Riders under 16 are limited to 20 mph e-bikes in unincorporated Maricopa County under rules supervisors passed Wednesday

Maricopa County supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance Wednesday that sets rules for electric bikes and scooters in the county's unincorporated areas, the land outside any city or town.

The county said the rules were written by Board of Supervisors Chair Kate Brophy McGee with the County Attorney's Office and the Sheriff's Office, citing a recent rise in e-bike crashes. The ordinance does not apply inside incorporated towns such as Queen Creek, and it does not cover county regional parks, which already have separate e-bike policies.

"With this ordinance, we are joining other cities and towns across Maricopa County in providing detailed guidance that empowers riders while protecting public safety," Brophy McGee said in the county's announcement.

The three classes

Arizona law sorts e-bikes into three types, and the county's rules follow those lines:

• Class 1: the motor helps only while the rider pedals, up to 20 mph.
• Class 2: the motor can move the bike without pedaling, also up to 20 mph.
• Class 3: pedal-assist up to 28 mph.

What the ordinance requires

According to the county's announcement and its rider flyer:

• Anyone under 16 may ride only a Class 1 or Class 2 bike. No one younger than 16 may ride a Class 3.
• Helmets are required on Class 3 bikes for the operator and any passenger under 18. Classes 1 and 2 carry no county helmet requirement.
• Class 1 and Class 2 bikes may use sidewalks at no more than 15 mph. Class 3 bikes may not ride on sidewalks at all.
• All three classes may use multiuse paths, again with a 15 mph limit.
• Electric scooters, described as two- or three-wheeled vehicles with handlebars, a floorboard and an electric motor, are treated the same as Class 1 and Class 2 bikes.

The county did not list penalties or an effective date in its announcement. The full rider flyer is posted on the county's news page.

Sources

maricopa.gov

maricopa.gov

abc15.com