Valley safety advocates warn city E-Bike rules are lagging behind

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Electric bikes are surging in popularity across Arizona, creating a billion-dollar industry and helping the environment as more people opt for e-bikes over cars for short commutes. However, public safety advocates warn that inconsistent rules between cities could be putting riders at risk. Under Arizona law, e-bikes that can go faster than 28 miles per hour are classified as motorcycles, not electric bicycles, which can open riders up to citations by police and increase the risk of injury if someone doesn't have the skill or experience to operate a faster vehicle.

Why it matters

The rise of e-bikes has created a new transportation option, but the lack of consistent regulations between cities in Arizona could compromise rider safety if people are operating vehicles they are not properly trained to handle. This highlights the need for policymakers to keep up with emerging technologies and ensure public safety guidelines evolve alongside new modes of transportation.

The details

Electric bikes are surging in popularity across Arizona, creating a billion-dollar industry and helping the environment as more people opt for e-bikes over cars for short commutes. However, public safety advocates warn that inconsistent rules between cities could be putting riders at risk. Under Arizona law, e-bikes that can go faster than 28 miles per hour are classified as motorcycles, not electric bicycles, which can open riders up to citations by police and increase the risk of injury if someone doesn't have the skill or experience to operate a faster vehicle.

• Arizona law classifies e-bikes over 28 mph as motorcycles.