Learn to "Ride the Queen Creek Way"

Visit our Safety & Education page to learn more about how to ride smart and register for our e-bike & motorized devices safety class. 

The Town of Queen Creek is committed to providing individuals with mobility disabilities meaningful access to Town parks, trails, recreation facilities, public programs, and public areas in accordance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The ADA recognizes two general categories of mobility devices.

1. The first category includes wheelchairs and manually powered mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walkers, crutches, canes, braces, and similar devices. These generally must be allowed in areas open to pedestrian use.
2. The second category includes other power-driven mobility devices, commonly referred to as OPDMDs. These are devices powered by batteries, fuel, or engines that are used by a person with a mobility disability for locomotion, but that are not wheelchairs.

The Town’s restriction on recreational e-bike use is not intended to prohibit ADA-related mobility access. Recreational use of e-bikes is prohibited in Town parks; however, individuals with mobility disabilities may use an approved other power-driven mobility device (OPDMD), including an e-bike, where the device is being used for mobility-related access and can be operated safely in accordance with Town policy, posted rules, designated routes, and applicable safety restrictions.

The Town may still restrict how or where an OPDMD is used if a specific device, location, route, trail, event condition, or operating condition creates a legitimate safety, operational, environmental, or resource-protection concern. However, those restrictions are separate from the general recreational e-bike prohibition and should not be interpreted as a blanket ban on ADA-related mobility-device use.

However, OPDMDs are not treated the same as wheelchairs or other traditional mobility aids. The Town may restrict, condition, or prohibit OPDMD use when a safety, operational, environmental, or facility-specific assessment determines that the device cannot be operated safely in a particular area or under specific conditions. 

Based on the ADA/NPRM guidance, the relevant assessment factors include:

1. The dimensions, weight, and operating speed of the mobility device in relation to a wheelchair.
2. The potential risk of harm to others by the operation of the mobility device.
3. The risk of harm to the environment or natural or cultural resources or conflict with federal land management laws and regulations.
4. The ability of the public entity to stow the mobility device when not in use, if requested by the user.

Additional factors that are considered include: 

1. The volume of pedestrian traffic at the facility, amenity, route, location, or area.
2. The design and operational characteristics of the facility, amenity, route, location, or area.
3. Whether legitimate safety requirements can be established to permit the safe operation of the OPDMD in the facility, amenity, route, location, or area.
4. Whether the use of the OPDMD creates a substantial risk of serious harm to the immediate environment or natural or cultural resources, or poses a conflict with other codes, laws, or regulations.

In conformance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), The Town is pleased to improve access for people with mobility disabilities by allowing the use of Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD) in areas where they can be operated safely, without posing substantial risk to other pedestrians, wildlife, infrastructure, or resources, and without fundamentally altering the nature of our services, programs, or activities.

•  The Town does not authorize general recreational use of other power-driven mobility devices in areas where those devices are otherwise restricted or prohibited by Town Code, park rules, posted signage, or facility-specific regulations.

• The Town may restrict, condition, or prohibit the use of an OPDMD based on legitimate safety, operational, environmental, facility, or resource-protection concerns. Restrictions may be based on the device type, class, size, weight, speed, dimensions, turning radius, fuel type, noise, emissions, throttle capability, operating characteristics, location, trail or path width, surface type, slope, pedestrian volume, event conditions, natural-resource concerns, cultural-resource concerns, maintenance impacts, or other site-specific conditions.
• The Town may deny, limit, or discontinue OPDMD use when a device or class of device does not meet approved assessment factors, cannot be operated safely in the requested location, creates a substantial risk of harm to pedestrians or other users, damages or threatens park property or infrastructure, creates unacceptable environmental or natural-resource impacts, interferes with cultural-resource protection, conflicts with emergency access, or violates valid Town restrictions.
• The Town is not required to alter, reconstruct, widen, or redesign a compliant facility, amenity, route, or location solely to accommodate a particular OPDMD that exceeds the physical or operational characteristics of the facility, amenity, route, or location.
• The Town may adopt device-class and location-specific rules for OPDMD use in parks, trails, playgrounds, splash pads, plazas, sports complexes, special-event areas, natural-surface trails, environmentally sensitive areas, indoor facilities, and other public recreation spaces. These rules may include speed limits, pedestrian-speed requirements, designated routes, dismount zones, time-of-day restrictions, event restrictions, seasonal restrictions, environmental restrictions, prior review requirements, or complete prohibition of certain device classes in specific areas where safe operation cannot be achieved.

The use of OPDMD in Town of Queen Creek Parks is restricted to people with a qualifying disability as defined by Title II of the ADA (28 CFR Part 35 § 35.108). For the purposes of OPDMD use, a qualifying disability is any physical impairment that substantially limits a person's mobility.

