by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
The Sanibel City Council on Nov. 3, 2026, approved a draft ordinance to go to second reading and public hearing on December 1, 2026, at 9:05 a.m. The draft Ordinance would retain the general prohibition on Class 2 and Class 3 electric bicycles on City bicycle paths and shared use paths, while establishing a limited exception for qualifying individuals age 16 or older who obtain and display a City-issued shared use path access permit and comply with permit conditions.
Eligibility would be limited to persons who are (1) Sanibel residents and/or Sanibel ad valorem taxpayers; or (2) persons employed within the City. Commercial rental and guest-use bicycles would be excluded from the exception.
Class 1 electric bicycles would remain permitted for persons age 16 or older without an access permit.
The ordinance would authorize the City Council to establish and administer the limited exception by resolution. The permit would authorize path access only and would not constitute motor vehicle registration. Section 66-17 would make violations enforceable.