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ITEM: ORDINANCE NO. 2026-16 (AMENDING CHAPTER 22 OF WELLINGTON’S CODE OF ORDINANCES TO CLARIFY THE PENALTY FOR GOLF CART VIOLATIONS AND CREATE A NEW ARTICLE ADDRESSING THE OPERATION OF ELECTRIC BICYCLES, MOTORIZED SCOOTERS, AND OTHER MICROMOBILITY DEVICES ON PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY)
AN ORDINANCE OF WELLINGTON, FLORIDA’S COUNCIL, AMENDING CHAPTER 22 OF WELLINGTON’S CODE OF ORDINANCES, TITLED “TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES,” TO CLARIFY THE PENALTY FOR GOLF CART VIOLATIONS IN SECTION 22-34 AND TO CREATE A NEW ARTICLE VII, SECTIONS 22-46 THROUGH 22-50, TITLED “ELECTRIC BICYCLES, MOTORIZED SCOOTERS, AND OTHER MICROMOBILITY DEVICES,” GOVERNING THE USE OF MICROMOBILITY DEVICES, SPECIFICALLY ELECTRIC BICYCLES AND MOTORIZED SCOOTERS, ON PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY IN WELLINGTON CONSISTENT WITH STATE LAW; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
REQUEST: Approval of Ordinance No. 2026-16 amending Chapter 22 of the Code of Ordinances to clarify the penalty for golf cart violations in section 22-34 and create a new Article VII, Sections 22-46 through 22-50, governing the operation of electric bicycles, motorized scooters, and other micromobility devices on public rights-of-way in Wellington consistent with state law.
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EXPLANATION: Wellington’s golf cart regulations, initially adopted in 2021 and amended and recodified as Article V of Chapter 22 of the Code of Ordinances in 2022 as part of Wellington’s amendment to the Code of Ordinances in its entirety, regulates the operation of golf carts in Wellington and is enforced by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (“PBSO”).
Section 22-34 of the Code of Ordinances, titled “Enforcement; Penalties,” presently provides for a graduated civil penalty for violations of the golf cart regulations. PBSO has requested a flat penalty rather than a graduated scale to facilitate enforcement by its deputies. The proposed ordinance would also modify the penalty for violations of the golf cart regulations to mirror the statutory language in section 316.212(9), Florida Statutes.
Similar to golf carts, Wellington has also seen a sharp increase in the presence of electric bicycles and motorized scooters in and around Wellington, as well as an increase in the number of accidents involving these micromobility devices in Wellington and throughout the state of Florida. While state law imposes certain requirements on operators of micromobility devices, such as the requirement that operators under the age of 16 wear a helmet, sections 316.008, 316.20655, and 316.2128, of the Florida Statutes, permit a local government to adopt an ordinance governing the operation of electric bicycles, motorized scooters, and other micromobility devices on streets, highways, sidewalks, and sidewalk areas under the local government’s jurisdiction.
The proposed ordinance introduces a new article to Chapter 22 of the Code of Ordinances addressing the operation of electric bicycles, motorized scooters, and other micromobility devices in Wellington consistent with Florida law. The proposed changes include a minimum age requirement, identification requirements, and speed and location restrictions for operators of electric bicycles and motorized scooters.
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: NO
PUBLIC HEARING: YES QUASI-JUDICIAL: NO
FIRST READING: YES SECOND READING:
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY: YES
FISCAL IMPACT: NONE - Enforcement will continue to be provided by PBSO pursuant to Wellington’s existing contract with the agency.
WELLINGTON FUNDAMENTAL: Responsive Government
RECOMMENDATION: Approval of Ordinance No. 2026-16 amending Chapter 22 of the Code of Ordinances to clarify the penalty for golf cart violations in section 22-34 and create a new Article VII, Sections 22-46 through 22-50, governing the operation of electric bicycles, motorized scooters, and other micromobility devices on public rights-of-way in Wellington consistent with state law.