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

Every city handles mobility & curb rules a little differently. In Tempe, 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.

Shared E-Scooter Rules

Tempe classifies electric standup and miniature scooters as 'non-human powered vehicles,' a category barred outright from City parking structures, City parks except designated paths, and City preserves. Section 19-214(i) also requires written permission before riding one across private property, on top of the general bike-lane traffic rules in Article XVI.

Key details: Miniature scooter cap: Under 30 lbs, 10 mph top speed. Standup scooter cap: Under 75 lbs, 20 mph top speed. Parking structures/parks: Riding off designated paths is barred. Private property: Written owner permission required to ride. Registration: No license, registration, or insurance required.

Riding an electric standup or miniature scooter through a City parking structure, off the designated pathways in a City park, or onto private property without permission violates Section 19-214(i). Under Section 19-217, any violation of Article XVI, including the no-ride-zone rule, the right-of-way duty in Section 19-213, or riding without the required helmet under 18, is a civil traffic violation with a mandatory minimum fine of $100.

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

E-Bike Classes

Tempe treats a single class of electric bicycle: a two- or three-wheeled bike with working pedals and a motor of 750 watts or less that tops out at 20 mph on motor power alone. City Code Section 19-212(E) shuts off sidewalk riding while the motor is engaged, and Section 19-214 caps speed at 28 mph in a bike lane or street.

Key details: Motor limit: 750 watts (1 hp). Motor-only top speed: 20 mph on level pavement. Sidewalk rule: Motor must be off, pedal only. Street/bike lane cap: 28 mph or posted limit, lower controls. Multi-use path cap: 20 mph.

Section 19-217 makes any violation of Article XVI a civil traffic violation carrying a mandatory minimum fine of $100, adjudicated under the Arizona Rules of Procedure in civil traffic cases. That covers riding an electric bicycle on a sidewalk with the motor engaged, exceeding the 28 mph street/bike-lane cap or 20 mph multi-use path cap, and riding without the required helmet if under 18 or without lights after dark.

Bike Lane Rules

Tempe's general code sets direction-of-travel and right-of-way rules for bike lanes and sidewalks. Riders must travel with vehicular traffic on the roadway side where the lane sits, yield to pedestrians, and slow to 5 mph when passing. Violations are civil traffic tickets with a mandatory $100 minimum fine.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 19-212. Pass speed on sidewalk: Slow to 5 mph, audible signal. E-bike lane/street speed cap: 28 mph or posted limit. Multi-use path speed cap: 20 mph. Minimum fine: $100 civil traffic violation.

Sec. 19-217 makes any violation of the bicycle article a civil traffic violation carrying a mandatory minimum fine of $100, adjudicated under the Arizona Rules of Procedure in Civil Traffic Violation Cases. Citations are issued and heard the same way as other civil traffic tickets in Tempe Municipal Court.

The Bottom Line

Tempe'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 Tempe is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Tempe's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.