NAPLES, Fla. — The rise of electric bicycles, or e-bikes, is transforming transportation across Florida, but concerns over safety and infrastructure are mounting as their popularity surges.
Once considered a niche market, e-bikes have become an increasingly common sight on Florida’s roadways, particularly along the Gulf Coast. While they offer an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional transportation, experts say the region’s infrastructure is struggling to accommodate the rapid shift.
The consequences of this imbalance have already proved tragic. In Naples, 14-year-old Clayton Miller was fatally struck while riding his e-bike near Lakeland Avenue and Madison Drive. His grieving mother, Janet Miller, now visits a memorial at the site, where friends and family have left tributes.
“He was riding his e-bike and got hit. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it,” Miller said. “I come here every day, seeing all his friends and the things they bring him. It helps, just a little.”
Despite being in a residential neighborhood where lower speed limits apply, Clayton’s death underscores the dangers e-bike riders—particularly younger users—face due to a lack of dedicated infrastructure and safety measures.
Local business owners have taken note of the growing demand for e-bikes. Fidel Sanchez, owner of Estero Bicycle Cafe, says interest in the vehicles has skyrocketed.
“With e-bikes becoming more accessible online, more people are buying them—not just kids, but also commuters,” Sanchez explained. “Now, about 40% of our business involves maintaining e-bikes.”
However, he also expressed concern over a troubling trend: riders modifying their e-bikes to exceed the standard 28 mph speed limit, increasing the risk of accidents.
The expansion of e-bike usage has highlighted gaps in Florida’s cycling infrastructure. In many areas, cyclists must share roadways with vehicles or ride on sidewalks where space is limited. While some cities, such as Sarasota, have developed dedicated bike paths, other areas—including much of Southwest Florida—lack sufficient protections for riders.
Michelle Avola Brown of the Naples Pathway Coalition has been advocating for improved safety measures. She has distributed helmets and reflective vests to make cyclists more visible, particularly those commuting during early morning or late-night hours.
“These riders often wear dark uniforms, making them difficult to see,” Brown noted. “Better infrastructure and awareness are critical to preventing accidents.”
Despite the risks, Janet Miller does not oppose the use of e-bikes. Instead, she hopes to see improved safety measures that could prevent future tragedies.
“I don’t want them to stop, because Clayton would be upset,” she said. “He loved riding, he loved e-bikes. One of the last texts he sent me was about how much he enjoyed it.”
As e-bikes continue to grow in popularity, calls for better regulations and infrastructure improvements are becoming more urgent. Without significant changes, experts warn, accidents like Clayton’s may become more frequent.