Commission discussion and/or action re: First Reading of an Ordinance of the City of Sunrise, Florida, Amending Chapter 14 “Traffic and Motor Vehicles,” Article I “In General,” by creating Section 14-3, Entitled “Electric Bicycles, Motorized Scooters, and Motorized Mobility Devices in Public Parks,” to prohibit the use of Electric Bicycles, Motorized Scooters, and Motorized Mobility Devices in Public Parks except on Park Roads and in designated parking areas; providing for definitions; providing for conflict; providing for severability; providing for inclusion in the city code; and providing an effective date. City Manager Mark Lubelski. Thomas P. Moss, City Attorney.

The City Code currently does not regulate the use of electric bicycles, motorized scooters, and motorized mobility devices in public parks. Numerous studies, including those from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Institutes of Health, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, and Rady Children's Hospital, have found that over recent years there has been an exponential increase in accidents, injuries, and fatalities relating to the use of electric bicycles and motorized scooters.

The unregulated use of electric bicycles, motorized scooters, and motorized mobility devices in public parks creates significant public health and safety risks due to the use of parks by families, children, and sports organizations. Electric bicycles, scooters, and other devices do not require a license to operate and are commonly operated by children. Such devices are capable of higher speeds compared to traditional bicycles and scooters.

The City  desires to amend the City Code to prohibit the use of of electric bicycles, motorized scooters, and motorized mobility devices in public parks, except for use on park roads and in designated parking areas for the purpose of parking. The proposed Code amendment creates Section 14-3, entitled “Electric bicycles, motorized scooters, and motorized mobility devices in public parks" to regulate use of devices and provide for enforcement by park personnel and the Police Department.