Title
Electric Bicycles (E-Bike), Electric Scooter (E-Scooter) and Motor-Driven Cycle (E-Cycle) Safety
Description
This report provides the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee with an update on the Police Department's Electric Bicycles (E-Bike) and Electric Scooter (E-Scooter) Safety plan.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
The City of Phoenix and Phoenix Police Department are committed to ensuring safe, responsible and integrated use of electric bicycles, electric scooters, and motor-driven cycles in Phoenix, prioritizing safety and promoting sustainable transportation. The Department is focused on the education and enforcement of the electric platforms as well as the rules and regulations that govern each platform. In addition, this proposes an integrated plan focused on education, outreach, and balanced enforcement to mitigate risks and promote responsible use.
Electric Bicycle (E-Bike)
Definition: A bicycle or tricycle that is equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts and that meets the requirements of one of the following classes three classes.
- Class 1 Electric Bicycle: A bicycle or tricycle that is equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle or tricycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
- Class 2 Electric Bicycle: A bicycle or tricycle that is equipped with an electric motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle or tricycle and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle or tricycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
- Class 3 Electric Bicycle: A bicycle or tricycle that is equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle or tricycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.
Rules and Regulations:
- License, registration and insurance are not required. Per A.R.S Title 28, it is not a “vehicle” so DUI does not apply.
- Laws governing these are found under: A.R.S. 28-101.24 ~ A.R.S. 28-819.
- Phoenix City Code 36-504: Electric bicycles are prohibited on sidewalks.
- Phoenix City Code 36-510: Electric bicycle age - 16 years old minimum age requirement.
Electric Standup Scooter (E-Scooter)
Definition: A device which weighs less than 75 pounds, is powered by human power, an electric motor, or both and that has two or three wheels, handlebars, and a maximum speed of 20 mph.
Rules and Regulations:
- Treated the same as an electric bicycle (license, registration and insurance are not required) and must be equipped with a white light and red reflector if operating at night.
- Laws governing these are found under: A.R.S. 28-101 ~ A.R.S. 28-819.
- Phoenix City Code 36-304: Electric scooters prohibited on sidewalks.
- Phoenix City Code 36-308: Electric scooter age - 16 years old minimum age requirement.
Motor-Driven Cycle (E-Cycle)
Definition: These are considered motorcycles per Title 28 (28-101.47). Motor Driven Cycles have Fixed posts and not functioning pedals. They do not include electric bicycles, miniature scooters or standup scooters.
Rules and Regulations:
- If driven on private property, there are no license requirements, however; DUI, accidents and reckless driving laws apply.
- On the roadway, all traffic laws apply: license, registration, insurance, etc.
- ARS 28-904 Driving on sidewalk: A person shall not drive a vehicle on a sidewalk.
- ARS 28-3103 Driver License Endorsements: Motorcycle License requirement.
- 28-964.A Motorcycles; equipment: Eye protection required and helmets are required if rider is under 18 years old.
Education and Outreach
The Phoenix Police Department understands that all parents and riders may not understand these rules and regulations, and therefore will lead with an education and outreach prior to enforcement. The following shows the Department's plan for these efforts:
- 30 to 45-day educational campaign.
- Public Affairs Bureau social media campaign.
- Community and School focused educational campaigns.
- Appropriate signage in key areas.
- Informational pamphlets and QR Codes for quick access to rules, regulations and guidelines.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Phoenix Police Department.