An Arizona lawmaker wants to put speed limits on bicycles and electric scooters.
State Sen. John Kavanagh (R-Fountain Hills) introduced a bill ahead of the 2026 legislative session to cap bicycle and electric scooter speeds at 15 mph in bike paths, or on multiuse paths without pedestrians around. But to pass someone, speeds would be capped further — at 5 mph.
Kavanagh said the idea was brought to him by a former Phoenix traffic cop, and he agreed it’s a good idea after seeing “young kids” whizzing around on sidewalks and other pathways.
“Speeding by somebody on a vehicle at 15 or 20 mph on a sidewalk — at over 15 mph — is dangerous. So, have safe fun, not dangerous fun where you can hurt people,” Kavanagh said.
Kavanagh’s bill notes that local authorities with jurisdiction over pathways also have the power to limit speeds more than the law requires.
The proposed law would also apply to electric bicycles, electric skateboards and Segways.
Non-electric skateboards and scooters aren’t covered in the bill.
Lawbreakers would face civil traffic violations.
Many electric scooters and similar devices have speedometers, but not all do. Nor do most bicycles.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been modified to clarify the 15 mph speeds would apply to bike paths.
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