E-Bikes, E-Scooters, Sidewalks, and Dog Walking Safety in Florida
Florida neighborhoods are changing. Alongside walkers, runners, children, golf carts, strollers, and dogs, we are now seeing more e-bikes, e-scooters, electric motorcycles, and other motorized devices on sidewalks, neighborhood roads, shared paths, and trails.
This has created a growing safety conversation across Florida and beyond: what happens when fast-moving motorized devices are being used by young adults, teens, or even preteens who may not have a driver’s license, may not fully understand the rules of the road, and may not yet have the judgment or experience to safely share space with pedestrians, pets, cars, and other riders?
For dog walkers, this issue is not theoretical. It is something many of us are seeing in real neighborhoods. I have personally seen e-bikes being used not just by one rider, but sometimes by two — and in some cases, even three people — on one vehicle that was not built for that many riders. That creates additional concerns about balance, stopping distance, control, visibility, and the ability to react safely if a pedestrian, dog, car, or child suddenly enters the path.
When you add a dog on a leash into that environment, the safety concerns become even more serious.
A dog does not know whether something is legally considered a bicycle, scooter, e-bike, or motorcycle. A dog only knows that something fast, quiet, and unexpected may be coming toward them or passing behind them. Even a friendly, well-trained dog can bark, freeze, lunge, jump sideways, or try to bolt when startled.
Recent Incidents Are Raising Concerns
This conversation is not happening in a vacuum. Recent incidents involving young riders and motorized devices have brought national and local attention to the issue.
In California, 81-year-old Ed Ashman, a retired Marine Corps captain and substitute teacher, died after being struck by a 14-year-old rider on a Surron electric motorcycle. Reports said the vehicle could reach speeds up to 58 mph and was allegedly operated without the required license, registration, or insurance. The rider’s mother was later charged in connection with the crash, including involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment.
Here in Central Florida, 13-year-old Colton Remsburg died after an electric scooter crash near Lake Nona on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026. According to reports, he was not wearing a helmet and was not in a marked crosswalk when he entered the path of a pickup truck. His mother has since called for stronger safety rules around e-bikes and e-scooters.
Orange County officials have also been discussing stricter local rules after a reported 41 injury incidents involving e-bikes and scooters in Orange County since December 1.
Florida lawmakers have also moved forward with statewide micromobility safety changes. CS/SB 382 would require e-bike riders on certain shared pathways to yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing. It would also prohibit e-bikes from going faster than 10 mph on sidewalks or pedestrian-designated areas when a pedestrian is within 50 feet. The bill also creates a Micromobility Device Safety Task Force to study the issue further.
For pet parents and professional dog walkers, these stories highlight the same important point: motorized devices are becoming part of daily sidewalk and neighborhood life, but safety habits, education, enforcement, and courtesy have not always caught up.
Why This Matters When Walking Dogs
Dogs can be unpredictable around fast-moving objects. Some dogs are calm around bikes and scooters. Others are nervous, reactive, elderly, protective, overly excited, or easily startled.
A scooter or e-bike may approach quickly from behind. A child may swerve. A rider may not call out before passing. Multiple riders on one device may have less control. A dog may suddenly step sideways into the path of the rider. A leash may stretch across a sidewalk. A startled dog may pull the walker off balance.
That is why this topic matters for everyone sharing the sidewalk — not just dog walkers.
Sidewalk Sharing: Who Should Move Over?
Sidewalk etiquette can feel simple until you add dogs, children, strollers, bikes, scooters, runners, golf carts, and narrow Florida neighborhood paths into the mix.
As a general rule of thumb, the person or group with the most ability to safely adjust should help create space.
That may mean an e-bike or scooter rider slows down, gives warning, and passes carefully. It may mean a runner steps briefly into the grass. It may mean a dog walker crosses the street, turns around, or steps into the grass to create a safer buffer.
When dogs are involved, the safest choice often depends on the dog’s personality, comfort level, training, and environment.
