Maricopa County, AZ Approves New E-Bike Rules: Age Limits, Sidewalks and Fines

November 6, 2026 — Maricopa County, Arizona, has approved new rules for electric bicycles and certain electric scooters. The Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted Ordinance P-38 on November 4, 2026, establishing age restrictions, sidewalk and shared-path speed limits, pedestrian-safety requirements and penalties for violations.

There is an important geographic distinction: the ordinance applies to unincorporated portions of Maricopa County, not automatically to cities such as Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, or Gilbert. It also excludes federal land and Maricopa County regional park property, which operate under other rules. For the broader statewide picture, see our complete Arizona e-bike laws guide.

Maricopa County’s New E-Bike Rules at a Glance

Rule	What riders should know
Area covered	Unincorporated Maricopa County, subject to stated exclusions
Class 3 minimum age	16 years old
Class 3 helmets	Required for operators and passengers under 18
Class 3 on sidewalks	Not permitted
Class 1 and Class 2 on sidewalks	Permitted where not otherwise prohibited; maximum 15 mph, or a lower posted limit
Multiuse paths	Maximum 15 mph, where use is permitted
Passing a pedestrian or horse	Maximum 5 mph
Second violation within one year	Minimum $150 fine
Third violation within one year of the first	Minimum $200 fine
Adopted and effective	November 4, 2026

These details are taken from the county’s published ordinance. Actual riding permissions also depend on Arizona state law and applicable signs.

Who Can Ride Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 E-Bikes?

Arizona recognizes three common e-bike classes. A Class 1 e-bike provides assistance only while pedaling, with motor assistance ending at 20 mph. A Class 2 e-bike can provide motor propulsion without pedaling, with assistance ending at 20 mph. A Class 3 e-bike provides pedal assistance up to 28 mph.

Under Maricopa County’s new ordinance, riders younger than 16 may not operate Class 3 e-bikes. Operators and passengers under age 18 on a Class 3 e-bike must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet. The ordinance does not establish that same Class 3 helmet provision for every adult or every Class 1 or Class 2 rider; helmets remain a sensible safety precaution for all ages.

Parents and guardians also have responsibilities: the ordinance prohibits knowingly allowing a minor to violate its requirements.

Where Are E-Bikes Allowed on Sidewalks and Shared Paths?

The new local rules distinguish among sidewalks, multiuse paths, and roads:

• Sidewalks: Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes may use sidewalks where otherwise permitted, but the rider may not exceed 15 mph or a lower posted limit and must yield to pedestrians.
• Multiuse paths: E-bikes may not exceed 15 mph on paths where their use is allowed. Riders must yield and give an audible warning before overtaking pedestrians or other users.
• Passing pedestrians or horses: Riders may not exceed 5 mph while passing.
• Signed restrictions: An e-bike is not permitted wherever applicable signs prohibit it, even if the general ordinance otherwise allows that class in the area.

The 15-mph limit on a shared path is a riding speed limit, not a reclassification of the bicycle. Having a Class 3 bike capable of providing assistance up to 28 mph does not mean it may be ridden at that speed on a county multiuse path.

For more background on why local boundaries matter, read why Arizona’s e-bike rules differ by city and our guide to e-bikes on sidewalks across the United States.

Other Riding Restrictions: Phones, Wheelies, Modifications and Lights

Ordinance P-38 goes beyond class definitions and speed limits. It prohibits intentionally lifting wheels while riding, holding and operating a phone except for qualifying hands-free use, carrying loads that interfere with steering, and riding devices modified to increase speed capability. Passengers are allowed only on bikes specifically designed by the manufacturer to carry them.

At night, riders must use the lighting and reflector equipment described in the ordinance, including a white front lamp, a red rear lamp, and a rear red reflector meeting specified visibility requirements. Riders also need effective brakes and must obey traffic controls.

What Happens If Someone Breaks the Rules?

Violations are handled under Arizona’s civil traffic enforcement framework. The ordinance sets a minimum fine of $150 for a second offense within one year and $200 for a third offense within one year of the first. It does not specify one universal dollar amount for every first offense, so riders should not assume first violations are automatically free of a penalty.

Does the Rule Apply in Phoenix, Scottsdale or County Parks?

No—not by virtue of this county ordinance alone. The county expressly limits P-38 to unincorporated territory outside federal land and the county parks-and-recreation system. The ordinance also provides an exception for qualifying use to aid a person under the Americans with Disabilities Act, unless otherwise specified. Incorporated municipalities can adopt their own e-bike ordinances, and the county’s regional parks have separate established policies.

For examples of how nearby city policies can differ, see EBE’s report on Scottsdale pedestrian safety zones for e-bikes and our Arizona state e-bike law guide. Before a ride that crosses city boundaries, check the land manager’s rules and local signs rather than assuming one countywide standard applies everywhere.

Why Did Maricopa County Adopt the Ordinance?

County officials say the rules are intended to respond to e-bike safety concerns and a reported rise in related accidents. Board Chair Kate Brophy McGee said the goal is to provide riders with clearer guidance while protecting pedestrians and others using roads and public spaces.

The ordinance was developed in collaboration with the County Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Office. The Board of Supervisors adopted Ordinance P-38 on November 4, 2026, and the official meeting agenda specified that it would take effect that same day if approved. Riders should check the county’s ordinance page for any later amendments.

What Arizona Riders Should Do Next

If you ride in an unincorporated part of Maricopa County, identify your e-bike class, check whether your route includes sidewalks or multiuse paths, and follow lower posted limits. Families with teenage riders should pay particular attention to the minimum age for Class 3 e-bikes. Always slow substantially when passing pedestrians or horses.

EBE’s takeaway: the new ordinance makes local e-bike rules more specific, but location matters just as much as bike class. Riders should distinguish unincorporated county roads and paths from neighboring city streets, federal lands and regional parks before planning a route.

Official Sources

• Maricopa County Ordinance P-38 — complete adopted text
• Maricopa County announcement, November 4, 2026

Read more: Browse the latest electric bike news from Electric Bike Explorer for new rules, safety alerts, recalls and other developments affecting riders.