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E-BIKES VS E-MOTOS E-MOTOS • All Sur-Rons, Talarias, and similar electric dirt bikes are motorcycles or motor-driven cycles and cannot operate in parks, on sidewalks, bike lanes, or shared-use paths. • Motorcycle License: Riders must hold a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement (ARS 28-3151A) • Safety Gear: Helmets are mandatory for riders under the age of 18, and eye protection is required for all (ARS 28- 964.A) • Vehicle Registration: Motor-driven cycles must be registered, insured, and properly licensed, just like other motor vehicles E-BIKES Pedals and Propulsion: • E-bikes require you to pedal to activate the motor (though some have a limited throttle option). E- Bikes Arizona State Law (Baseline Authority) Class Description Top Assisted Speed Class 1 Pedal-assist only 20 mph Class 2 Throttle-assisted 20 mph Class 3 Pedal-assist only 28 mph Arizona adopted a three-class e-bike system under A.R.S. § 28-819. The statute establishes the following: Key provisions: •E-bike riders generally have the same rights and responsibilities as traditional bicyclists. •No registration, insurance, license plate, or driver's license is required. •Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on bicycle and multi-use paths unless a local jurisdiction prohibits them. •Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited on bicycle and multi-use paths unless the local jurisdiction specifically allows them. This is important because Arizona law explicitly gives local governments authority over e-bike access on paths and trails. What Other Phoenix Metro Communities Are Doing Phoenix • The most restrictive approach is found in certain park and preserve areas. • The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department prohibits riding electric bicycles and other motorized vehicles on trails within its preserve and trail system. This applies primarily to natural-surface hiking and mountain biking trails in the preserve system. • Policy model: • Allow e-bikes on streets and paved facilities. • Prohibit e-bikes on natural-surface preserve trails. Scottsdale • Scottsdale generally follows the state framework. • Current guidance allows: • Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on multi-use paths and sidewalks. • Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited on paved shared-use paths. • Riders are encouraged to use bike lanes and roadways for Class 3 operation. Scottsdale has also adopted ordinances regulating: • Reckless riding. • Riding under the influence. • Policy model: • Permit Class 1 and 2. • Restrict Class 3 from shared-use paths. • Focus enforcement on rider behavior. Glendale (Most Restrictive / Most Comprehensive) Age Restrictions • Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes: minimum age 14 • Class 3 e-bikes: minimum age 16 • Helmets required for riders under 18 Equipment Requirements • White front light • Red rear light • Reflectors for nighttime operation Behavioral Regulations • Prohibits reckless riding • Prohibits riding against traffic • Prohibits intentional wheelies • Requires compliance with traffic laws Enforcement • Fines start at $50 • Repeat offenses can reach $500 within a 12-month period Park Speed Limits Glendale's park code already limits bicycles and similar devices in parks to 15 mph and requires yielding to pedestrians. Policy Takeaway Glendale's ordinance focuses less on where e-bikes may operate and more on: Youth access Unsafe behavior Enforcement authority This is likely the strongest model currently in the Valley. In late 2025, Glendale adopted a standalone e-bike and e-scooter ordinance in response to safety concerns involving youth riders and reckless operation. The ordinance includes: Common Regulatory Options Available Option 1 – Follow Arizona Law Only Description • Adopt no additional regulations. • Does not allow E-Moto in any parks and they must follow vehicular rules of the road • Allow Class 1 and 2 E-Bikes wherever bicycles are allowed, this includes in the parks and on sidewalks. • Does not allow Class 3 E-Bikes in any parks or multi-use pathways and only allows where state law permits(bike lanes, public streets). Pros • Simple. • Minimal enforcement burden. • Consistent with state law. Cons • Limited ability to address resident concerns about speed and conflicts. Option 2 – Path and Trail Classification Create separate rules for: • Shared-use paths (Fountain Park, Four Peaks pathways etc.) • Natural-surface trails (Adero, Desert Botanical, Overlook) • Sidewalks (All pathways not shared-use) • Roadways Example: Facility Type Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Roads Yes Yes Yes Bike lanes Yes Yes Yes Shared-use paths Yes Yes No Natural-surface trails No No No Pros Most common municipal approach. Cons Requires signage Difficulty with enforcement Option 3 – Age Restrictions Adopted youth restrictions due to risks of crashes involving high- powered e-bikes. Examples: • No e-bikes at all under age 14 OR • No Class 2 or 3 under age 14 (this allows under age 14 to ride class 1) Pros • Addresses concerns about younger riders. Cons • More difficult to enforce. Option 4- Set age and location restrictions • No e-bikes under age 14 OR • No Class 2 or 3 under age 14 (this allows under age 14 to ride class 1) Pros Addresses concerns about younger riders Addresses concerns about E-Bikes in parks Cons More difficult to enforce. Facility Type Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Roads Yes Yes Yes Bike lanes Yes Yes Yes Shared-use paths Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Sidewalks Natural-surface trails No No No Option 5- No E-Bikes In Parks • This eliminates all e-bikes and e-moto from parks all the time Pros Simple Easy to enforce Cons Very restrictive Does not address street riding concerns from residents QUESTIONS?