The City of Miami Commission approved an ordinance on Thursday that establishes clear rules for the use of electric bicycles, scooters, and other micromobility devices, with restrictions that will take effect in about 10 days, around November 1.
The regulation prohibits driving on sidewalks and pedestrian paths, establishes a maximum speed of 20 mph (approximately 32 km/h), and requires operators to be at least 16 years old.
Devices should operate on bike lanes when available, or alternatively, on streets with a posted limit of 30 mph or less.
In addition, users will be required to carry government-issued photo identification while operating the device, and violations may result in fines of up to 100 dollars, in addition to any traffic citations that may apply under Florida law.
The ordinance also regulates parking: devices may not be left on sidewalks except in authorized areas, and at least three feet of pedestrian passage must be kept clear.
Only one person can travel per device, unless it is designed for more, although an adult can carry a minor who is insured and wearing a helmet.
The measure directly impacts thousands of residents who use these vehicles daily to go to work or make deliveries for platforms like DoorDash or Uber Eats, a common practice in the Cuban community of Miami.
The prohibition of walking on sidewalks, in particular, alters the daily routine of many delivery workers who used them to save time.
The security context was crucial for the approval. According to data from Miami Fire-Rescue, there were 1,380 incidents related to micromobility devices between September 2024 and September 2026, of which 418 required hospitalization and at least 86 resulted in head injuries.
The most immediate trigger was a fatal accident in Little Havana on September 27: an electric scooter was struck by an SUV at the intersection of SW 22nd Avenue and First Street, resulting in one person deceased and another in critical condition. Hours later, on the same day, another user was hit near Calle Ocho and the driver fled the scene.
A scooter user consulted by NBC6, Sid Campbell, positively evaluated the changes: "You have to be careful around here, but I think that most of the time people are quite attentive, although this can get very dangerous."
The ordinance was sponsored by the District 3 commissioner, Rolando Escalona, and presented for first reading on September 24.
Miami is not the only city in the area that has tightened its regulations. Miami Beach approved its own regulations on September 23, mandating helmets for those under 16 years old and imposing fines of $129, although it will not take effect until July 2027.
Sunny Isles Beach has been imposing similar restrictions since August, with fines of $250 for the first offense. Miami-Dade also limited usage on Rickenbacker Causeway in July.
In the same session on Thursday, the Commission also approved a significant increase in civil penalties for animal cruelty.
“Reflects the seriousness of what is happening. These cases are on the rise, and we want to ensure that we act with the utmost decisiveness,” stated Commissioner Damian Pardo.
A fine of $2,500 was established for the first violation, $5,000 for the second, and $7,500 for the third, driven by Pardo after high-profile cases such as a dog found dead in Biscayne Bay tied to a cement block.
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