Crestview City Council approves first-reading E-Bike and Scooter ordinance Collin Bestor December 9, 2025 5:05 pm Crestview In Brief: Helmet and safety rules required for all riders E-bikes and scooters banned on downtown sidewalks Fines up to $500 for repeated violations CRESTVIEW — The Crestview City Council on Dec. 8 voted on first reading to advance a new ordinance establishing uniform regulations for electric bicycles, motorized scooters and other micromobility devices, part of a coordinated effort among Okaloosa County municipalities to standardize rules across the region. City staff said the rise in electric bikes and scooters locally and nationwide prompted the county and its cities to hold two workshops to craft shared operational and parking standards. Ensuring consistency across jurisdictions, from Crestview to communities in south Okaloosa County, was a primary goal to avoid confusion for riders traveling between cities, city staff noted during the meeting. Under Ordinance 2009, Crestview would create a new article in Chapter 74 of its municipal code outlining definitions, safety rules and where micromobility devices may operate. Riders would be required to wear helmets, yield to pedestrians, use lights that meet state standards and avoid careless behaviors such as weaving through traffic or using a cellphone while operating a device. The ordinance also allows micromobility devices on sidewalks, trails and bike lanes when operated at mindful speeds. However, it imposes new restrictions downtown: e-bikes, e-scooters and other motorized devices would be prohibited on sidewalks in the city’s core, expanding an existing ban...
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