• Town staff may ask a person using an OPDMD to provide credible assurance that the device is required because of a mobility disability. Staff may ask only whether the device is required because of a mobility disability. Staff shall not ask about the nature, extent, diagnosis, medical condition, severity, or details of the person’s disability.
• Credible assurance may be provided by
  • A valid state-issued disability parking placard or card
  • Other valid state-issued proof of disability
  • A verbal representation by the person, not contradicted by observable fact, that the OPDMD is being used because of a mobility disability.
  • Other government-issued disability documentation may be accepted if voluntarily provided.
• The Town shall not require a doctor’s note, medical records, prescription, diagnosis, treatment information, or explanation of the person’s disability as a condition of OPDMD use.
• A person’s disability does not need to be visible for the person to use an OPDMD. The fact that a person can stand, walk short distances, load or unload a device, or participate in limited physical activity does not automatically contradict a verbal representation that the device is being used because of a mobility disability.
• Possession of credible assurance is not a guarantee that any particular device may be used in every Town park, trail, facility, or public area. A person using an OPDMD must comply with all applicable Town policies, posted restrictions, approved device classifications, designated routes, speed limits, safety rules, closures, event restrictions, environmental restrictions, and staff directions.
• Credible assurance of a mobility disability does not override valid Town restrictions on device type, location, route, time, operation, safety, or environmental protection.

Learn to "Ride the Queen Creek Way"

Visit our Safety & Education page to learn more about how to ride smart and register for E-Bike/Motorized Devices Safety Class. 

Motorized devices include electric bicycles, electric miniature scooters, motorized gas-powered bicycles, motorized play vehicles, motorized skateboards, and micromobility devices. It does not include devices used for accessibility, including but not limited to a motorized wheelchair. For a comprehensive definition, visit 11-1-1 of the Town code.

Devices permitted on sidewalks include (unless prohibited by signage or Town Code): bicycles, class 1 and 2 electric bicycles, motorized gas-powered bicycles, and micromobility devices (e.g., an electric personal assistive mobility device, an electric scooter, electric standup scooter, etc.). A 15 MPH Town speed limit applies on sidewalks even where signs are not posted. 

Devices permitted on multi-use trails/paths include (unless prohibited by signage or Town Code): bicycles, class 1 and 2 electric bicycles, motorized gas-powered bicycles, micromobility devices (e.g., an electric personal assistive mobility device, an electric scooter, electric standup scooter, etc.), and motorized skateboards. A 15 MPH Town speed limit applies on multi-use trails/paths even where signs are not posted. 

Devices permitted on streets/bicycle lanes include (unless prohibited by signage or Town Code): bicycles, class 1-3 electric bicycles, and motorized gas-powered bicycles. Micromobility devices (e.g., an electric personal assistive mobility device, an electric scooter, electric standup scooter, etc.) and motorized skateboards may be used on a street with a speed limit of 25 MPH or less and bicycle lanes. A 15 MPH Town speed limit applies in bicycle lanes even where signs are not posted. 

Mopeds, motor-driven cycles, motorcycles, golf carts, ATV, UTVs, quadricycles, neighborhood electric vehicles, and other motor vehicles are PROHIBITED on sidewalks and multi-use trails/paths. 

Operators must use devices in a reasonable and safe manner, obey all traffic laws and traffic-control devices, follow applicable Town speed limits, and yield to pedestrians and equestrians where required.

For more details regarding these devices refer to Ordinance 890-26 or Ordinance 823-23.

For specific rules or restriction related to Town Parks & Facilities refer to the following webpage:  TOQC Parks & Recreation Facility Rules & Regulations

“Bicycle” (as defined in A.R.S. § 28-101) means a device, including a racing wheelchair, that is propelled by human power and on which a person may ride, and that has either, (A) Two tandem wheels, either of which is more than 16 inches in diameter, or, (B) Three wheels in contact with the ground, any of which is more than 16 inches in diameter.

Riders may use sidewalks, multi-use trails/paths, and streets/bicycle lanes in the Town of Queen Creek unless posted otherwise.  

Riders are subject to all applicable traffic laws outlined in the Town Code or Arizona Revised Statutes. When on the roadway, riders must ride on the right side of the street or in the designated bike lane. Riders shall yield right of way to pedestrians and equestrians when riding on sidewalks or multi-use trails/paths. License, registration, and insurance are not required. 

Riders must operate bicycles in a reasonable and safe manner. A 15 MPH Town speed limit applies on sidewalks, multi-use trails, parking lots, and bicycle lanes, even when signs are not posted. 

