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Anthem board debates ebike safety, supports drafting letter to state for uniform rules
Summary
The Anthem Community Council discussed rising safety concerns about electric mobility devices, noted jurisdictional gaps between Phoenix and Maricopa County, and agreed staff should draft a letter to the state legislature and explore coordinated education and enforcement partnerships with Phoenix PD, MCSO and local schools.
The Anthem Community Council spent an extended portion of its meeting discussing safety and regulatory responses to electric mobility devices, including high‑powered e‑motorbikes, and directed staff to bring back draft legislative language and community outreach options.
Staff framed the problem as a patchwork of rules: City of Phoenix treats certain high‑powered devices like motorcycles while Maricopa County applies different or no clear standards. "The Anthem Community Council does not have the authority to arrest anyone. We don't have any laws that say in Anthem you can do this or you can't do that," staff said, underscoring that enforcement rests with police agencies. Board members described visible risky riding in Anthem, including wheelies and high speeds; staff warned some devices can reach 50–60 mph and can look like motor vehicles.
Why it matters: board members said the activity raises safety and liability concerns for residents and visitors, especially youth riding powerful devices in neighborhoods and on recreational corridors. Several members favored using ACC influence to press for statewide standards so local residents do not face conflicting rules across jurisdictional lines.
Key discussion points included targeted education and enforcement partnerships, parent resources, and a potential community forum featuring Phoenix PD and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Several members proposed a legislative letter modeled on examples in other states that set age limits, helmet requirements and education components; participants specifically cited Utah and Phoenix models as references. One board member volunteered to work with staff to draft a letter and assemble model language for the council to consider.
Next steps: staff will prepare draft outreach materials and a proposed legislative letter for the board to review at a future meeting; staff also recommended coordinating messages with public safety partners before issuing any community safety campaign.
