Goodyear's Mobility & Curb Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles mobility & curb rules a little differently. In Goodyear, Arizona, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Bike Lane Rules

Goodyear requires e-bike and e-scooter riders to use a marked bicycle lane whenever one is present on the roadway, unless the lane is too narrow, blocked by hazards, or the rider is setting up for a left turn. Absent a bike lane, riders must stay as close as practicable to the right-hand curb and may never ride more than two abreast, under Section 13-7-6.

Key details: Bike lane use: Mandatory when present on the roadway. Exceptions: Narrow lane, hazards, or left turn. No bike lane present: Ride near the right-hand curb. Riders abreast: No more than two, off exclusive paths. Scooter roadway limit: Barred above 25 mph posted roads.

Riding rule violations under Article 13-7, including ignoring the bike-lane requirement, are civil offenses under Section 13-7-12's tiered schedule: $50 for a first offense, $250 for a second within 12 months, and $500 for a third within that same period. Reckless disregard for the roadway rules while riding is charged separately as a Class 1 misdemeanor under Section 13-7-10.

E-Bike Classes

Goodyear sorts electric bicycles into three state-defined classes and sets a minimum rider age for each: 16 for Class 3 e-bikes, 14 for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, and 12 for stand-up electric scooters. Riders under 16 cannot carry passengers, and a Class 3 e-bike's motor must disengage before 20 mph on any bicycle path, trail, or multi-use path.

Key details: Class 3 minimum age: 16 years old. Class 1/2 minimum age: 14 years old. Stand-up scooter minimum age: 12 years old. Passengers: Barred if operator is under 16. Class 3 path speed cap: Motor must disengage below 20 mph.

A first violation of Article 13-7's class and age rules, including underage operation, draws a $50 civil sanction under Section 13-7-12. A second violation within 12 months costs $250, and a third within the same 12-month window costs $500. Riding recklessly or under the influence is a separate criminal offense, a Class 1 misdemeanor, and a DUI conviction carries a mandatory one day in jail and at least a $250 fine.

Shared E-Scooter Rules

Any company that wants to operate shared electric scooters or e-bikes on Goodyear streets must first obtain an annual shared mobility device program license from the City Manager. Article 13-6 of the Goodyear City Code sets license fees by Council resolution, bans parking within 15 feet of fire hydrants, caps device dwell time at 24 hours, and makes reckless riding a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Key details: License required: Annual shared mobility device program license. Issued by: Goodyear City Manager. Fees: Set by City Council resolution. Parking limit: Max 24 hours in one public spot. No-parking zone: Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

Most Article 13-6 violations, including parking and equipment infractions, are civil traffic violations enforced under Article 1-8 and prosecuted like any other civil traffic ticket. Reckless riding of a shared device under Section 13-6-9 is a Class 2 misdemeanor. Owners who ignore a relocation notice pay a City Council-set relocation penalty under Section 13-6-8, and unlawfully parked or abandoned devices can be impounded and later disposed of if unclaimed after 30 days.

Compared to other cities, Goodyear takes a harder line on shared e-scooter rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Goodyear's mobility & curb rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Goodyear is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Goodyear's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.