The standard three class electric bicycle definition was enshrined into ARS in 2018. There is no explicit speed limit for electric bicycles; but unfortunately, the mention of 20/28mph in the definitions has led some to mistakenly believe there is, in effect, and e-bike speed limit.
This is not the case. Where an electric bicycle meets a class definition, it may be operated at any speed; so long as it meets Arizona’s “basic speed rule” which typically boils down to no faster than reasonable and prudent. You are probably aware that bicycles routinely go faster than 20 or 28mph! Electric bicycles are bicycles.
Here is Arizona’s basic speed rule, it applies to bicyclists (including e-bicyclists) because they are subject to the laws applying to the driver of a vehicle §28-812.
28-701. Reasonable and prudent speed; prima facie evidence; exceptions A. A person shall not drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the circumstances, conditions and actual and potential hazards then existing...
Modifying an electric bicycle so that it no longer meets any class, or buying an e-bike that is out-of-class to begin with makes the, er, ‘device’ no longer able to be operated on Arizona roads as an electric bicycle… The only legal way around that is to claim it’s a motorcycle and somehow get it registered (if that’s even possible?) and insured and have a motorcycle-endorsed driver’s license. See the story about Motorized Bicycles (which despite also being bicycles with helper motors do, by the way, have an operating speed limit of below 20mph) for many references.
Usual disclaimers apply: I am not a lawyer. The above discussion applies only to Arizona state law. Local laws may vary.
A reminder that cities can further regulated e-bicycles and at least one, Queen Creek, has passed an ordinance that sets a speed limit for bicycle lanes within the city. I don’t believe there is an obligation to use a bicycle lane, particularly if it is not practicable such as wanting to ride your class 3 bicycle at 28mph when the speed limit in the bicycle lane is lower, 15mph in Queen Creek.
Queen Creek also believes it is not necessary to notify people what the speed limit is when it conflicts with the speed limit in the roadway. That should make for an interesting court case assuming you don’t run into the typical bicycle disliking judge.
https://www.queencreekaz.gov/government/police-department/safety-education
OMG I tried reading the ordinance, yikes 31 pages…
I was curious to see if the 15 mile an hour bike lane thing applied to (unpowered) bicycles, I would hope not, but I could not find it doing a quick read through the 31 pages. Do you know?
15mph for pedal bicycles too:
https://queencreek.municipalcodeonline.com/book?type=ordinances#name=11-2-3_Speed_Limits
11-2-3 Speed Limits
The Town Traffic Engineer or Council will determine and post the appropriate posted speed limit for all street segments based upon the application of accepted engineering standards, practices, and judgment.
All local residential streets shall have a prima facie speed limit of 25mph; these types of streets may or may not be posted with a physical sign.
Reduced speed limits for school zones (whenever a school fronts onto an arterial street with a posted speed of 45mph or greater) are to be posted either 30mph or 35mph, and are to be in force between the hours of 7:30am to 3:30pm weekdays.
Temporary reduced speed limits for construction and maintenance work zones, special events, or any other activity within or adjacent to the right-of way that would require a reduced regulatory speed limit are to be determined at the time of approval of the Traffic Control Plan. All installations of temporary speed limits shall conform to the requirements of the MUTCD handbook and the Arizona Department of Transportation Supplement to the MUTCD.
All public sidewalks, parking lots, and multi-use paths shall have a prima facie speed limit of 15 mph whether or not the speed limit is posted by a physical sign. A lower speed limit may be established by posted sign or other lawful regulation.
All public bicycle lanes shall have a prima facie speed limit of 15 mph regardless of the posted speed limit applicable to motor vehicles on the adjacent roadway. A lower speed limit may be established by posted sign or other lawful regulation.
Got it, makes sense: 15 mph in the bike lane… Assuming you want to discriminate against cyclists!!
Does QC have any other bicyclist booby traps in their local code? (e.g. impeding rules that apply to bicyclists?)
EDITED to add:
Briefly looked thru the entire Chapter 11 Traffic, didn’t see anything particularly bad (other than the new blanket BL speed limit i think is the wrong way to to)…
https://queencreek.municipalcodeonline.com/book/print?type=ordinances&name=CHAPTER_11_TRAFFIC