PHOENIX (BRAIN) — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on Wednesday signed an industry-backed three-class e-bike law after vetoing a raft of legislation last month amid an unrelated dispute over teacher pay in the state.
The legislation, HB 2652, was signed along with 55 other laws as the governor faced a deadline for signing or vetoing bills passed during Arizona’s most recent legislative session, which adjourned May 4.
The e-bike measure gives riders of Class 1, 2 or 3 e-bikes the same rights of the road as traditional bicyclists. Local jurisdictions will still have the right to prohibit operation on bicycle paths, and Class 3 e-bikes will be restricted to on-road usage, while Class 1 and 2 e-bikes will be allowed on bike paths and other multi-use paths.
Similar to laws in eight other states, the Arizona legislation will require e-bikes to display a sticker with their class. The labeling requirement goes into effect Jan. 1, 2019.
"After a surprise veto, our coalition of stakeholders worked with the bill sponsor to revive the bill, and the bill was quickly passed,” said Morgan Lommele, e-bike campaigns manager for the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association and PeopleForBikes. “Passing an e-bike bill is a true team sport, and it would not be possible without our manufacturer, retailer and rider partners on the ground. Arizona is the ninth state to pass a progressive e-bike law, with many more on the way.
“This bill is a critical step for Arizona in clarifying the law surrounding the use of e-bikes, and will encourage the safe use of e-bikes by providing clear rules with respect to how they must be equipped and operated,” she added.
Industry-supported model e-bike legislation has also been passed in California, Colorado, Arkansas, Illinois, Michigan, Tennessee, Utah and Washington state.
