 to $500 depending on how many times a rider has been cited.

What the draft would do

Sidewalks off limits. Riding on a sidewalk would be prohibited unless the city has designated that sidewalk for shared use. The council could designate shared-use sidewalks, and no-ride zones, by resolution.

Speed. 15 mph on sidewalks, bike lanes, paths, trails, multi-use paths and golf cart paths; the posted limit on streets.

Busy roads. Regulated devices could not be ridden on streets posted above 25 mph.

Helmets. Riders and passengers under 16 would need a helmet. So would riders of any age on a Class 3 e-bike, the kind that assists up to 28 mph. Nobody under 14 could operate a Class 3.

Lights and courtesy. Powered devices would need lights after dark, and riders would have to yield to pedestrians and warn before passing.

The rental ban is the unusual part

Most city ordinances this year have regulated how people ride. This one also targets the supply side: rental and shared scooter or bike systems would be banned outright, and any operator running when the ordinance takes effect would have 60 days to remove its devices.

For a rider, that means the question is not only where you can ride but whether a rented device exists to ride. For a market with a beach-season rental trade, it is a bigger change than a speed limit.

What it would cost to break the rules

$100 to $250 for a first violation.

$250 to $400 for a second within a year.

$400 to $500 for a third or later violation within a year of two prior ones.

Under 18 with no parent present. An officer could issue a warning, take the device to a city facility and call the parent. Retrieval would cost $50, plus $10 a day after the first 24 hours.

Other impounds, including repeat violators' devices or ones still parked illegally four hours after a notice is posted, would cost $75 to retrieve plus $10 a day after the first 24 hours.

When it could take effect

The ordinance would take effect 30 days after it is adopted and published. With only a first reading on the Nov. 2 agenda, a second reading and a vote still stand before any of this applies to a rider in Foley. If the council approves the hearing resolution that day, residents can speak on the rules Nov. 16.

What riders should do now

Nothing changes yet. A first reading is not a law. Keep riding under the rules that apply today until a final vote and publication.

Know your class. The Class 3 helmet rule at any age is the one that would catch adults who assume helmet laws are only for children. Check your bike's class before you ride.

Slow down on shared paths. 15 mph is the draft limit on paths and trails, and it is a common number across the ordinances passed this year.

Wear a helmet anyway. We recommend one for every rider. Our helmet picks are linked below.

This is a summary of news reporting, not legal advice. Check the City of Foley for the final ordinance, its effective date and any changes made at second reading.

More from ElectricBikes.com News: Citrus County deputies can now ticket e-bike riders on the Withlacoochee State Trail; and more e-bike news.

Sources

"Foley City Council, Nov. 2: E-Bike and Scooter Rules, Deadlines for Old Development Approvals, Flood Rules and a Barin Field World War II Museum," Baldwin Citizen, November 1, 2026.

Photo: Downtown Foley, Alabama, by Dofftoubab via Wikimedia Commons (CC0); cropped, headline added in the featured image.

Shopping for an e-bike? See our Lectric e-bike picks or shop Lectric e-bikes (paid link), and check each model's class before you ride.

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