…title
ITEM: DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES RELATING TO MICROMOBILITY DEVICES IN WELLINGTON
REQUEST: Direction from Council relating to proposed amendments to Chapters 14 and Chapter 22 of the Code of Ordinances.
…body
EXPLANATION: In response to the increased prevalence of micromobility devices, namely electric bicycles (e-bikes) and motorized scooters in and around Wellington, as well as an increase in the number of accidents involving these devices in Wellington and throughout the State of Florida, staff has drafted amendments to its Code of Ordinances to promote the safe use of e-bikes and motorized scooters in Wellington. Pursuant to applicable law, Wellington has the ability to regulate the operation of e-bikes and motorized scooters on public rights-of-way consistent with Chapter 316, Florida Statutes. Wellington also has the ability to regulate the operation of e-bikes and motorized scooters at its own facilities pursuant to its police powers.
The proposed amendments to Chapter 22 of the Code of Ordinances address the operation of e-bikes and motorized scooters on Wellington’s rights-of-way consistent with Chapter 316, Florida Statutes. The proposed regulations include a minimum age requirement, identification requirements, and speed and location restrictions for operators of e-bikes and motorized scooters. The proposed amendments to Chapter 22 also modify the penalty for violations of the golf cart regulations from a graduated penalty to a flat rate to facilitate enforcement by PBSO and align the penalty with the language set forth in the applicable Florida Statutes.
The proposed amendments to Chapter 14 of the Code of Ordinances are intended to not only address the safe operation of e-bikes and motorized scooters in Wellington’s parks, but also to address recent property damage Wellington has experienced at its neighborhood parks, boat docks, and other locations due to the apparent misuse of these devices. The proposed amendments seek to clarify that the use of e-bikes and motorized scooters is prohibited in certain portions of Wellington’s parks (on turf, basketball courts, tennis courts, boat docks, playground equipment, and in parking lots) and that the operation of e-bikes and motorized scooters is prohibited altogether in certain park locations that see higher amounts of pedestrian traffic. The proposed amendments also clarify that enforcement of Chapter 14 may be by PBSO in addition to Parks staff and modifies the penalty language to mirror what is in Chapter 162 of the Florida Statutes.
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: NO
PUBLIC HEARING: NO QUASI-JUDICIAL: NO
FIRST READING: NO SECOND READING: NO
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY: YES
FISCAL IMPACT: NONE
WELLINGTON FUNDAMENTAL: Responsive Government
RECOMMENDATION: Direction from Council relating to proposed amendments to Chapters 14 and Chapter 22 of the Code of Ordinances.