At nighttime, bicycles must have a white light to the front and red reflector/red light on the rear. A functional brake is required.

For more details regarding these devices refer to Ordinance 823-23.

“Electric bicycle” (as defined in A.R.S. § 28-101) means a bicycle or tricycle that is equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, which meets the requirements of a class 1, class 2, or class 3 electric bicycle. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter or state law, an electric bicycle is subject to the same provisions of this article as a bicycle.

1. “Class 1 electric bicycle” means a bicycle or tricycle that is equipped with an electric motor, which provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle or tricycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
2. “Class 2 electric bicycle” means a bicycle or tricycle that is equipped with an electric motor, which may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle or tricycle and is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle or tricycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
3. “Class 3 electric bicycle” means a bicycle or tricycle that is equipped with an electric motor, which provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle or tricycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour. 

Riders utilizing a class 1 and 2 electric bicycles may use sidewalks and multi-use trails/paths in Town of Queen Creek unless posted otherwise.

Riders utilizing a class 1, 2, or 3 electric bicycle may use streets/bicycle lanes in the Town of Queen Creek unless posted otherwise. 

Riders are subject to all applicable traffic laws outlined in the Town Code or Arizona Revised Statutes. When on the roadway, riders must ride on the right side of the street or in the designated bike lane. Riders shall yield right of way to pedestrians and equestrians when riding on sidewalks or multi-use trails/paths.

Operators must ride electric bicycles in a reasonable and safe manner. A 15 MPH Town speed limit applies on sidewalks, multi-use trails, parking lots, and bicycle lanes, even when signs are not posted. 

At nighttime, these devices must have a white light to the front and red reflector/red light on the rear. A functional brake is required.

For more details regarding these devices refer to Ordinance 823-23.

“Motorized gas-powered bicycle” (as defined in ARS § 28-2516) means a bicycle or tricycle that is equipped with a gas-powered helper motor that has a maximum piston displacement of forty-eight cubic centimeters or less, that may also be self-propelled, and that is operated at speeds of less than twenty miles per hour. It does not include an electric bicycle, a motorized electric-powered bicycle, or a moped. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter or state law, a motorized gas-powered bicycle is subject to the same provisions of this article as a bicycle.

Riders may use sidewalks, multi-use trails/paths, and streets/bicycle lanes in the Town of Queen Creek unless posted otherwise. 

Riders are subject to all applicable traffic laws outlined in the Town Code or Arizona Revised Statutes. When on the roadway, riders must ride on the right side of the street or in the designated bike lane. Riders shall yield right of way to pedestrians and equestrians when riding on sidewalks or multi-use trails/paths. License, registration, and insurance are not required. 

At nighttime, the devices must have a white light to the front and red reflector/red light on the rear. A functional brake is required.

For more details regarding these devices refer to Ordinance 823-23.

“Micromobility device” means an electric personal assistive mobility device, electric skates, an electric scooter, or an electric standup scooter. It does not include bicycles, electric bicycles, motorized gas-powered bicycles, mopeds, motor-driven cycles, motorcycles, motor vehicles, motorized play vehicles, motorized skateboards, motorized quadricycles, and personal delivery devices. The Town Manager or designee shall have the authority to designate additional types of devices as micromobility devices consistent with the law, so long as such designation is posted on the Town's website.

Riders may use sidewalks, multi-use trails/paths, and bicycle lanes  in the Town of Queen Creek unless posted otherwise. 

Riders may use streets with posted speed limits of 25 MPH or less in the Town of Queen Creek unless posted otherwise. 

At nighttime, the device/rider must have a white light to the front and red reflector/red light on the rear. A functional brake is required.

The following are examples and not an exhaustive list:

For more details regarding these devices refer to Ordinance 823-23.

“Motorized skateboard” means a self-propelled device that has a motor or engine, a deck or surface on which a person may ride, and at least two wheels in contact with the ground and which is not otherwise defined in Arizona Revised Statutes Title 28 as a motor vehicle, motor-driven cycle, motorized wheelchair, or electric personal assistive mobility device. A motorized skateboard is not considered to be a micromobility device. 

Riders may use multi-use trails/paths and bicycle lanes in the Town of Queen Creek unless posted otherwise. 

Riders may use streets with posted speed limits of 25 MPH or less in the Town of Queen Creek unless posted otherwise. 

For more details regarding these devices refer to Ordinance 823-23.

"Golf cart" means a motor vehicle that has not less than three wheels in contact with the ground, that has an unladen weight of less than one thousand eight hundred pounds, that is designed to be and is operated at not more than twenty-five miles per hour and that is designed to carry not more than four persons including the driver.