Some dogs can calmly pass people, bikes, scooters, and other dogs on the sidewalk. Others may need more space. A dog may be friendly at home but nervous on leash. Another dog may be fine with people but reactive to wheels. Another may do well in a quiet neighborhood but become overwhelmed near parks, schools, or busy sidewalks.
Professional dog walkers often use a few common safety practices:
Crossing the street when needed.
If another dog, scooter, bike, crowded group, or fast-moving rider is approaching and it is safe to cross, crossing the street can prevent an uncomfortable or unsafe interaction.
Stepping into the grass.
When crossing is not practical, stepping a few feet into the grass can create a safer buffer. This is especially helpful when a dog needs space from a bike, scooter, stroller, child, or another dog.
Turning around or changing direction.
Sometimes the safest choice is simply avoiding the interaction altogether. A quick U-turn is often better than forcing a nervous or reactive dog into a close sidewalk pass.
Keeping the dog close.
Dogs should be kept on a secure leash, especially in busy areas. Retractable leashes can be risky around bikes, scooters, golf carts, cars, and other pedestrians because they create a long, hard-to-see line that can become a tripping or tangling hazard.
Positioning the dog safely.
When possible, keep the dog on the inside, closer to the walker and away from the road, bike lane, or passing rider. This gives the walker more control and creates a physical buffer.
Pausing and letting others pass.
If the sidewalk is narrow, it may be safer to stop, move aside, ask the dog to sit or stand close, and allow the other person to pass.
The point is not to “win” the sidewalk. The point is to prevent avoidable accidents.
What Riders Should Remember Around Dogs
Riders should slow down near pedestrians and dogs, announce themselves before passing, and give extra room. A simple bell, “on your left,” or “passing behind you” can make a huge difference.
Florida’s proposed 2026 micromobility safety changes specifically recognize the importance of yielding, giving an audible signal, and slowing to 10 mph near pedestrians on sidewalks or pedestrian areas.
Riders should also remember that carrying multiple people on a device not designed for multiple riders can affect control, balance, braking, and reaction time. Even if it seems fun or harmless, it can create serious safety risks in shared spaces.
What Dog Walkers Can Do
When walking your dog, you cannot control every rider, driver, child, or scooter that comes your way. But you can control your leash, awareness, route, and response.
- Stay alert.
- Check behind you occasionally.
- Keep your dog close in busy areas.
- Avoid retractable leashes near roads, sidewalks, and shared paths.
- Step into the grass when needed.
- Cross the street when safe.
- Turn around if the situation feels unsafe.
- Use calm verbal cues with your dog.
- Politely ask riders to slow down or give space.
A simple phrase such as, “Please slow down, I have a dog,” can help prevent a close call.
Final Thoughts
E-bikes and e-scooters are not going away. For many people, they are convenient, affordable, and fun. But as more motorized devices appear on sidewalks, trails, and neighborhood streets, everyone has a responsibility to share space safely.
Parents need to understand the risks before allowing children or young teens to operate motorized devices. Riders need to slow down and respect pedestrians. Local governments need clear rules and education. Dog walkers and pet parents need to stay alert and advocate for their pets.
At the end of the day, sidewalks and neighborhood paths should be safe for everyone — including children, seniors, pedestrians, responsible riders, and the dogs just trying to enjoy their walkies. 🐾
About the Author:
Savanna Westwood
Savanna Westwood is the Owner and Founder of The Savvy Sitter, Pet Sitting and Dog Walking, LLC. She has grown up with animals all her life and enjoys spending time with them. Savanna has lived in the Winter Garden and Windermere Area for over 30 years. When she is not taking care of Fur Friends, one can find her reading, practicing archery, riding, and devising ways to provide additional and excellent services to clients. Savanna is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter with Pet Sitter International's CPPS certification and also holds certification in Pet First Aid and CPCR for Pet-Care Professionals.
