e-MMDs in the City of DeLand

The City of DeLand has taken a proactive stance on enforcing safety rules for e-micromobility devices (e-MMDs).

Why have we taken such a proactive stance?
•    Safety first: These ordinances protect riders, pedestrians, and the community.
•    Clarity for families: help parents know where you can ride and what your child must wear.
•    DeLand goes further: The city exceeds the state helmet standard to protect more young riders from head injury, one of the most common injuries cited from e-MMD accidents.
•    Downtown is for everyone: Keeping sidewalks clear protects pedestrians and businesses.

Overview
On Monday, the DeLand City Commission passed two ordinances governing the use of e-mobility devices within the city. This communications campaign addresses both ordinances with separate but coordinated efforts across social media and traditional press channels.

  • Ordinance 1: Downtown Corridor Sidewalk Prohibition Update
    An existing ordinance prohibiting micromobility devices (bikes, skateboards, scooters, and similar) on downtown sidewalks has been updated to specifically include e-mobility devices. The map defining the ordinance's coverage area has also been expanded.
  • Ordinance 2: New Helmet Requirement for Minors
    A new ordinance requires all riders under 18 to wear a helmet when operating an e-mobility device within the city. Florida state law requires helmets only for those ages 16 and under. DeLand has extended that protection to all riders under 18. The citation fee is $15, consistent with the state standard.

E-Bike Classes (Know before you buy!)

Florida categorizes electric bicycles into three distinct classes. To qualify, the bike must have fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. 
  • Class 1: Pedal-assist only; motor stops assisting at 20 mph.
  • Class 2: Throttle-capable; motor can propel the bike without pedaling, stops at 20 mph.
  • Class 3: Pedal-assist only; motor stops assisting at 28 mph.
Under statewide law, all three e-bike classes are treated like traditional bicycles. You do not need a driver’s license, vehicle registration, or insurance, and they are generally allowed wherever traditional bicycles are permitted. E-MMDs that exceed these limits and/or do not meet these requirements are not legal.
 

Key Terms to Define in All Channels

  • E-Mobility Device: Any electrically powered personal transportation device, including e-bikes, electric scooters, electric skateboards, and hoverboards.
  • Micromobility Device: The broader category that includes both traditional and electric versions of bikes, scooters, skateboards, and similar small personal transport devices.
  • Helmet Requirement: Applies to all riders under 18 years of age. Florida state law requires youth under 16 to wear a helmet. DeLand requires helmets for 16- and 17-year-olds.
  • Citation Fee: $15, consistent with the Florida state penalty for the same infraction.
  • Ordinance Area: The mapped zone in and around downtown DeLand. The coverage area has been expanded under the updated ordinance. Reference the updated city map.
     

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