By Rick Murray, President and CEO, ACNSC
E-bikes have spread quickly across Arizona. For many teens, they represent freedom and independence. Parents see them as a practical way for kids to get around. Communities see more people choosing bikes over cars for everyday transportation. All of that has value. The concern begins when speed, weight, and power meet inexperience and inconsistent helmet use.
When Speed Raises the Stakes
Over the past several months, our organization has seen an increase in teens cited for riding e-bikes without a license. If they’re under 18, they’re cited for a moving violation and sent to traffic survival school. Traditional bikes move at speeds where mistakes are more forgiving. E-bikes change that equation by adding speed and acceleration to riders who are still learning the rules of the road.
And that speed changes the margin for error.
Many e-bikes weigh more than 50 pounds. Some accelerate rapidly. Class 3 models assist riders up to 28 miles per hour. At those speeds, stopping distance increases and mistakes carry greater consequences.
In Mesa, e-bike injuries have increased, with minors accounting for a significant share. Physicians across the Valley report serious injuries, including head trauma, internal injuries, and multiple fractures. These injuries often stem from everyday riding scenarios such as uneven pavement, sudden stops, or unexpected obstacles. Helmets are frequently absent.
This isn’t to say e-bikes are terrible. They’re not. They’re fun to ride. They reduce barriers like hills and distance. They help people replace car trips with biking, bringing environmental, economic, and health benefits. The issue is preparation.
Arizona law already distinguishes among three classes of e-bikes, each with different speed limits and expectations for where they belong. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes assist up to 20 miles per hour, with Class 2 allowing a throttle. Class 3 e-bikes assist up to 28 miles per hour and are intended for roadway use. Those distinctions matter, especially for younger riders who may not yet understand how quickly conditions change at higher speeds.
A Patchwork of Rules, and a Clear Gap
Cities across the Valley are rapidly responding in different ways. Scottsdale now prohibits riders under 16 from operating Class 3 e-bikes on city property and requires sellers to post clear notices about the age restriction. Mesa does not allow Class 3 e-bikes on multi-use paths unless the city explicitly permits it. Phoenix requires riders to be 18 or older to operate an e-bike and bans Class 3 e-bikes from public rights-of-way. Glendale sets age minimums by class, with Class 1 and 2 riders required to be at least 14, Class 3 riders at least 16, and helmets required for anyone under 18. Gilbert is considering new regulations in response to rising incidents involving young riders. Tempe is also working to boost safety education and public awareness.
The result is a patchwork of rules. You might be required to wear a helmet, stay out of parks, or refrain from operating a throttle-actuated e-bike in one city, only to find different expectations a few miles away.
That inconsistency points to the larger gap. Rules alone don’t prepare young riders for speed, traffic, and split-second decisions. Education needs to do more of the work.
At a minimum, Arizona should require a basic training course for e-bike riders and for parents purchasing them. Training should cover traffic rules, e-bike classes, braking distance, visibility, helmet fit, and where each class is permitted to operate. Short, accessible instruction would help teens and families make informed choices and reduce preventable injuries.
For higher-powered models, licensing deserves consideration. When a device reaches speeds similar to other regulated vehicles and carries substantial weight, additional accountability becomes part of the safety conversation.
Helmet use also needs clear reinforcement for minors. Speed increases risk. Head injuries are often permanent. Consistent expectations from parents, retailers, and communities make a difference.
E-bikes are here to stay. The goal isn’t restriction for its own sake. The goal is to match education and responsibility to the power of the machines young riders are using. When we do that, we protect independence while keeping families and communities safer.