Three days after the Arizona State Congress passed legislation amending the Arizona Revised Statutes to add electric bicycles; definition and use provisions, Governor Ducey vetoed the Bill along with 9 others. The vetoes were in response to plans for a teacher walkout. The Governor called for legislators to craft a budget that includes his plan to increase teacher pay by 20 percent by 2020.

Republican legislators did not immediately react to the vetoes, and they have not commented on the decision to walk out.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Background

The Arizona House passed HB2266 (e-Bike legislation) in a 48-10 vote and the bill passed the Senate unanimously the week prior.

The legislation created three classes of e-Bikes granting e-bike riders the same rights of the road as traditional bicyclists. e-Bike manufacturers are required, beginning January 1, 2019, to permanently affix a label, printed in at least 9 point type, in a prominently location on the e-bike containing the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the e-Bike.

Class 1 and 2 e-Bikes may be used on bicycle and multiuse paths unless the local authority having jurisdiction prohibits their use. Class 3 e-Bikes may not be operated on a bicycle or multiuse path unless it is within or adjacent to a highway or roadway or unless the local authority having jurisdiction permits their use.

This legislation is not applicable to Federal public lands which currently prohibit e-bike use on non-motorized trails.