E-bike riders in Sunny Isles Beach face $250 fines starting Sunday, Aug. 16, when police and code enforcement officers begin citing anyone who violates the city's new ordinance.

The rules are straightforward: Riders must be at least 16 years old, must carry a valid government-issued photo ID and cannot ride on sidewalks. Repeat offenders will pay $500 per violation.

"You wouldn't give a 12-year-old a car so why would you give them an e-bike that can go up to 28 mph?" Melissa Porro, public information officer for the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department, told CBS Miami.

Porro said many e-bike accidents in the city were preventable, and that some crashes across South Florida have been fatal. Pedestrians on city sidewalks have been hit or nearly hit by e-bikes in Sunny Isles Beach, she said.

How the Ordinance Took Shape

The Sunny Isles Beach City Commission passed the ordinance this summer after introducing it at a first reading on Thursday, June 18. The law amends Chapter 256 of the city's code and defines an e-bike as a bicycle or tricycle with fully operable pedals, a seat or saddle, a maximum speed of 28 mph and an electric motor under 750 watts.

Parents and guardians can also be cited for knowingly allowing minors to violate the rules, according to Hoodline.

Education Push Before Enforcement Begins

Before citations begin, the city plans to run a public education campaign that includes presentations at schools and outreach materials for visitors and businesses that rent or sell e-bikes.

How This Fits With Other Micromobility Rules

The e-bike ordinance follows a separate set of e-scooter regulations that took effect Monday, June 1. Those rules carry the same fine structure and age requirement.

The Sunny Isles Beach Police Department posted the announcement on its official account on X on Monday, July 20, directing residents to sibfl.gov/ebikesafe for full details. Residents with questions can call SIBPD dispatch at 305-947-4440.