“Ride Smart. Ride Safe.”: Palm Coast and FCSO Crack Down on E-Bike Recklessness

The City of Palm Coast and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) are urging all e-motorcycle, e-bike, and e-scooter riders—adults and teens alike—to take safety seriously following a rise in reckless riding incidents across the community.

The reminder comes after FCSO deputies arrested two juveniles last week for fleeing law enforcement on electric off-road motorcycles and putting motorists and pedestrians in danger. Both bikes were seized as part of the arrests.

“E-motorcycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters are not toys—they’re motorized vehicles that demand the same level of responsibility and respect for the law as any car or motorcycle,” said Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri. “It’s our job to know the rules and ride safely. Parents, please talk to your kids, set expectations, and make sure they understand that reckless riding has real consequences. Together, we can keep Palm Coast a safe place for everyone.”

Under Florida law, riders under 16 are required to wear a helmet, and e-motorcycles and e-bikes must follow the same traffic laws as traditional motorcycles and bicycles. Riding recklessly, fleeing from law enforcement, or operating e-motorcycles on sidewalks can result in fines, arrests, and even the seizure of the bike.

“We’re seeing more riders—both teens and adults—ignoring basic safety and treating e-motorcycles, e-bikes and e-scooters like toys. This behavior puts everyone at risk,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “If you’re riding recklessly, it’s only a matter of time before you get hurt, get arrested, or have your bike seized. Parents, make sure your kids know the laws and ride responsibly. Be the sheriff in your home before we have to be the Sheriff of your child.”

The City and FCSO will roll out a public awareness campaign - “Ride Smart. Ride Safe.”—to remind all riders about e-motorcycle, e-bike, and e-scooter laws, safe riding habits, and the importance of sharing the road responsibly.

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