Orange Beach, Ala. — (GSN) — As personal electric transportation surges nationwide, coastal resort communities are grappling with the rapid growth of e-bikes, scooters, and high-powered micromobility devices on shared trails and sidewalks. In towns like Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama, municipal leaders are actively implementing new rules to protect pedestrians, motorists, and children from the safety hazards posed by speeding devices.

Orange Beach Council Focuses on E-Bikes and Rentals

In Orange Beach, the City Council has addressed these challenges by updating local safety ordinances to regulate both resident-owned and rental micromobility devices.

• Speed Limits on Trails: Orange Beach has established a speed limit of 15 mph on sidewalks and multi-modal paths, and 12 mph on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail.
• Pedestrian Approaching Rules: To protect walkers, riders must reduce their speed to 10 mph or less when approaching within 50 feet of a pedestrian, and they must provide an audible warning before passing from behind.
• Class Restrictions and Power Limits: Devices with motors of 750 watts or higher (including high-powered "e-motos") are legally classified as motor vehicles. They require a state driver's license and insurance to operate and are restricted entirely to public roadways, meaning they are banned from sidewalks, multi-use paths, and the Backcountry Trail.
• Rental Safety Regulations: Rental businesses face stricter rules, including requiring a physical location within city limits or police jurisdiction and carrying $1,000,000 in general liability insurance.
• Youth Safety and Enforcement: Riders under 16 must wear a helmet. Under enforcement frameworks, police officers will target reckless behaviors like failing to yield, excessive speeding, or performing stunts, and will notify or cite parents for juvenile violations rather than impounding devices.

You can watch the full discussion from the Orange Beach City Council meeting in their council meeting video broadcast.

Gulf Shores Sets Stricter Precedents

Just down the coast, the City of Gulf Shores has enacted even more restrictive speed limits to protect beachgoers and pedestrians on its infrastructure.

• 10 mph Speed Limit: Gulf Shores passed an ordinance that caps the speed limit on all designated multi-use paths and sidewalks at a strict 10 mph.
• Strict Penalty Structure: Gulf Shores enforces a tier-based fine system for unsafe riding: a $250 fine for the first violation, $400 for a second, and $500 for subsequent offenses. Devices ridden by minors under 18 without helmets may also be impounded with a $50 release fee.

With coastal tourism and local residency at high levels, these measures by Orange Beach and Gulf Shores showcase a regional push toward prioritizing safety on multi-use paths. By combining speed reductions, rental accountability, and strict power classifications, local leaders hope to keep public pathways safe and enjoyable for both pedestrians and riders alike.