Maricopa County could soon join the growing list of communities that have rolled out rules for riding electric bicycles.
On Nov. 4, the County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing and consider a handful of safety restrictions, namely age and speed limits, when using e-bikes and e-scooters in unincorporated areas around the Valley.
If passed, the ordinance will ban anyone under the age of 16 from operating a class 3 electric bike — the fastest of its kind, as it’s generally pedal-assisted and has a top speed of 28 mph.
Helmets will also be required for anyone under the age of 18 riding a class 3 e-bike, according to a draft of the ordinance.
Under the proposed rules, class 3 e-bikes are barred from being used on sidewalks. People can ride
class 1 and 2 e-bikes and scooters on sidewalks, so long as they yield to pedestrians and don’t travel over 15 mph.
If there are no sidewalks or dedicated bike lanes, e-bike and e-scooter riders can travel along the roadway but can’t go faster than the posted speed limit for vehicles, according to the county.
The ordinance would also prohibit people from using cellphones and from popping wheelies on an e-bike.
A parent or guardian who knowingly allowed their children to break any of the rules could also be held accountable.
According to the proposal, anyone caught violating the ordinance would face a civil traffic penalty that carries a fine of no more than $250 for first-time offenders. A second violation within one year of the initial offense would carry a minimum fine of $150, while a third offense comes with a minimum fine of $200.
The county leaders’ Nov. 4 meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. in the Supervisors’ Auditorium at 205 W. Jefferson St. in Phoenix.
Shawn Raymundo covers Scottsdale and Maricopa County. Reach him at sraymundo@gannett.com or follow him on X @ShawnzyTsunami.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Doing this on an e-bike could land you a $250 fine
