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Mesa staff propose allowing class 1 and 2 e‑bikes in parks with 5 mph park limit and education campaign
Summary
Parks, police and fire staff proposed code changes to allow class 1 and 2 e‑bikes and small e‑scooters in city parks (class 3 excluded), add a proposed 5 mph speed limit inside parks, require helmets for riders under 18 and launch a public outreach and enforcement plan. Fire officials flagged lithium‑ion battery fire risks and urged safe charging guidance.
Mesa — City staff proposed amendments to parks and traffic codes to let class 1 and class 2 e‑bikes and small electric scooters operate in parks under conditions designed to protect pedestrians and park amenities.
Parks Director Andrea Moore and Parks staff said the city is seeing increased use of motorized electric devices in parks and also damage (ruts, burn marks, and vandalized courts) tied primarily to some scooters and electric motorcycles. Staff proposed allowing two categories of motorized electric vehicles in parks (class 1 and class 2 e‑bikes and certain small scooters), requiring riders to be 16 or older, adding a helmet requirement for riders under 18, and imposing a proposed 5‑mph speed limit inside parks.
Lieutenant Bridal Stokes (Mesa PD) and the fire department discussed enforcement and safety. Stokes described an education‑first approach: staff would run a community outreach campaign, then after 30–60 days target locations for enforcement based on complaints and data. Fire officials warned of lithium‑ion battery hazards — rapid thermal runaway and toxic smoke — and urged messaging on safe charging, approved chargers, and storage options such as approved thermal containment bags.
Council members questioned the feasibility of a 5‑mph park speed limit for e‑bikes, how officers would measure compliance and how to treat devices modified to exceed statutory speed thresholds. Staff noted state statute already limits classifications (including the 28‑mph threshold that converts a device to a motor‑driven cycle), and staff said they would remove drafting language that conflicted with state definitions before the Monday packet.
What happens next: The ordinance introduction was scheduled for Monday with a final vote planned on Jan. 12. Staff said they would continue outreach with schools, HOAs and social media and would coordinate enforcement with SROs and traffic units after an education period.
Key details and numbers: Proposed 5 mph speed limit inside parks for motorized electric devices (parks only); 15 mph retained for shared use/canal paths; riders must be 16 or older to operate motorized electric devices in city parks; staff flagged scooters and modified electric motorcycles as major sources of vandalism and safety complaints.
