Daytona Aiming To Regulate “Micromobility Devices” With Proposed Ordinance

Daytona Beach, FL - At their next commission meaning, Daytona city leaders will discuss an ordinance that will regulate  "micromobility devices." According to the agenda for August 25th’s city commission meeting, the city is aiming to regulate how providers of these devices – which are most commonly motorized scooters or bicycles – can operate within city limits, and how riders must operate them. The ordinance outlines that providers who either rent, provide at no cost or otherwise makes these devices available to the public will have to enter into a franchise agreement with the city for them to operate. Additionally, all franchised devices will have to identify the name of the provider. Providers will also be obligated to carry two different types of insurance. The first is a commercial general liability policy with a limit of at least $1 million per occurrence and a $2 million aggregate limit. They will also have to name the City of Daytona Beach as an additional insured.  The second is a commercial automobile liability policy that has a combined single limit of $1 million that covers all "owned, hired and non-owned vehicles." As for operators, the minimum age will be set at 16-years-old and ridership of one or more persons is prohibited, unless the device was designed to carry more than one rider. Devices would be limited to a maximum speed of 15 mph and must travel within designated bike lanes or on a roadway with a posted speed limit of 30 mph or less. Riding on sidewalks and walkways is prohibited as well, but riders may park their devices on the sidewalk if they do not block a building’s entry/exit and if they allow at least four feet of walkway clearance. Devices will also be required to have kickstands that allow them to be parked upright. If the ordinance passes its first hearing, it will move onto a public hearing scheduled for September 9th. It should also be noted that this ordinance does not affect owners of similar devices who use them for their own private use.