E-bike and scooter riders in Miami are about to lose the sidewalk. City commissioners gave final approval on Oct. 22 to Ordinance 14497, which bans riding the devices on sidewalks and walkways meant for people on foot.

The unanimous vote was the second and final reading. Commissioners first backed the rules 5-0 on Sept. 24, the city's legislative record shows.

When the ban starts

Before the vote, the city attorney sent commissioners a new version of the ordinance. The city clerk said on the record that the commission was approving that substitute, dated Oct. 14. Its last section says the rules take effect 30 days after final adoption. Counting from Oct. 22, that points to around Nov. 21, unless the mayor vetoes it.

Early reports gave a sooner date. Local 10 reported the ban would start the first week of November, and NBC 6 reported it would take effect in about 10 days. That timing matches the earlier draft, which took effect right away unless the mayor vetoed it within 10 days.

The city's online record still lists the final text as awaiting the city attorney's sign-off. Mayor Eileen Higgins can veto the ordinance within 10 days of the vote. If she does, it takes effect only if commissioners override her. The city has not announced an official start date.

Where you can still ride

Where a street has a bike lane, riders must use it. Where there is no bike lane, they can ride only on streets with a posted speed limit of 30 mph or less. The top speed is 20 mph.

You can still walk an e-bike or scooter on the sidewalk. Sidewalk parking is limited to spots set aside for it. A parked device also can't block a doorway or leave less than 3 feet of space for people walking.

The rules cover e-bikes with motors under 750 watts, motorized scooters and similar devices, not regular pedal bikes. Wheelchairs and other mobility devices covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act are exempt.

Riders must also be at least 16 and carry a government-issued photo ID. One rider per device, unless it is built for more, though an adult can carry a child who is strapped in and wearing a helmet.

Fines and enforcement

Each violation can bring a $100 civil fine, and each day a violation goes on counts as a new one. Police can also write state traffic tickets, the same way they ticket drivers.

The final version added a softer path for kids. A rider under 16 who breaks the rules, or that rider's parent, may get a warning and safety materials instead, the city attorney's memo says.

Police Chief Edwin Lopez told Local 10 that $100 citations are a last resort and that officers will try education first. Police plan a bigger education push over the next few months, the station reported.

Which roads count

The ordinance applies to streets, sidewalks and paths in the city's jurisdiction. County and state roads also run through Miami, and a speaker asked commissioners to make clear the 30 mph rule covers only city-controlled roads, Local 10 reported. The city has not published a list of covered roads. The rules don't reach Miami Beach, Coral Gables or unincorporated Miami-Dade.

For more on how the vote came together, read our earlier story. Getting around downtown without a scooter? The Metromover guide covers the free downtown train, and this Brickell to Arsht Center walking route works on foot.

Two cyclists riding in the street on a sunny day in Brickell
Cyclists riding in the street in Brickell, June 2021. Source