Why Is Scottsdale Getting Tough on E-Bikes and Electric Motorcycles?
If you’ve walked through downtown Scottsdale lately, you’ve probably noticed the whir of electric bikes and motorcycles zipping past. It’s not just a local trend—e-bikes are booming everywhere. But with that surge comes a spike in accidents, especially involving young riders. Scottsdale’s city officials, after seeing a rise in injuries to both pedestrians and riders, decided it was time to act. The city’s new rules aim to rein in the chaos and keep everyone a bit safer on the streets.
What Are the New Rules for E-Bikes and Electric Motorcycles?
Starting July 1, Scottsdale rolled out a set of regulations that change the game for anyone riding an electric bike or motorcycle. The headline: kids under 16 are now banned from riding class three e-bikes—those capable of hitting 21 mph or more. That’s a big shift, especially for families who saw e-bikes as a fun, eco-friendly way for teens to get around.
But it doesn’t stop there. All electric motorcycles must now be titled and registered with the state if you want to ride them on city roads. That means no more sneaking off-road bikes like the Sur Ron Lightbee onto public streets without paperwork. And yes, insurance is now a must.
How Do These Changes Affect Young Riders and Their Families?
For many parents, these new rules are a wake-up call. Dr. Anthony Pickett at Phoenix Children’s Hospital has seen a worrying uptick in serious injuries among kids riding e-bikes and electric motorcycles. We’re not just talking scrapes and bruises—he’s seeing severe head injuries, sometimes from unexpected hazards like potholes or animals darting into the road.
Here’s the kicker: e-bikes move a lot faster than regular pedal bikes, and not every rider wears a helmet. That combo? A recipe for trouble. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, head injuries account for more than 60% of cycling-related deaths, and higher speeds only amplify the risk.
What Do Retailers and Bike Shops Need to Do Differently?
If you’re in the business of selling e-bikes, the city’s got you on the hook, too. Every new class three e-bike sold must have a permanent label stating its classification—no peeling it off later. Shops also have to post clear, written notices explaining the new age and speed rules to customers. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about making sure buyers know exactly what they’re getting into.
Will These Rules Actually Make Scottsdale’s Streets Safer?
That’s the million-dollar question. The city hopes these measures will slow things down—literally and figuratively. The penalties for breaking the new rules are relatively light for now: a $100 fine for violations, classified as a petty offense. Some critics argue that’s not enough to deter risky behavior, especially among thrill-seeking teens. But city leaders see this as a starting point, with the option to ramp up enforcement or raise fines if the problem persists.
There’s also a cultural shift at play. By making it harder for underage riders to access high-speed e-bikes and requiring registration for electric motorcycles, Scottsdale is signaling that these aren’t just toys—they’re vehicles with real risks and responsibilities.
How Does Scottsdale’s Approach Compare to Other Cities?
Scottsdale isn’t alone in tightening the reins on e-bikes. Cities like New York have started capping e-bike and scooter speeds to a brisk walking pace in some areas, and California has introduced similar age and speed restrictions. The trend is clear: as electric mobility becomes more popular, cities are scrambling to balance innovation with public safety.
A study published in the journal Injury Prevention found that e-bike injuries tripled in the United States between 2017 and 2022, with young riders disproportionately affected. Scottsdale’s approach mirrors a broader movement to get ahead of the curve before accidents spiral further out of control.
What Should Riders and Parents Do Next?
If you’re a parent, now’s the time to talk with your kids about the new rules—and the reasons behind them. Make sure they know the difference between class one and class three e-bikes, and why helmets aren’t optional. For riders, double-check that your bike or motorcycle is properly registered and insured before hitting the road.
Retailers should review their labeling and notification practices to stay compliant and help educate customers. And everyone—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike—should stay alert as these new rules settle in.
The big takeaway? E-bike safety isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.