Electric bikes and scooters have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation, but the rules on what ages are allowed to legally ride them are different, depending on where you live.
Not knowing the rules in your city, community or town can come with a costly fine if teen riders are caught illegally riding their e-bike or e-scooter. Valley Vibe reached out to the City of Phoenix, Anthem Community Council and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to find out the local rules. Heads up Anthemites, the rules are different for the East side and the West side.
City of Phoenix (including Anthem’s west side)
As use of electric bikes began to rise in popularity, the City amended its ordinance last year prohibiting the use of e-bikes to anyone under age 18. Violators could be issued a civil traffic citation and face fines of $50–$100.
“The change was made in 2023 to be consistent with the city’s Shared Micromobility Program, through which it has an operating agreement with vendors Lime and Spin to rent e-scooters and e-bikes within specific boundaries. Those vendors require that their customers/riders be at least 18,” Gregg Bach, City of Phoenix Street Transportation public information officer, told Valley Vibe in an email.
E-scooter use in the City is also prohibited for riders under age 18.
Now reserved for adult use only, e-bike riders must obey all traffic laws, and must travel at a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour (15 for e-scooters). Signs prohibiting bicycles also apply to e-bikes, and parking regulations are enforced to ensure these vehicles don’t block private or public entrances.
View the Phoenix City code on e-bike age requirements here, https://phoenix.municipal.codes/CC/36-510
Anthem/Desert Hills/New River
Anthem Community Council has no specific rules in place when it comes to e-bike and e-scooter riders. A spokesperson from the ACC told Valley Vibe, the community refers to the ordinances set by local authorities. The west side of the community is patrolled by the city of Phoenix Police Department, while the east side is patrolled by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).
MCSO Public Information Officer Calbert Gillett told Valley Vibe the office refers to Arizona Revised Statute 28-819 to guide its responses to e-bikes and e-scooters, which states an operator of an electric bicycle or an electric standup scooter is granted all the rights and privileges and is subject to all of the provisions of a person riding a bicycle.
Desert Hills and New River are also served by MCSO.
Back-to-School Safety Reminder
DVUSD’s Director of School Operations, Tony Galietti, said the district itself doesn’t have a set policy regarding e-bikes and e-scooters but reminds parents and students that local regulations regarding age, permits, and designated riding areas remain enforceable by the local authorities. Wearing a helmet, knowing the rules of the road, riding with a buddy, putting electronic devices away, respecting speed limits and local rules will help create a safe environment, Galietti said in an email.
Voice Your Opinion
The City of Phoenix is asking residents to provide input by taking a community survey on its rental e-bike programs open through July 26, as the Phoenix Street Transportation Department considers options to expand the program boundaries and vehicle inventory further.
An update about potential program expansion options from the City Council Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee is expected in the fall, Bach said. To participate in the survey, visit: www.phoenix.gov/scooters.
By Karen Goveia
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