Martin County Schools Propose E-Bike Policy for Campus Use

New rules would limit e-bike riders to those 16 and older with a driver's license and helmet requirement.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Martin County School Board is considering a new policy that would restrict the use of e-bikes on school campuses. Under the proposed rules, only students aged 16 and older with a driver's license would be allowed to ride e-bikes, and they would be required to wear a helmet. The policy would also prohibit the use of gas-powered bikes, scooters, skateboards, and other personal transportation devices on school grounds, with exceptions for students with disabilities.

Why it matters

The proposed e-bike policy is a response to a rise in e-bike crashes and safety concerns in the Martin County area. The local sheriff's office has reported 25 e-bike crashes since July, some resulting in serious injuries. The new rules aim to improve safety and address liability issues for the school district.

The details

The Martin County School Board discussed the proposed e-bike policy at a recent meeting, where they heard from the Martin County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's office expressed strong support for the policy, which would limit e-bike use on school campuses to riders 16 and older with a driver's license and a helmet requirement. The board did not take a formal vote on the policy but indicated consensus on the proposed rules. The policy would also prohibit the use of gas-powered bikes, scooters, skateboards, and other personal transportation devices on school grounds, with exceptions for students with disabilities.

  • Since July, the Martin County Sheriff's office has responded to 25 e-bike crashes.
  • The Martin County School Board discussed the proposed e-bike policy on March 3, 2026.
  • The next Martin Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board meeting is scheduled for April 20, 2026.

The players

Martin County School Board

The governing body of the Martin County school district that is considering the new e-bike policy.

Martin County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that has expressed strong support for the proposed e-bike policy and provided data on e-bike crashes in the area.

Martin Metropolitan Planning Organization

A regional transportation planning organization that is working with the Martin County Sheriff's Office to limit e-bike use countywide to riders 16 and older.

Michael Maine

The superintendent of Martin County schools who plans to attend the upcoming Martin Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board meeting to discuss the board's thoughts on the e-bike policy.

David Rosko

A lieutenant with the Martin County Sheriff's Office who provided information to the school board about e-bike crashes and the proposed policy.

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What they’re saying

“The sheriff's office is in strong support of any policies you guys would have limiting the use of e-bikes on school property.”

— David Rosko, Lieutenant, Martin County Sheriff's Office (tcpalm.com)

“Most of the injuries we see is the result of no helmets. Violations-wise that we see — most of this is going to be intersection-related.”

— David Rosko, Lieutenant, Martin County Sheriff's Office (tcpalm.com)

What’s next

The Martin County School Board is expected to take up the e-bike policy again before May 2026. The next Martin Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board meeting, where the school district plans to discuss the board's thoughts on the policy, is scheduled for April 20, 2026.

The takeaway

The proposed e-bike policy in Martin County schools reflects growing concerns about the safety and liability issues surrounding the rise in e-bike use, particularly among younger riders. The rules aim to improve campus safety by limiting e-bike access to older, licensed students and requiring helmet use.