“No Training, No Riding — Safety Starts with Knowledge.”

With the increasingly dangerous issue of e-bikes and mopeds being recklessly driven on sidewalks and bike trails across the country, more districts in the U.S. are now requiring students to complete safety training and obtain certification before being authorized to drive one of these vehicles to school. Additionally, ordinances are holding parents accountable for their children’s riding behavior.

It’s essential every county in Florida considers implementing an ordinance to tackle this growing public safety concern, which directly affects everyone trying to use local sidewalks and bike trails.

Safety training should be a mandatory county requirement to ensure student drivers and their parents fully understand and follow important safety protocols. This training is crucial for saving lives and preventing avoidable injuries. Assuming this issue can be addressed by conducting training during a gym class undermines the seriousness of the matter for Orange County residents.

Parents play a key role in teaching and modeling safe riding habits. When held legally responsible for their children’s actions, they’re more likely to ensure helmet use, safe route planning, and responsible behavior.

For any county or municipality considering such an ordinance, a strong draft is provided below.

🛑 Draft Ordinance: Student E-Vehicle Safety and Accountability Act

Section 1. Title and Purpose This ordinance shall be known as the Student E-Vehicle Safety and Accountability Act. Its purpose is to protect public safety by requiring safety training and parental accountability for students operating electric bicycles, mopeds, and scooters within Orange County.

Section 2. Definitions

E-Vehicle: Includes electric bicycles (Class 1–3), electric scooters, and mopeds.

Student Operator: Any person under 18 years of age enrolled in a public, private, or charter school.

Parent/Guardian: Legal guardian responsible for the student operator.
Section 3. Mandatory Safety Training

All student operators must complete a county-approved safety training course prior to operating an e-vehicle on public roads, sidewalks, or school property.

Training shall include:

• Helmet laws and equipment requirements
• Traffic rules and right-of-way
• Speed limits and pedestrian awareness
• Emergency procedures and reporting
• Certification must be renewed annually.

E-bike and moped safety training in gym classes is not enough. Training needs to be mandatory for every student wanting to drive either an e-bike or moped to school. They must be certified annually, and their parents must be held accountable for their child's driving behavior.

Section 4. Parental Accountability

Parents/guardians must co-sign the student’s safety certification.

Parents shall be held jointly responsible for violations committed by student operators, including:

• Operating without a helmet
• Reckless or unlawful riding
• Riding without certification
• Fines or community service may be imposed for repeated violations.
• Holding parents accountable reinforces the importance of supervision, shared responsibility, and proactive engagement in their child’s transportation choices. It ensures that safety is not solely the student’s burden but a family commitment to public well-being.

Section 5. School District Enforcement

Schools shall require proof of certification before allowing e-vehicles on campus.
Districts may issue permits and designate parking areas.
Violations may result in suspension of riding privileges.

Section 6. Public Education and Outreach

The County shall partner with schools, law enforcement, and community organizations to provide ongoing education and outreach.
Materials shall be culturally responsive and available in multiple languages.

Section 7. Penalties and Enforcement

First violation: Written warning and mandatory re-training
Second violation: $50 fine or 5 hours community service
Third violation: Suspension of riding privileges for 30 days
Enforcement shall be carried out by local law enforcement and school resource officers.

Section 8. Clarification: Mandatory Safety Training vs. Gym Class

To avoid confusion, this ordinance distinguishes mandatory safety training from general physical education (PE) or gym class:

Mandatory safety training is a county-enforced requirement tied to public safety and legal accountability. It includes certification, parental co-signing, and consequences for violations.

Gym class is part of the school curriculum focused on physical fitness and personal development. It is not tied to legal enforcement or public road use.
Completion of gym class does not substitute for safety certification under this ordinance.

Section 9. Public Safety Justification

Pedestrian safety throughout the state of Florida is at risk due to e-vehicles being dangerously driven on sidewalks and bike paths. This ordinance responds to a growing crisis: how many more residents need to be injured or killed before action is taken?

Mandatory safety training is not a suggestion — it is a legal requirement. Students must be certified annually, and parents must be held accountable. This is how we protect lives, prevent avoidable injuries, and restore safety to our shared public spaces.

Section 10. Effective Date This ordinance shall take effect 90 days after passage.

 “Ride Smart. Train First. Safety is Non-Negotiable.”