Gilbert Adopts New Ordinances for E-Bikes, Electric Scooters, and Other Motorized Devices Effective Immediately

Gilbert, Ariz. - The Gilbert Town Council voted at its June 9 meeting to adopt new ordinances establishing enhanced rules for electric bicycles, electric scooters, and other motorized devices on Town roadways, sidewalks, parks, and multi-use paths. The ordinances are effective immediately.

These updates reflect Gilbert's ongoing commitment to strengthening safety for riders, pedestrians, and families as devices like e-bikes become increasingly common across cities, particularly among youth.

"These ordinances reflect several years of listening, learning, and educating alongside our residents," said Mayor Scott Anderson. "Our goal is to help keep our kids, our neighborhoods, and our public spaces safe while giving everyone the clarity they need to ride responsibly."

Years of Work Behind Tonight's Vote

Tonight's action marks the culmination of several years of coordinated work. Gilbert has been addressing the rise in motorized device-related incidents through a deliberate, three-pronged strategy focused on education, community outreach, and enforcement.

"Our officers have seen firsthand how quickly unsafe or reckless riding can put young people and the community at risk," said Interim Gilbert Police Chief Jim Bisceglie. "These ordinances give us clearer tools to address dangerous behavior, but education remains at the core of our approach. We are only one part of the solution. We're committed to working with parents, schools, and riders so everyone understands the rules and can enjoy these devices safely and legally."

In August 2025, amid an increase in e-bike and e-motorcycle-related injuries and incidents, the Town launched the "Know Your Ride" campaign, a community-wide public educational effort in partnership with Gilbert schools, parks, and HOAs. The campaign gave riders and families clear, accessible information about device classifications, where each device can legally be ridden, and the critical distinction between an e-bike and an electric motorcycle that requires a license, registration, and insurance.

At the same time, the Gilbert Police Department expanded its enforcement efforts with planned details in areas with high concentrations of dangerous or reckless riding, resulting in the seizure of e-motorcycles and citations. Drone technology has been used to support these operations, allowing officers to safely locate fleeing riders while minimizing risks to riders, officers, and the public.

With the adoption of these ordinances, Gilbert has a framework that provides additional clarity to the community and enforcement options for police.

Where You Can Ride

To clarify expectations for riders, the ordinances outline where specific devices are permitted in Gilbert.

Bicycles, e-bikes, electric scooters, motorized skateboards, motorized wheelchairs, and personal mobile cargo-carrying devices may be used on sidewalks, multi-use paths, and in Town parks, except where posted signage prohibits their use. Electric motorcycles are not permitted to be used in any of these areas.

Speed and Safety Requirements

To enhance safety for all users, riders on sidewalks, multi-use paths, and in Town parks may not exceed 15 MPH, must yield to pedestrians, and must provide an audible warning before passing.

Age and Helmet Requirements

The ordinances also introduce updated age and helmet requirements to support youth safety.

Riders must be at least 12 years old to operate a Class 1 or Class 2 e-bike or electric scooter

At least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike.

All riders under 18 are required to wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet when operating any covered device.

Reckless Riding, DUI, and Failure to Stop

The enforcement provisions of the ordinances outline several riding behaviors that pose a safety risk to our community.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Performing wheelies
• Riding against traffic
• Using a handheld phone
• Carrying passengers on a single rider device
• Riding while intoxicated
• Modifying a device to exceed its design speed

Reckless riding is classified as a Class 1 Misdemeanor.

DUI laws now apply fully to e-bikes and electric scooters, with a conviction carrying a minimum of 5 consecutive days in jail and a minimum $250 fine.

Riders are required to stop when directed by law enforcement; refusing to stop or fleeing is a Class 1 Misdemeanor.

Parental Responsibility

The ordinances also establish responsibilities for parents, guardians, and custodians, who may not authorize or knowingly allow a minor to violate any of these rules.

Violations carry civil penalties, with potential criminal charges where applicable under state law.

Education Remains at the Center

In keeping with Gilbert's education-first approach, the Town of Gilbert is developing an educational course on civil traffic offenses.

Individuals who receive a civil traffic citation under this article may choose to complete the Gilbert Police Department's Transportation Device Safety Program instead of paying a fine. Those under 18 must appear in court with a parent or guardian and complete the program before their next court date. Adults may complete the program before or at their initial court appearance. Upon successful completion, eligible violations are dismissed, and no fine is imposed. Failure to complete the program results in a fine, and participants may only use this option once every 12 months.

More Information

Gilbert's commitment to rider safety continues beyond the council vote.

The full rules, age requirements, and a complete FAQ are available at gilbertaz.gov/KnowYourRide