Key Biscayne

Key Biscayne approves emergency 60-day ban of e-bikes following woman's death

The ban was approved at an emergency meeting of the village council held Friday morning

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Community leaders in Key Biscayne have approved a 60-day ban on e-bikes following a woman's death in a collision this week.

The ban was approved at an emergency meeting of the village council held Friday morning.

The meeting was packed with people who made their case for the ban. Others voiced their opposition.

“We gotta stop this. We need to stop this," said one supporter of the ban.

 “We’ve seen them countless times going through the middle of the street and the sidewalk in the wrong direction," another supporter said. "There have been so many times where I’ve been this close to getting hit by them."

Community leaders in Key Biscayne have approved a 60-day ban on e-bikes following a woman's death in a collision this week. NBC6's Cherney Amhara reports.

The temporary ban is island-wide but does not include Crandon Boulevard because it is a county road and the village does not have jurisdiction.

“Obviously we had a tragedy earlier this week so we really need everyone’s cooperation at this time to listen to what the ban states," said Chief Frank Souza of Key Biscayne Police.

Other motorized and or electric vehicles and toys like one-wheelers, e-scooters, and hoverboards are included in the ban. Fines will start at $250.

"This is going to be a new area for us to endeavor into, but it’s important that the community understands that our officers are ready and willing and prepared to do the task that’s been presented before us," Souza said.

The ban comes after 66-year-old bicyclist Megan Andrews died at a hospital Wednesday following a collision with a 12-year-old who was riding an e-bike. The crash happened on a dark stretch of Hampton Lane near Woodcrest Road.

This argument isn’t new. Some cities in California and New York City have banned certain electric scooters, and in San Diego, it’s illegal to ride e-scooters on the sidewalk.

According to a report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, micromobility injuries increased 21% in 2022 with an average 23% increase annually since 2017.

After 60 days, the council will take the issue up again, and the ban could become permanent.

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