Horizon West e-bike rules: 10 mph sidewalks, 20 mph roads

E-bikes and electric scooters in Horizon West now have a speed limit. Riders must keep to 10 mph on sidewalks and shared use paths and 20 mph on roads, bike lanes and trails, unless a sign says otherwise.

The limits come from Orange County Ordinance 2026-19, which the Board of County Commissioners adopted 7-0 on Tuesday, Sept. 29. Commissioner Mike Crabb moved it and Commissioner Mayra Uribe seconded it, the county’s legislative record shows. The Florida Department of State logged the ordinance on Oct. 8, and the county’s copy lists that as its effective date.

Horizon West is unincorporated, so the county rules apply on its streets and sidewalks in full. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office, which patrols Horizon West, posted a summary of the ordinance on Oct. 16.

The speed limits

The county can post lower limits, or ban the devices, on any stretch with clearly visible signs. Gas-powered devices are banned from marked recreational trails.

The sheriff’s office summary and its e-bike page list 28 mph for roads and trails. That was the figure in the proposed ordinance, as county staff’s hearing presentation shows. The ordinance the board signed says 20 mph.

What the ordinance bans

On county roads, sidewalks, paths, trails and parking lots, riders may not:

• take part in a street takeover or ride wheelies and other stunts
• ride carelessly or recklessly
• tow another person or device, or be towed
• ride where a sign, marking or barricade prohibits it
• park so the device blocks a sidewalk, curb ramp, crosswalk, driveway, bus stop, fire hydrant or accessible parking space
• lock a device to a hydrant, traffic sign, tree or street furniture not meant for bikes
• leave a device parked in the same public spot for more than seven days

Electric motorcycles, often called e-motos, are not covered as micromobility devices. The ordinance defines them as having more than 750 watts and a top speed over 28 mph. They are banned from county sidewalks, paths, bike lanes and trails. On roads they need a licensed driver and state registration and insurance.

State law still applies on top of the county rules. Riders must yield to people walking and give an audible signal before passing them. Riders and passengers under 16 must wear a fitted bike helmet, and bikes need working lights, reflectors and brakes.

Fines, impoundment and parents

Breaking a county rule is a noncriminal civil infraction. Deputies can write a county citation under the code enforcement citation program, and the ordinance lists it as a Class I violation. That carries a $100 fine, the county staff’s hearing presentation says.

For speeding, stunts, reckless riding and the other banned conduct, a deputy can issue a citation on the spot and impound the device. An owner gets it back after paying impound and storage fees. The fees are waived if the owner swears the device was stolen, was ridden without permission or is the owner’s only way to get around.

For riders under 18:

• a first violation brings a written notice to the parent or guardian
• a second or later citation can make the parent or guardian pay the $100 fine and any impound fees

What it means for you

• On a county sidewalk or shared use path, slow to 10 mph unless a sign says otherwise.
• Check posted signs on trails. Orange County’s West Orange Trail page still says Class 3 e-bikes are banned from county trails, though the new ordinance removed that rule from the traffic code. Our walking and biking trails guide has the details.
• Parents of teenage riders will hear from the sheriff’s office after a first violation and may pay the bill after a second.
• If a teen rides an e-moto, it needs a licensed driver, registration and insurance, and it stays off sidewalks and trails.
• The rules do not apply inside a city that has its own ordinance on the same subject. Riders who cross into a nearby city should check that city’s rules.

For road closures and detours around Horizon West, see our road construction and closures page.