🛴📜 Florida Law Sets Scooter Age Limit at 16, Local Ordinances Push Further Restrictions

As electric scooters continue to surge in popularity across Florida, lawmakers and local governments are tightening regulations to ensure rider safety—especially for children. While there’s no statewide ban on scooter use for kids under 12, recent legal developments are shaping a clearer framework for age restrictions.

🚦 Statewide Law: Minimum Age Set at 16

As of 2025, Florida law requires electric scooter riders to be at least 16 years old, aligning them with bicycle regulations under Florida Statutes 316.2128. The statute treats electric scooters similarly to bicycles, meaning riders are expected to follow the same traffic rules and safety standards. This age requirement is now the baseline across the state, though enforcement may vary by jurisdiction.

🏙️ Local Ordinances: Cities Take It Further

Some municipalities are going beyond the state’s minimum. In Palm Coast, for example, a newly adopted ordinance prohibits children under 11 years old from operating electric bikes and mandates that all riders carry a government-issued photo ID. While this rule applies specifically to e-bikes—not scooters—it signals a growing trend of local governments taking safety into their own hands.

🧾 House Bill 597: A Missed Opportunity

In 2023, House Bill 597 was introduced to give cities and counties more authority to regulate electric scooters and e-bikes, including setting age limits and issuing fines. However, the bill was withdrawn before introduction and never became law. Despite its failure, the bill sparked important conversations about micromobility safety and local control.

⚠️ What It Means for Families

While there’s no statewide law banning children under 12 from riding electric scooters, parents should be aware that local rules may differ. Cities have the power to impose stricter regulations, and enforcement can vary widely. Before allowing a child to ride, it’s wise to check with your local government or police department for the most up-to-date ordinances.

As Florida continues to embrace micromobility, balancing innovation with safety remains a top priority. With more cities exploring age restrictions and safety mandates, the landscape for electric scooter use is evolving—one ordinance at a time.