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Goodyear adopts e‑bike, e‑scooter rules with age limits, helmet requirements and education period
Summary
After extended debate and public comment, the council adopted ordinance 2026‑1648 to regulate classes of electric bicycles and scooters, imposing age limits (class 3 prohibited under 16; class 1/2 prohibited under 14; stand‑up scooters prohibited under 12), helmet rules for under‑16 riders, road‑position rules, DUI enforcement aligned with state law, and an education period before full civil‑penalty enforcement.
The City Council adopted a new municipal ordinance establishing rules for electric bicycles, motorized bicycles, electric stand‑up scooters and miniature electric scooters, following a staff presentation and public comment.
Deputy Chief Jose Gonzalez, who led the presentation, said the ordinance aligns local definitions with Arizona Revised Statutes and addresses speed, road positioning and safety equipment. Key provisions include age restrictions (class‑3 e‑bikes prohibited for riders under 16; class‑1 and class‑2 prohibited for riders under 14; electric stand‑up scooters prohibited for riders under 12), a requirement that riders use bike lanes when present and ride near the right‑hand side of the roadway, and a helmet requirement for riders under age 16. Gonzalez said DUI enforcement will mirror state law and that civil penalties are tiered (examples given: first offense $50, second $250, third $500), while serious criminal conduct such as DUI or reckless operation remains separately enforceable.
Gonzalez told Council the city intends a six‑month education campaign in coordination with digital communications and local partners before broad civil enforcement; he said officers retain discretion to enforce criminal provisions such as DUI immediately if encountered. "All riders under the age of 16 must wear a securely fastened helmet," he said during the presentation.
Public comment came from resident Harley Coffin, who praised police engagement and urged the training program to include enforcement and instruction about higher‑powered e‑motorcycles as well as e‑bikes, warning that a training gap could leave enforcement trailing use patterns. Councilmembers recounted recent close calls with young riders on sidewalks and crosswalks and pressed staff on enforcement tools; staff and the city attorney clarified that while civil fines are the ordinance’s primary enforcement mechanism, officers may treat reckless or intoxicated operation as criminal conduct and could retain devices taken from intoxicated operators until a sober person can retrieve them.
Council voted to adopt ordinance 2026‑1648 unanimously. Staff said outreach will target schools, local bike retailers and social media, and that Parks & Recreation will be able to post and enforce additional restrictions for heavily congested park areas.
