E-Bikes & E-Scooters In Tampa/St. Pete: Where You Can Ride, Who Has The Right-Of-Way, And What To Do If You’re Hit

Electric bikes (e-bikes) and scooters have exploded in popularity across Tampa Bay. From USF students riding across campus to commuters using shared scooters downtown, these devices have changed how people move through the city. But they’ve also raised questions: Where can you ride? Who has the right-of-way? If there’s an accident, do I need to call a Tampa, FL bicycle accident lawyer?

Here’s a breakdown of Florida law, Tampa and St. Pete rules, and what you need to know to stay safe, and protect your rights, on two wheels.

Florida’s E-Bike Laws: Three Classes You Should Know

Florida adopted the national three-class e-bike system in 2020, defined in Florida Statutes §316.20655:

Class 1: Pedal-assist only, motor stops at 20 mph.
Class 2: Throttle-assisted, motor stops at 20 mph.
Class 3: Pedal-assist, motor stops at 28 mph, must have a speedometer.

Florida treats e-bikes like regular bicycles when it comes to where you can ride, bike lanes, streets (where bicycles are allowed), and multi-use paths unless a local government restricts them. No license, registration, or insurance is required.

Florida’s E-Scooter Rules

Electric scooters (like the rentable ones from Lime or Bird) are regulated under Florida Statutes §316.2128. Key points:

Riders have the same rights and duties as bicyclists.
No license, registration, or insurance required.
Local governments can regulate where and when scooters may operate.
Max speed for shared scooters is typically 15 mph.

Tampa’s Shared Scooter & E-Bike Rules

Tampa launched its Shared Micromobility Program in 2019. The rules include:

Sidewalks: Riding on sidewalks downtown and in Ybor City is prohibited. Elsewhere, sidewalk riding is allowed but riders must yield to pedestrians.
Streets: Riders can use streets with speed limits of 45 mph or less but must stay to the right.
Parking: Scooters must be parked upright in designated corrals or out of the pedestrian path.
Curfews: Scooter use is prohibited between midnight and 6 a.m. due to past safety concerns.

Violating these rules can result in fines or suspension of your rental account.

St. Petersburg’s Approach

St. Pete regulates e-scooters under its Micromobility Ordinance. Differences from Tampa include:

Scooters are restricted in high-pedestrian areas like Beach Drive.
Designated parking corrals are strictly enforced.
Shared scooter operators must provide geo-fencing, which automatically slows or disables scooters in restricted zones.

Both cities emphasize pedestrian safety and have adjusted rules over time as usage has grown.

Who Has The Right-Of-Way

Right-of-way rules for e-bikes and scooters generally mirror those for bicycles:

At intersections: Riders must obey stop signs and traffic signals like any vehicle.
Crosswalks: Riders should dismount to cross as pedestrians; if riding through, drivers still must yield when a rider is lawfully in the crosswalk (§316.130).
Bike lanes: Cars must yield to riders in bike lanes when turning across them.
Sidewalks: When allowed, riders must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing.

Common Accident Scenarios In Tampa Bay

Dooring incidents: A driver opens a car door into the path of a rider.
Right-turn crashes: A car turns across a bike lane without checking.
Sidewalk conflicts: Collisions with pedestrians when scooters are ridden too fast on sidewalks.
Night riding accidents: Many scooter crashes happen after dark—one reason Tampa enforces a midnight curfew.
Intersection negligence: Cars failing to yield at stop signs or signals.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 1,000 bicyclists die and more than 130,000 are injured in U.S. crashes each year. E-bike and scooter accidents are rising alongside those numbers.

If You’re Involved In An E-Bike Or E-Scooter Accident

Check for injuries and call 911. Even low-speed crashes can cause concussions or fractures.
Move to safety if possible—Florida law requires vehicles (including scooters) to avoid unnecessary obstruction.
Document the scene: Take photos of road conditions, traffic signals, signage, vehicle positions, and injuries.
Get witness info: Bystanders often leave quickly in crowded areas.
Report to the company if it’s a shared scooter; Lime, Bird, and Spin all have in-app crash reporting.
Seek medical care within 14 days to preserve eligibility for PIP benefits (§627.736).
Know the statute of limitations: Florida now has a two-year deadline for most negligence claims (post-2023 reforms).

Liability: Who Pays

Determining fault in scooter and e-bike accidents can be complex:

Driver vs. rider: If a driver fails to yield or is distracted, their auto insurance may apply.
Rider negligence: If the rider ignores signals, rides where prohibited, or is intoxicated, their share of fault reduces recovery under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule (HB 837 Summary).
Shared scooter companies: In rare cases, if a malfunction contributes (like failed brakes), the operator could face liability.

Because scooters and e-bikes are relatively new, insurance companies often dispute coverage, making documentation critical.

Safety Tips For Riders In Tampa Bay

Wear a helmet. Not legally required for adults, but highly recommended.
Be visible. Use lights and reflective clothing, especially during evening events.
Obey traffic rules. Treat yourself like a vehicle, because under Florida law, you are.
Yield to pedestrians. Always give them the right-of-way.
Plan your route. Stick to streets with lower speed limits or marked bike lanes when possible.

Know The Rules Before You Ride

E-bikes and e-scooters make getting around Tampa Bay easier, greener, and more fun, but they also come with responsibilities. Florida law sets clear expectations for where and how you can ride, and both Tampa and St. Pete add extra rules to protect pedestrians and riders alike.

If you’re injured in an accident while riding, remember that you have rights under Florida law. At Mickey Keenan, P.A., we handle bicycle, pedestrian, and micromobility accident cases across Tampa Bay, and we can help you understand your options for medical coverage and recovery.

FAQs: E-Bikes & E-Scooters

Do You Need A License For An E-Bike In Florida?

No. Under Florida Statutes §316.20655, e-bikes are treated like bicycles. No driver’s license, registration, or insurance is required. Riders must, however, follow the same rules of the road as bicyclists.

Can I Ride A Scooter On The Sidewalk In Tampa?

It depends. Tampa prohibits scooter riding on sidewalks in Downtown and Ybor City but allows it in other areas if riders yield to pedestrians (Tampa Shared Micromobility Program). Always look for posted signs, since local restrictions can change.

Are Helmets Required On E-Scooters Or E-Bikes?

Florida law requires helmets only for riders under 16 on bicycles and e-bikes. Adults are not legally required to wear them, but helmets are strongly recommended to prevent serious head injuries. Many scooter rental companies also encourage helmet use.

What If I’m Hit By A Car While Riding An E-Bike Or Scooter?

Florida’s no-fault insurance system (§627.736) may provide initial medical coverage through your own PIP policy. If injuries are serious and another party is at fault, you may also pursue their insurance. Florida’s two-year statute of limitations applies to negligence claims, so documenting the crash immediately is important.

The skilled and compassionate team at Mickey Keenan P.A. has a collective 88+ years of experience helping the injured and 100s of five-star ratings from Google reviews. We are available 24/7 and offer free consultations. Reach out to us any time you or someone you love is in need of legal help.