Village of Key Biscayne approves temporary ban on e-bikes, e-scooters
MIAMI - During an emergency meeting Friday morning the Key Biscayne council unanimously approved a temporary ban on all electric bikes, scooters, hoverboards, and skateboards from being ridden on the village's streets and sidewalks.
There will not be a warning. The first violation will be a fine of $250, the second will cost $500. Many who attended the meeting argued that it wasn't enough for a rich community.
The council plans to work with the county on a permanent solution. The temporary ban will only be in place for 60 days.
The council has grappled for years with what they perceive as the growing safety hazard of e-bikes and scooters.
The renewed call for action came in the wake of the death of long-time Key Biscayne resident Megan Andrews. The 66-year-old woman collided with a 12-year-old on an E-bike. While the child survived, she did not.
The Key Biscayne Independent reported that the accident happened on Wednesday evening and the child was wearing a helmet but Andrews was not.
Key Biscayne Mayor Joe Roscoe said he called the emergency meeting for Friday to propose the ban.
"I implore parents of children with e-bikes and scooters to work with us and comply with this order. This is a time for all residents to come together as a community as we grieve this terrible loss and stand to protect each other and care for one another," he said.
The village's attorney told the Key Biscayne Independent that the village can ban scooters and e-bikes from all roads except Crandon Boulevard which is owned by the county.