Riders under 16 can no longer legally operate an e-bike anywhere in Sunny Isles Beach, and no one can ride one on a city sidewalk. The Sunny Isles Beach City Commission adopted these changes Thursday, July 16.
The new law also requires all e-bike riders to carry a government-issued ID. Violators face a $250 fine for a first offense and $500 for each subsequent citation, according to the city's announcement.
Police will not start writing tickets immediately. The city will first run an educational campaign, and enforcement begins Saturday, Aug. 16.
What counts as an e-bike
The ordinance defines an e-bike as a bicycle or tricycle with fully operable pedals, a seat or saddle, a top speed of 28 mph and an electric motor under 750 watts. This definition covers all three state-recognized classes of e-bike.
How the ordinance came together
The measure follows a similar scooter ordinance the commission adopted in March 2026, which set the same age floor and ID requirement for motorized scooters. The earlier law was shaped by a citywide survey that drew nearly 1,900 responses and two public input events, according to the city. It is not clear whether the city conducted separate public input specifically for the e-bike rules. Scooter enforcement began June 1.
The e-bike ordinance was introduced at the commission's June 18 meeting on first reading and approved on second reading July 16, according to city agenda records. The city describes the combined effort as a "pedestrian-first approach" to street safety.
Miami-Dade County ranks among the top 25 of Florida's 67 counties for traffic crashes causing serious or fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
How Aventura compares
Aventura adopted its own e-bike and e-scooter rules in January 2026. The approach differs: Aventura allows scooters on sidewalks at a reduced 10 mph speed limit and requires e-bikes to be pedal-powered with motors off unless in a bicycle lane. Aventura police began enforcement around Jan. 23.
Sunny Isles Beach's ordinance is stricter on sidewalk use, banning e-bikes from sidewalks entirely.
What riders need to know
Residents and visitors can find full details on the new rules at sibfl.gov/ebikesafe. Anyone who witnesses an unsafe e-bike incident can contact the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department at 305-947-4440.
