PHOENIX — In a move to align with other Valley cities, the Phoenix City Council has voted to lower the minimum riding age for privately owned e-scooters and bikes from 18 to 16. The new rule, passed just before Christmas, aims to provide younger riders with more transportation options, particularly for getting to school.
However, safety concerns remain as the updated law does not include a helmet requirement for riders under 18.
Helmet Safety Concerns
Around the Valley, most e-scooter riders are seen without helmets—a trend that concerns experts like Dr. Fredrick Rivara.
“Head injuries are the most common cause of serious injury or hospitalization from bicycling,” Dr. Rivara said. “This will likely hold true for e-scooters as well.”
While Tempe requires riders under 18 to wear helmets, cities like Phoenix and Scottsdale do not. Transportation officials, including Shelly Seyler from Tempe’s transportation department, emphasize that helmets can be lifesaving in crashes.
Council Debate
Council members who supported the change cited the driving age of 16 and the need for transportation options for teens as reasons for their vote.
“I am a little hesitant about a 14- or a 16-year-old sharing the road with our motorists,” said District 6 Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington, reflecting ongoing safety concerns.
Dr. Rivara also noted that lighter riders may experience higher speeds on e-scooters, increasing the risk of injury.
Rules for E-Scooter Riders
The new age requirement applies only to privately owned e-scooters and bikes. Renting from apps like Bird, Lime, or Spin still requires riders to be at least 18 years old.
City-Specific Rules
Helmet requirements and e-scooter regulations vary across Valley cities:
- Phoenix: No helmet requirement for minors.
- Scottsdale: No helmet requirement for minors.
- Tempe: Helmets required for riders under 18.
Regardless of local laws, all cities recommend that riders wear helmets to reduce the risk of head injuries.
As the popularity of e-scooters continues to grow, Phoenix’s updated rules aim to provide accessibility while raising questions about how best to ensure safety on the roads. For more details on e-scooter regulations in the Valley, visit your city’s transportation department website.