The Miami Beach City Commission voted unanimously 7-0 Wednesday to advance an ordinance establishing safety requirements for riders of e-bikes, motorized scooters, and other micromobility devices on public rights-of-way, with a second reading scheduled for June 24.

Sponsored by Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt and drafted by City Attorney Ricardo J. Dopico, the measure would create a new Section 70-73 in the city code requiring micromobility operators to use front white lights visible at 500 feet and rear red lights visible at 600 feet when riding between sunset and sunrise, wear properly fitted helmets if under age 16, and maintain brakes capable of stopping within 25 feet from 10 mph. The ordinance also prohibits carrying more passengers than a device is designed to accommodate. Staff noted the rules largely codify existing Florida state law — most recently updated by the Legislature in 2025 and 2026 — but consolidate requirements into city code to simplify enforcement for police officers.

Most provisions would not take effect until one year after final adoption to allow for community education. Commissioner David Suarez, who voted in favor, asked staff to explore requiring officers to issue a verbal warning before citing riders, particularly minors. Commissioner Bhatt agreed to work with staff ahead of the second reading to address that concern.