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Bullhead City Parks and Rec Commission weighs limits on electric-assist bicycles in parks
Summary
At its May 20 meeting the commission discussed safety, Arizona law and enforcement challenges for electric-assist bicycles in city parks, heard police reports of impounds and large citations, and directed staff to research ordinances, outreach and trail design with a likely July 15 return date.
At its May 20 meeting, the Bullhead City Parks and Recreation Commission discussed whether to limit electric-assist bicycles in city parks and directed staff to research possible ordinances, outreach and trail design changes before returning with recommendations.
The commission heard a legal and enforcement briefing from Corporal Crawford, who summarized Arizona classifications and practical enforcement limits. “They’re classified as bicycles under ARS 28-8-19,” Crawford said, explaining that pedal-assist Class 1 bikes (about 20 miles per hour) are treated differently from throttle-equipped machines and higher-powered vehicles. He told the commission that machines over 750 watts or without pedals may be treated as mopeds or motorcycles and require registration, a license and insurance.
Crawford described enforcement challenges in parks: “It’s gotten absolutely out of control with the amount of mini bikes and scooters and e motorcycles that are landing in the park,” he said, noting officers have impounded machines and issued citations to juveniles. He said impound fees run about $100 plus daily storage and that citation totals in some cases have reached roughly $2,500. He added that some enforcement options are limited because speed citations generally require the rider to be on a roadway rather than on a pedestrian trail.
Commissioners and members of the public raised safety concerns at Rotary Park and on shared-use paths, with one commissioner saying fast riders “scare me” and urging options to protect walkers, dog walkers and youth. A resident with e-bike experience recommended clearer placement rules for different classes of bikes and emphasized helmets and audible devices on trails.
Staff and police outlined a multi-pronged approach rather than immediate new enforcement: options discussed included modifying trail geometry (widening or striping to create separate bike and pedestrian lanes), requiring bells or other audible devices on bikes, school outreach and bike rodeos, and targeted enforcement when resources allow. Staff also recommended researching model ordinances from other Arizona cities and consulting the city attorney.
No ordinance or formal ban was adopted; instead, the commission directed staff to gather additional information, conduct community outreach and return with options. Staff suggested a roughly 60-day review period and a possible return date of July 15 for further commission consideration and for a potential recommendation to city council.
The commission’s next steps are a staff-led review of statutes and local ordinances, outreach to cyclists and recreational groups, and a follow-up presentation to the commission with proposed regulatory or educational measures. The item will advance only after staff and legal review and further public input.
