Arizona bill would limit speeds on e-bikes, e-scooters

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(The Center Square) - The Arizona Senate majority leader has pre-filed a bill to regulate how fast people can ride electric bicycles and scooters on sidewalks and pathways.

Under Senate Bill 1008, these two modes of transportation would be limited to 15 mph on sidewalks or pathways. On top of this, if people are riding one of these vehicles while attempting to pass someone, the bill says they can only go 5 mph.

State Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, who is the sponsor of SB 1008, told The Center Square that when people are riding their electric bikes or scooters too fast, it poses a “real hazard to people walking.”

Over the last couple of years, Kavanagh said he has seen more people, particularly young people, going “dangerously fast on sidewalks” while passing pedestrians.

According to Kavanagh, his bill aims to create a “foundational safety rule” that limits how fast someone can ride an electric bike or scooter on a sidewalk or pathway.

SB 1008 does not regulate bikes or e-scooters on roads because there are already regulations that address them, Kavanagh noted.  

He added that he spoke with a retired Phoenix motor officer to develop the 15 mph rule for electric bicycles and scooters.

If this bill were to become law, Kavanagh said he expects police officers to go after the most “dangerous actors” who are going really fast, passing pedestrians. The state senator compared it to how law enforcement enforces other traffic safety laws.

Kavanagh added he does not plan to introduce a bill to ban electric bikes or scooters in Arizona.

In some of Arizona’s major cities, regulations surround these modes of transportation. Arizona’s largest city, Phoenix, prohibits electric bikes and scooters from being on sidewalks.

Tucson allows them in bike lanes and pathways, but they can only go up to 19 mph.

Scottsdale does not allow electric bikes or scooters on its sidewalks, pathways or public streets. Electric bikes and scooters can only go up to 21 mph in the city.

Kavanagh told The Center Square he plans to introduce numerous other bills for the upcoming legislative session. They will cover topics such as immigration, humane animal treatment and homeowner associations.

He said he usually introduces between 30 and 40 bills each session. After last year's session, Kavanagh was named leader of the Senate's Republican majority.