UPDATE: A previous version of this story included an interview with a man who complained police seized his son’s e-bike. Video provided by the City of Oviedo shows the boy was riding a Qronge X1 Spark which is classified as a dirt bike, not an e-bike.
Oviedo city leaders are considering new restrictions for e-bikes, scooters and other micro-mobility devices.
The proposed rules would limit speeds to 10 mph and could prohibit the devices from being used in some public places, including parks. The proposal would also require riders to yield to pedestrians.
Some residents questioned whether 10 mph is too slow.
“I really object to the 10 miles an hour. I think it needs to be 15,” one resident said during Monday’s discussion.
An Oviedo City Council member asked police whether violations could lead to arrests. Oviedo Police Deputy Chief Brian Foley said enforcement under the proposed ordinance would be civil.
“Everything related to the ordinance is civil in nature,” Foley said.
The city decided to keep the original proposed restrictions in place for now. Council members will revisit the issue during a work session on Sept. 28.
Oviedo Mayor Megan Sladek said Orange County is expected to put its own micro-mobility ordinance in place on Sept. 29.
Oviedo’s public hearing on the proposed ordinance is scheduled for Oct. 5.