Know Your
Ride.
E-bikes, e-scooters, and motor-driven cycles each answer to different laws. The Phoenix Police Department breaks down which rules apply to what you’re riding — and where to find them in the code.
Source: Phoenix Police Department, phoenix.gov — Know the Rules
Not every set of wheels is governed the same way. Phoenix City Code covers electric bicycles and electric scooters as their own vehicle classes, each with a sidewalk ban and a 16-year-old minimum age. A motor-driven cycle, by contrast, is legally a motorcycle under Arizona state law — meaning licensing, registration, and insurance requirements all apply. Find your vehicle below.
Electric Bicycles
Phoenix City Code §§ 36-500–514DefinitionA bicycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor.
Enforcement
- PCC 36-504 Electric bicycles are prohibited on sidewalks.
- PCC 36-510 Minimum operating age is 16 years old.
Electric Scooters
Phoenix City Code §§ 36-300–313DefinitionA device with two or three wheels, handlebars, a floorboard, and an electric motor.
Enforcement
- PCC 36-304 Electric scooters are prohibited on sidewalks.
- PCC 36-308 Minimum operating age is 16 years old.
Motor-Driven Cycle
A.R.S. § 28-101.48DefinitionTreated the same as a motorcycle under Arizona Revised Statutes Title 28.
Enforcement
- A.R.S. 28-3511 All traffic laws applyLicense, registration, and insurance are required; the vehicle may be towed with supervisor approval.
- A.R.S. 28-904 Driving on sidewalkA person shall not drive a vehicle on a sidewalk.
- A.R.S. 28-3151.A Driver license endorsementA motorcycle license endorsement is required.
- A.R.S. 28-964.A Motorcycle equipmentEye protection is required for all riders; helmets are required for riders under 18.
Side by Side
A quick reference for the three vehicle classes covered above.
| Rule | Electric Bicycle | Electric Scooter | Motor-Driven Cycle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sidewalk riding | Prohibited | Prohibited | Prohibited (all vehicles) |
| Minimum age | 16 | 16 | Set by license class |
| License / registration | Not required | Not required | Motorcycle endorsement, registration & insurance required |
| Helmet / eye protection | Not specified in this bulletin | Not specified in this bulletin | Eye protection always; helmet under 18 |
| DUI / felony flight statutes | Not applicable | Not applicable | Applicable (treated as motorcycle) |
This page summarizes a Phoenix Police Department public safety bulletin for general awareness. It is not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements against the linked Phoenix City Code and Arizona Revised Statutes sections, as ordinances are amended periodically.