We, the undersigned parents, guardians, students, and residents of Orange County, respectfully request that Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) reconsider its blanket restrictions on student e-bikes, e-scooters, and other micromobility devices.

Instead of a full ban, we urge OCPS to adopt a reasonable, safety-based policy focused on education, speed limits, helmets, registration, and responsible operation.

We fully support student safety. However, we believe a blanket ban is not a comprehensive safety solution, especially when thousands of students rely on these devices due to limited or unavailable school bus transportation.

 

Lack of Public Safety Data

Before eliminating a transportation option used by an estimated 11,800 OCPS students, families deserve transparency.

To date, OCPS has not publicly provided clear comparative data such as:

● Number of e-bike/e-scooter accidents during school commutes

● Number of pedestrian injuries involving students during travel

● Bicycle crash rates compared to e-bike/e-scooter incidents

● Vehicle-related incidents in school zones during arrival/dismissal

● Accident rates per transportation method

● Incidents involving unsafe or modified high-speed devices vs. properly operated ones

Even during policy discussions, concerns were raised by school board members regarding the lack of supporting data.

If OCPS has evidence that properly operated e-bikes are significantly more dangerous than other forms of student transportation, that data should be made public and reviewed transparently.

 

Transportation Gaps Must Be Addressed

OCPS generally only provides bus transportation to students living two or more miles from school, with limited exceptions.

This leaves many students—especially those living 1–2 miles away—without realistic transportation options.

For these students, walking may be unsafe or impractical due to:

● Florida heat and weather conditions

● Heavy traffic and major intersections

● Lack of sidewalks or bike infrastructure in some areas

For many families, e-bikes and e-scooters were not recreational tools—they were essential transportation.

 

Impact on Families and School Traffic

Removing micromobility options does not eliminate transportation needs—it shifts them.

Many families will be forced to drive their children instead, increasing:

● School zone congestion during drop-off and pickup

● Traffic delays and longer car lines

● Safety risks for pedestrians and cyclists

● Pressure on already limited parking and road infrastructure

● Scheduling challenges for working parents

● Tardiness and attendance issues for students

For families with multiple children attending different schools, the burden becomes even more significant.

 

A More Effective Alternative: Safety-Based Regulation

We are not asking OCPS to ignore unsafe behavior. We are asking for targeted enforcement instead of a blanket ban.

OCPS could implement a Student Micromobility Safety Program, including:

1. Device registration and school identification decals
2. Mandatory safety education or certification course
3. Speed-limit compliance requirements for eligible devices
4. Helmet requirements for all student riders
5. Dismount zones on campus for safety
6. Progressive discipline for unsafe riding behavior
7. Collaboration with local governments to improve safe routes and infrastructure

These measures would address real safety concerns without removing transportation access for responsible students.

 

Our Request

We respectfully ask OCPS to:

● Reconsider the blanket ban on student e-bikes and e-scooters

● Publicly release all safety and accident data used to justify the policy

● Provide comparative statistics across transportation methods

● Evaluate the transportation impact on students who do not qualify for bus service

● Assess the increased traffic burden on school zones and surrounding roads

● Form a parent, student, and community working group to develop a regulated safety program

 

This issue is not simply about convenience—it is about student safety, independence, equity, and transportation access.

We believe OCPS can protect students without eliminating a transportation option that many families rely on daily.

With proper regulation, education, and enforcement, safety and mobility can coexist.

We urge the Orange County School Board to reconsider this policy and work with the community toward a balanced, data-driven solution.

 

Signed,
Concerned OCPS Parents, Guardians, Students, and Community Members