Sanibel City Council Limits Use of E-Bikes

by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino

The proposed ordinance regarding the use of e-Bikes on the shared-use paths would have allowed Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes to use the paths. It also imposed speed limits, and an age limit of 16 years.

That’s not what was approved. While the speed limits and 16-year age limit were adopted, Class 2 e-bikes were not approved for use on the shared-use paths.

There was a long discussion before Council came to this conclusion. Some felt people riding a Class 2 bike, if not allowed on the path, would be forced to ride in the road, possibly inviting more accidents.

“Roads are not safe, and we don’t have shoulders on Sanibel,” said Vice Mayor Mike Miller. “Many people who can’t manage a bike are now buying e-bikes.” Miller cited one accident where a couple got off the bike path and onto the road because one of them was operating a Class 2 and didn’t want to break the law. They were sideswiped by a vehicle with a trailer, and one of them was hospitalized with a concussion and scrapes and bruises. Her husband said she suffered a heart attack from the stress.

The speed limits adopted are 10 to 20 miles per hour, with a default of 15 miles per hour. There will be five rangers and signage added to the paths. To see the speed limit map, go to mysanibel.com, to the meeting agenda for City Council September 9, and scroll down to Bicycle Path Speed Limit Map.

Councilmember John Henshaw was against the proposed ordinance that allowed Class 2 e-bikes. “If you can’t handle a two-wheel vehicle with proper balance, I’m not sure I want to put a motor under your seat to make you go faster,” he said. “The shared-use path is for bicycles – it was designed solely for human-powered use. At least Class 1 is human-powered with an assist. We’re not going to be able to control speed. The shared-use path is too narrow, the turns are too sharp, there is sand and grass – it is not ideal.”

Henshaw went on to say that bike lanes on the roads would be a better solution. He concluded by saying to keep Class 1 in but “don’t add insult to injury with Class 2. It’s a motorized vehicle; where do you stop? Scooters?”
Councilwoman Holly Smith supported Henshaw’s position, saying that Sanibel is a tourist-based island with visitors largely here for just seven days. “They won’t be cognizant of our rules,” she said.

Councilwoman Laure DeBruce also agreed. “The purpose of this ordinance is to improve public safety. Adding another class of e-bike doesn’t serve that goal.” She said she’d spoken to Sanibel Bicycle Club members who are against Class 2, and some even against Class 1. DeBruce indicated that speed limits would be good because even Class 1 can go fast.

Committee of the Islands is opposed to allowing Class 2 e-bikes. And while the board of the Sanibel Bicycle Club voted in favor of Class 2, it did not poll its members, and some spoke out as being against Class 2.

Police Chief Bill Dalton said he sees more e-bikes on the paths now than regular bikes, and he anticipates there will be more. “I don’t envy you [Council], because you’re going to have critics on either side. It’s difficult to enforce today. We can’t distinguish Class 1 versus Class 2. We would have to stop the cyclist and have a discussion. It’s difficult.”

“I don’t think the time is right to pass this ordinance,” said Mayor Richard Johnson.

A motion was made to approve the ordinance omitting all mention of Class 2 e-bikes, which was passed unanimously.