Goodyear Tightens Rules on E-Bikes and Scooters with New Ordinance
In a move to enhance safety and regulate electric mobility devices, the Goodyear City Council has introduced a comprehensive ordinance targeting e-bikes and scooters. The new regulations specify operating zones, enforce traffic laws, and impose age-related restrictions, particularly prohibiting children under 12 from using these devices.
The legislation, which passed unanimously with a 6-0 vote, mandates that operators adhere to speed limits and prohibits riding under the influence, aligning with Arizona DUI laws. “Individuals utilizing these devices must obey posted speed limits,” emphasized Jose Gonzalez, the deputy chief of the Goodyear police. “They must ride at a speed that is reasonable and safe for the conditions, and riders must control speeds to avoid hazards or collisions.”
According to the ordinance, riders under 16 must wear helmets, and those under 12 are banned from operating e-bikes or scooters. Additionally, minors under 16 are restricted from carrying passengers and cannot operate Class 3 e-bikes, which are the fastest.
To ensure safer travel practices, the ordinance stipulates that e-bikes should use bike lanes or roads, avoiding sidewalks. Conversely, e-scooters may use sidewalks only when the adjoining road lacks a bike lane and has a speed limit exceeding 25 mph.
Parking of these devices on sidewalks and streets is also prohibited. While enforcement of most provisions will be on hold until November to facilitate community education, DUI laws will be enforced immediately.
Gonzalez noted the importance of community awareness, stating, “We’re going to take a six-month period to work with our digital communications partners to come up with an educational campaign to really kind of focus on educating our community on the do’s and don’ts of e-devices within our community.”
Penalties for violations start at $50, escalating to $500 for repeated infractions. Parents will be liable for fines if minors are caught operating e-bikes or scooters illegally. Additionally, the Goodyear parks department has been granted authority to post signage to manage ridership and speed within park areas.
