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ITEM 9.d. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: 6/16/2026 Meeting Type: Town Council Regular Meeting Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Kevin Snipes, Community Services Director Staff Contact Information: Phone: 480-816-5178 Email: ksnipes@fountainhillsaz.gov Request to Town Council Regular Meeting (Agenda Language) DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION: Relating to E-bikes and E-Moto regulations Staff Summary (background) The Town Council directed staff to evaluate potential regulations regarding electric bicycles (e-bikes), electric standup scooters, and electric motorcycles or similar high-powered electric vehicles operating within Town parks, pathways, sidewalks, trails, roadways, bike lanes, and other public areas. As the popularity of these devices continues to increase, residents have expressed concerns regarding safety, speed, conflicts with pedestrians, roadway behavior, and the use of high-powered electric motorcycles in public recreational areas. Arizona law establishes a three-class e-bike system and generally grants e-bike riders the same rights and responsibilities as traditional bicyclists. A qualifying e-bike must have fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. Class 1 e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 20 mph, Class 2 e-bikes may be throttle-assisted up to 20 mph, and Class 3 e- bikes provide pedal assistance up to 28 mph. Arizona law also provides that qualifying e- bikes are not subject to title, registration, vehicle license tax, driver license, or vehicle insurance requirements. For roadway use, e-bike riders are generally subject to the same rules applicable to bicyclists. This means e-bike operators must comply with applicable traffic laws, traffic-control devices, roadway direction of travel, right-of-way rules, lighting and equipment requirements, and safe riding practices. E-bikes may be operated on public roadways and in bicycle lanes where bicycles are permitted, subject to state law and any lawful local regulations adopted by the Town. Arizona law allows Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on bicycle and multi-use paths unless prohibited by the local jurisdiction with authority over the path. Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited from bicycle or multi-use paths unless the path is within or adjacent to a highway or roadway, or unless the local authority specifically allows their operation. Local governments also have authority to regulate e-bike access and use on paths, trails, and other Town-controlled public property. In addition to parks and trails, Council may consider whether local regulations should address e-bike use in other public areas, including sidewalks, pedestrian areas, plazas, parking lots, public facilities, and other Town-owned or Town-maintained spaces. These regulations could include restrictions based on location, speed, rider age, device type, or pedestrian safety considerations. Staff reviewed regulations adopted by neighboring communities, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Mesa, and Gilbert. These communities utilize varying approaches ranging from adherence to state law to more comprehensive regulations that address rider age, permitted locations, equipment requirements, speed, rider behavior, sidewalk use, and enforcement mechanisms. The presentation outlines several policy options for Council consideration, including: • Following Arizona law without additional local regulations. • Establishing separate rules for roadways, bike lanes, shared-use paths, sidewalks, parks, and natural-surface trails. • Clarifying where Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes are permitted within Town- controlled public areas. • Regulating or restricting e-bike use on sidewalks, pedestrian areas, public plazas, parking lots, and other high-conflict public spaces. • Implementing minimum age requirements for e-bike operators, particularly for Class 3 e-bikes or other higher-speed devices. • Combining age restrictions with location-based regulations. • Establishing speed or “reasonable and prudent” operation standards in areas where pedestrians, children, pets, or other users are likely to be present. • Prohibiting all e-bikes within Town parks, or alternatively allowing only certain classes of e-bikes in designated areas. • Prohibiting electric motorcycles, electric dirt bikes, and similar high-powered devices from Town parks, sidewalks, shared-use paths, trails, and other non-roadway public areas. Under all options, electric motorcycles and similar vehicles, including Sur-Rons, Talarias, and comparable electric dirt bikes, would continue to be treated differently from qualifying e- bikes if they do not meet the statutory definition of an electric bicycle. These devices may only operate on public roadways if they comply with applicable motor vehicle laws, including any required title, registration, equipment, insurance, and operator licensing requirements. They would not be permitted within parks, sidewalks, shared-use paths, or trails unless otherwise authorized by applicable law. The purpose of this discussion is to provide Council with information regarding current state law, regional regulatory practices, and available policy options so that direction may be provided regarding future e-bike, e-scooter, and electric motorcycle regulations within the Town Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle N/A Risk Analysis N/A Recommendation(s) by Board(s) or Commission(s) N/A Staff Recommendation(s) Staff are looking for direction for e-bike regulations. Suggested Motion N/A FISCAL IMPACT Fiscal Impact: N/A Budget Reference: N/A Funding Source: N/A ATTACHMENTS 1. E-bikes