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HB 243

Stone Mountain Memorial Association; revise purpose

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Holcomb and 5 co-sponsors

HB 243 updates Florida's regulations for electric bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles, enhancing safety, crash data collection, and operational guidelines for users.

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Bill Summary · HB 243

Summary of HB 243: Electric Bicycles, Scooters, and Motorcycles

Bill Number: HB 243
Introduced: October 22, 2025
Current Status: Now in Government Operations Subcommittee
Sponsors: Benarroch (primary), Kendall (primary)
Classification: Bill
Subject: Motor Vehicles, Banks and Banking

Purpose and Intent

HB 243 aims to update and clarify regulations surrounding electric bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles in Florida. The bill seeks to enhance safety, improve data collection on traffic incidents involving these vehicles, and establish clear definitions and operational guidelines for users.

Key Provisions

  1. Definitions:

    • Introduces the term "electric motorcycle" defined as any motorcycle powered by an electric motor of 750 watts or more, capable of speeds exceeding 28 miles per hour.
    • Revises the existing definition of "motorcycle" to include electric motorcycles and autocycle, while excluding tractors, mopeds, and electric bicycles.

  2. Crash Reporting:

    • Amends sections 316.066 and 316.068 to require crash reports to include specific details about electric bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles involved in accidents.
    • Mandates that law enforcement officers document the type of vehicles involved in crashes, enhancing the data collected for safety analysis.

  3. Statistical Maintenance:

    • Requires the state to maintain and publish statistics on traffic crashes involving electric bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles, allowing for better understanding and management of road safety.

  4. Regulations for Electric Bicycles:

    • Establishes penalties for knowingly modifying an electric bicycle.
    • Prohibits operation of a Class 3 electric bicycle without a specific license and outlines requirements for its operation.

  5. Motorcycle Operation Restrictions:

    • Prohibits certain individuals from operating specific types of motorcycles, enhancing safety measures.

  6. Driver Education:

    • Revises requirements for learner's driver license education courses to include safe operation of electric bicycles and motorized scooters.
    • Ensures that a minimum number of questions in the Class E driver license test cover these topics.

  7. Cross-References:

    • Corrects cross-references in existing statutes to ensure consistency and clarity in the law.

Impact

The bill will affect:
- Electric bicycle and motorcycle manufacturers by imposing new regulations and definitions.
- Users of electric bicycles and scooters, who will need to comply with new licensing and operational requirements.
- Law enforcement agencies, which will have updated procedures for reporting accidents involving these vehicles.
- State agencies responsible for collecting and analyzing traffic crash data, as they will need to adapt to the new reporting requirements.

Procedural Timeline

  • October 22, 2025: Bill filed.
  • October 28, 2025: Referred to multiple subcommittees including Government Operations, Transportation & Economic Development Budget, and State Affairs Committee.
  • Current Status: The bill is now in the Government Operations Subcommittee for further consideration.

This bill represents a significant step towards modernizing Florida's vehicle regulations to accommodate the growing use of electric bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles, while also prioritizing safety and data collection.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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