Peoria council adopts code changes tightening rules for e-bikes, scooters and motor-driven cycles

Peoria City Council on March 24 unanimously adopted ordinance 10R, updating city code to clarify how electric bicycles, electric scooters and more powerful motor-driven cycles are classified and enforced.

The change, presented by Deputy Chief Doug Steel and Commander Jason Tarant, is intended to bring the city’s code into closer alignment with Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 28, and to make enforcement more consistent. "The key is less than 750 watts, less than one horsepower, and generally will go less than 28 miles an hour," Deputy Chief Doug Steel said, summarizing the state-based definition the city will mirror.

Council members and staff said confusion among residents and law enforcement about vehicle class and observable equipment has hampered enforcement. Commander Jason Tarant described three broad categories: Class 1–3 e-bikes (generally under 750 watts), motor-driven cycles (approximately 750–3,700 watts, treated as motor vehicles under state law) and electric motorcycles (over five horsepower). Tarant noted motor-driven cycles currently fall outside typical bicycle rules and, under state law, require licensing, registration and insurance when used on public streets.

The ordinance package adds or clarifies the following in city code: mandatory helmets for riders under 18, nighttime visibility requirements (lights and reflectors visible from 500 feet), prohibitions on carrying passengers on single-rider devices, bans on riding while intoxicated (consistent with Title 28 DUI standards), restrictions on speed modification or equipment changes that push vehicles out of the e-bike category, and new limits on operating such devices in city parks and on streets posted over certain speeds. Tarant emphasized that officers will focus on dangerous behavior rather than attempting to visually identify a class of vehicle when making enforcement decisions.

Council member Finn said the combination of education and visible enforcement matters: "No advertising in the world will work as good as that" when social-media reports of impoundments change youth behavior. Several council members asked about registration; staff said there is no current state mechanism to register typical e-bikes and that registration applies only to vehicles meeting the state definition of motorcycles.

The ordinance also references two state statutes (cited in staff materials as 28-3511 and 28-3512) that authorize seizure and disposition of vehicles when operators lack valid licenses or registration; staff warned parents that motor-driven cycles operated by minors can be subject to seizure under current law.

The council voted 7-0 to adopt the ordinance. Staff said they will roll out an education campaign (web materials, a one-page PDF, videos and social media), coordinated outreach to schools and an enforcement training bulletin for officers to encourage an initial period of education followed by stepped-up enforcement where violations persist.