Alejandro Figueroa | April 14, 2022 | Florida Law
Until 2019, cities like Tampa had the authority to regulate electric scooters on their streets. Tampa used that authority to pass several ordinances that regulated where and how riders could use e-scooters within the city limits.
But in 2019, Florida enacted a law that set a statewide policy for the use of e-scooters. In response, Tampa lifted most of its restrictions on e-scooter use, leaving in place only a few limited rules.
Here is an overview of the current regulations in Tampa, FL, for e-scooters and their riders.
Florida’s E-Scooter Law
Florida’s e-scooter law sets the statewide baseline for e-scooter ridership. This law addresses four primary issues for e-scooter operators:
Traffic Rules and Laws
Florida’s e-scooter law treats e-scooter riders the same as it treats bicyclists. In other words, e-scooter riders have the same rights and responsibilities as cyclists. They must also observe all of the same traffic rules and laws that apply to cyclists.
Restrictions on Use
Under Florida’s law, e-scooters are not street legal, but they can use bike lanes on public roads. It also allows cities to restrict e-scooter use on certain sidewalks, parks, and streets under their jurisdiction.
Rider Qualifications
Riders of any age can use e-scooters on sidewalks.
E-scooter riders must be at least 16 years old to ride on bike lanes on the road. But they do not need to have a driver’s license to operate an e-scooter.
Registration Requirements
E-scooter owners do not need to get a title for their e-scooters. They also do not need to register their e-scooter.
Practical Effects of Florida’s E-Scooter Law
By treating e-scooters as bicycles under the traffic laws, e-scooter riders must:
- Wear a helmet if they are under the age of 16
- Ride single-file
- Use a lamp when riding at night
- Provide an audible signal when overtaking pedestrians on the sidewalk
- Not carry any passenger unless the e-scooter is designed for passengers
The police can enforce these regulations against e-scooter riders by issuing a citation for a noncriminal traffic infraction. A court can assess a $15 fine for each citation.
Tampa’s Restrictions on E-Scooters
Tampa has exercised its authority to pass additional restrictions on e-scooter use on certain roads. The city has banned the use of e-scooters on:
- Tampa Riverwalk
- Bayshore Boulevard
- East Seventh Street in Ybor City
If you ride your e-scooter in these areas, the local police can cite you.
Riding Your E-Scooter Safely and Legally in Tampa, FL
Tampa has lifted all other restrictions on e-scooters. This means you can ride your e-scooter anywhere in the city except in the three areas specifically exempted.
But this does not mean you should throw caution to the wind. E-scooters can legally travel up to 30 miles per hour, but most cannot exceed 15 miles per hour. This places you at great risk of e-scooter accidents when riding in heavy traffic.
You should also remember that drivers often fail to recognize pedestrians, bicyclists, and e-scooter riders at intersections. You should always remain vigilant when crossing roads with your e-scooter. And even if you are over 16 years old, you should consider wearing a helmet while operating an e-scooter. Although 15 miles per hour does not seem very fast, you could still suffer a traumatic brain injury if you crash at that speed without a helmet.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Tampa, FL
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Tampa, FL, and need legal help, contact our Tampa personal injury lawyers at Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers
Bank of America Plaza
101 E Kennedy Blvd #2400
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 222-8656
We also provide legal assistance throughout the Tampa Bay Area including Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Bradenton.
