What You Should Know About Electric Scooter Laws in Arizona

Electric scooters in Arizona like Bird, Lime and Spin are growing in popularity and there is no lack of them on the streets of the Phoenix Metropolitan area. Before you take an electric scooter out on the road in Arizona, make sure you know the law.

On April 22, 2019, the Arizona legislature passed Senate Bill 1398, to unify the definition of electric scooters across the state. The bill defines an electric miniature scooter as a device that weighs less than 30 pounds and does not exceed speeds of 10 mph. The bill defines a standup e-scooter as a device that weighs up to 75 pounds and has a maximum speed of 20 mph.

This bill gives electric stand up scooter riders the same rights and responsibilities as cyclists, meaning scooter riders can go where a bike can go, but they must also follow the same laws.

The bill came to fruition because law enforcement officers were confusing e-scooters and personally-owned toy scooters. Children were getting cited for riding their own scooters to school.

This law also makes it easier for companies to comply with state law. It creates a unified definition and requires unified markings on all e-scooters across the state, making it easier for local police departments to enforce laws equally across the state.

What else you should know before taking a ride:

  • You must carry a valid driver’s license to operate an e-scooter.
  • You must obey alcohol laws, meaning you can be cited for a DUI while operating an e-scooter.
  • E-scooters can go anywhere a bike can go, even on sidewalks (when not prohibited). But, be cautious of pedestrians. Stay safe and use the bike lane whenever possible.
  • Many cities such as Phoenix and Scottsdale have additional restrictions about where you can park an e-scooter (Phoenix is currently testing a pilot program which includes no-ride zones and designated parking areas). Before riding an e-scooter in a specific city, we encourage you to review that city’s restrictions.
  • A helmet is not required by law, but is always recommended for safety.
  • You could be liable if you get into an accident on an e-scooter if you are found to have been negligent.

E-scooters are a fun way to get around in Arizona, but before downloading the app and paying for a ride, make sure you familiarize yourself with the laws, and always ride safely.

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