- Scottsdale, AZ, is cracking down on the use of electric bikes and motorcycles.
- The city has banned under 16s from using e-bikes capable of 21 mph or more.
- All electric motorcycles must now be titled and registered for use on city roads.
Scottsdale, like cities all over the world, has got an e-bike problem as innocent pedestrians and the riders themselves are getting hurt in accidents involving electric bikes and motorcycles. The Arizona city has had enough of it, so it’s brought in multiple new rules designed to limit their use and hopefully cut down on injuries.
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More: NYC Plans To Slash E-Bike And Scooter Top Speeds To A Jogger’s Pace
Starting July 1, anyone wanting to use an electric motorcycle on a city roadway has to have it titled and registered with the Sate of Arizona. That will be bad news to the city’s kids, some of whom have been roaming wild on off-road-intended bikes like the Sur Ron Lightbee without any license, registration or insurance, which is now compulsory.
Age Restrictions and Speed Limits
And the new legislation doesn’t stop there. Under the terms of Ordinance No. 4680 no one under the age of 16 is allowed to ride a class three electric bicycle, which is defined as one capable of going 21 mph (34 km/h) or faster. They will, however, still be able to ride class one electric bikes whose top speed is lower than that.
Dr. Anthony Pickett at Phoenix Children’s Hospital told Arizona’s Family that an increasing number of children are being injured on electric bikes and motorcycles – and they’re not just getting bruises or breaking a leg.
“The lion’s share [of injuries] unfortunately are pretty severe head injuries,” Dr Pickett said, going on to explain that it’s not only the risk of conventional traffic accidents that riders face, but other factors such as unseen potholes or a dog running out. Those dangers are amplified because e-bikes and electric motorcycles tend to be traveling faster than conventional pedal cycles, and the riders aren’t always wearing helmets.
Retailer Responsibilities and Enforcement
Bike shops must now fix a permanent label to any new class three bike sold making its status clear, and removing it is illegal. They also have to post a written notice explaining the new rules to potential customers.
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Whether these changes will significantly alter behavior remains to be seen. They’ll certainly deter some riders, but not all because the violation is classed as a petty offense and carries a $100 fine as a result. It is a start, though, and if at first it doesn’t work, maybe penalties will get much harsher.
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