Email received from Officer Sills who is regarded by other officers as the expert pertaining to Motorized Bicycle Phoenix City Code/State Law:
I hope the attached document assist you. I have fought this battle for
several years with the conflict in legislation and have numerous times
tried to educate officers about such matters. [b]Yes you can operate your
e-bike in a bike lane provided it meets the definition (bicycle with
helper motor - meaning it must have pedals). Carry this document with
you and show it to officers and have them contact me. If you have
further questions, please contact me. Oh, as for the play vehicles, I
wrote that ordinance and it means any vehicle or toy that is not defined
by state law or city ordinance. Manufacturers try and change "toys"
everyday and it's hard to keep up with them an e-bike is not a play
vehicle.
Officer Terry Sills
Traffic Complaint Coordinator
602-534- SPEED (7733)
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Text of document received from Officer Sills:
ELECTRIC SCOOTERS BICYCLES MOPEDS MINI-MOTORCYCLES
ARS 28.101 defines:
Bicycle - “a device that is propelled by human power that has 2 tandem wheels or 3 wheels in contact with the ground” (16 inches or more in diameter).
Moped – “a bicycle that is equipped with a helper motor of 50cc or less with a maximum speed of 25 MPH”.
Motorcycle – “a motor vehicle that has a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, designed to travel on not more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground, excludes a tractor and a moped.”
Motor Driven Cycle – “a motorcycle, including every motor scooter that produces not more than 5 horsepower.”
Motorized Skateboard – “a self propelled device that has a motor, a deck on which a person may ride and at least 2 tandem wheels in contact with the ground.” BANNED IN PHOENIX
Neighborhood electric vehicle – “a self propelled electrically powered motor vehicle which is emission free, 4 wheels, complies with Fed regulations for low speed vehicles.”
Golf Cart – “a motor vehicle with not less than 3 wheels, unladen weight of less than 1000 LBS, operate at 25 MPH or less and designed to carry 4 persons or less.”
Motorized electric or gas powered bicycle/tricycle – “a bicycle or tricycle that is equipped with a helper motor with a max 48cc engine, may also be self propelled, and operates at speeds of less than 20 MPH.”
Electric Personal Assistive mobility device – “self balancing 2 nontandem wheeled device with an electric propulsion system, 15 MPH or less and one person.” SEGWAY – all rights of pedestrian – EXCEPT: MUST BE 16 OR OLDER TO OPERATE
BICYCLE MOPED E-BIKE MOTORCYCLE GOLF / ELECTRIC VEH
DR LIC no yes no yes yes
REGISTR no yes no yes yes
FIN RESP no no no yes yes
BIKE LANE yes no yes no no
SPEED none 25/less less than 20 none 25 or less
