New OCPS E-Bike and E-Scooter Rules Take Effect Tuesday

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A new Orange County Public Schools policy restricting e-bikes and e-scooters on campus begins Tuesday, bringing an end to the grace period that had temporarily allowed students to keep using them at school.

The rule limits e-bike and e-scooter access on school property to students who have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit.

Orange County School Board members approved the policy change in July following hours of public comment from parents and students who voiced strong opinions on both sides of the debate.

Supporters of continued access said e-bikes are a vital way for some students to get to class. Those calling for tighter rules raised safety concerns tied to rider age, speed and how some students operate the devices.

The push for added safety measures also included an emotional appeal from the mother of Colton Remsburg, a 13-year-old Innovation Middle School student who was struck and killed while riding his e-bike in May.

Orange County Public Schools said it documented 41 e-bike-related incidents from December through May.

Parents interviewed over the weekend expressed mixed reactions to the new restrictions but said safety remains a major concern.

Sarah Rossmann, who was riding her bicycle in Baldwin Park on Saturday, said she supports increased safety rules for students using e-bikes.

“I think kids are too young to be on motorized bicycles,” Rossmann said.

Parent Gabriel Pinero said his 11-year-old son does not have an e-bike and currently rides a traditional scooter.

Pinero said he believes his son may be old enough for an e-bike in a couple of years but is concerned about the behavior he sees from some young riders.

With enforcement of the new policy beginning Tuesday, Orange County Public Schools will begin requiring students to meet the license or learner’s permit requirement before bringing e-bikes or e-scooters onto school property.