Cape Coral, FL — The Cape Coral Police Department is taking a strong stance on unsafe motorized transportation and enforcement of regulations.
Many of the “electric bikes” seen around Cape Coral are actually electric motorcycles under Florida law, which means they require a driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement, registration, and insurance to be operated legally on the road. Electric bicycles are limited to motors under 750 watts, a maximum speed of 28 mph, and may be used on roads and, in many cases, sidewalks at lower speeds. More powerful electric motorcycles must stay on roadways and meet all motor vehicle requirements shown in the guide image. A large percentage of the bikes officers are encountering are labeled “off-road use only,” making them illegal to ride on roads, sidewalks, and on vacant lots not owned by the rider or without the property owner’s permission.
Our department has responded to multiple incidents involving juveniles riding non-registered e-bikes at unsafe speeds, often on sidewalks or private property, and attempting to evade police, creating significant safety risks for themselves, pedestrians, and drivers. Some of these cases have resulted in arrests, including the following:
• Incident 1: A juvenile was riding an e-bike in a parking lot and fled from police when officers attempted to stop him. He was arrested for fleeing and eluding law enforcement.
• Incident 2: A juvenile operating a non-registered e-bike without a driver’s license tried to escape police after being observed riding recklessly in a shopping center parking lot. He was arrested for fleeing and eluding, operating a non-registered motor vehicle, and driving without a valid license.
• Incident 3: Two juveniles on electric motorbikes participated in a group fleeing from police after riding recklessly on public streets, sidewalks, and private property. Both were arrested for reckless driving, operating a non-registered motor vehicle, driving without a license, and fleeing and eluding law enforcement.
To address this, our department is conducting targeted area patrols where unsafe e-bike activity has been reported, and we are enhancing officer training on e-bike enforcement during roll calls. Additionally, we are coordinating with the Lee County School Board and will be sending educational materials home with students regarding legal requirements and safety.
Parents and guardians, please talk with your children about responsible e-bike use. Some important safety reminders include:
- Only ride bikes that are properly registered if required.
- Follow traffic laws—sidewalks, streets, and private property have specific rules.
- Never attempt to flee from law enforcement; it’s dangerous and illegal.
- Wear appropriate helmets and safety gear (helmets required under the age of 16).
The Cape Coral Police Department is committed to keeping our streets safe. Violations will be addressed swiftly and firmly to prevent accidents and injuries.
Chief Sizemore spoke about this topic extensively on this week’s episode of the Cape CopCast ‘Chief’s Chat’ – “A Parent’s Guide To E-Bikes, Scooters, And Safe Streets.”