"Neighborhood electric vehicle" means a self-propelled electrically powered motor vehicle that is emission free, has a least four wheels in contact with the ground, is operated at not more than twenty-five miles per hour, and has GVWR less than 3,000 pounds. 

A golf cart and a neighborhood electric vehicle are considered to be MOTOR VEHICLES and drivers are subject to all applicable traffic laws outlined in the Town Code or Arizona Revised Statutes.

A driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance ARE REQUIRED.

Both of these vehicles are PROHIBITED on sidewalks and multi-use trails/paths. 

If an individual is operating a golf cart or neighborhood electric vehicle (motor vehicle) and has never been issued a valid driver license or permit by this state and the person does not produce evidence of ever having a valid driver license or permit issued by another jurisdiction, state law requires the impoundment of the vehicle (ARS 28-3511). 

Other applicable laws:

ARS 28-721. Driving on right side of roadway; driving on shoulder; exceptions; education

ARS 28-777. Golf carts and neighborhood electric vehicles; vehicles turning right

ARS 28-957.01. Windshields required; exceptions

“Moped” (as defined in A.R.S. § 28-101) means a bicycle, not including an electric bicycle, an electric miniature scooter, an electric standup scooter, or a motorized gas-powered bicycle that is equipped with a helper motor if the vehicle has a maximum piston displacement of fifty cubic centimeters or less, a brake horsepower of one and one-half or less and a maximum speed of twenty-five miles per hour or less on a flat surface with less than a one percent grade.

When the motor is engaged, the moped is considered to be a MOTOR VEHICLE and the driver is REQUIRED to have a driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance. It is also PROHIBITED on sidewalks, in bicycle lanes, and on multi-use trails/paths. 

“Motorcycle” (as defined in A.R.S. § 28-101) means a motor vehicle that has a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, and that is designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground but excludes a tractor, an electric bicycle, an electric miniature scooter, an electric scooter and a moped.

“Motor-driven cycle” (as defined in A.R.S. § 28-101) means a motorcycle, including every motor scooter, with a motor that produces not more than five horsepower (75cc) but does not include an electric bicycle, an electric miniature scooter, or an electric scooter. 

SPECIAL NOTE: Some devices advertised as "electric scooters" are actually "motor-driven cycles." An electric scooter is less than 75 pounds and has a max speed of less than 20 MPH. The device depicted below is a motor-driven cycle. In addition, some devices advertised as "e-bikes" or "electric bicycles" are actually "motor-driven cycles." Devices that are equipped with motors of 750 watts or higher are considered to be "motor-driven cycles" regardless of whether the device has pedals.

These devices are considered to be MOTOR VEHICLES and drivers are subject to all applicable traffic laws outlined in the Town Code or Arizona Revised Statutes.

A class M Driver's license (or a class A, B, C, D, or G with a class M endoresement),  vehicle registration, and insurance ARE REQUIRED.

If a driver or passenger is under the age of 18, a protective helmet IS REQUIRED.

These vehicles are PROHIBITED on sidewalks and multi-use trails/paths. 

If an individual is operating a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle (motor vehicle) and has never been issued a valid driver license or permit by this state and the person does not produce evidence of ever having a valid driver license or permit issued by another jurisdiction, state law requires the impoundment of the vehicle (ARS 28-3511).

Here are just a few examples of "motor driven cycles," but is not an exhaustive list.

"All-terrain vehicle" means either of the following:

A motor vehicle that satisfies all of the following:

• Is designed primarily for recreational non-highway all-terrain travel
• Is fifty or fewer inches in width
• Has an unladen weight of one thousand two hundred pounds or less
• Travels on three or more non-highway tires
• Is operated on a public highway
• A recreational off-highway vehicle that satisfies all of the following:

Is designed primarily for recreational non-highway all-terrain travel

• Is eighty or fewer inches in width
• Has an unladen weight of two thousand five hundred pounds or less
• Travels on four or more non-highway tires
• Has a steering wheel for steering control
• Has a rollover protective structure
• Has an occupant retention system

These devices are considered to be MOTOR VEHICLES and drivers are subject to all applicable traffic laws outlined in the Town Code or Arizona Revised Statutes.

To operate on the roadway, an all-terrain vehicle must have the following equipment:

• At least one brake which can be operated by hand or foot
• Brake light
• At least one, but not more than two, headlights which shine at least 500 feet ahead
• At least one taillight visible for at least 500 feet to the rear
• At least one red rear reflector, if not part of the taillight
• License plate securely fastened to the rear of the ATV/OHV
• License plate light
• A horn audible from a distance of at least 200 feet
• A muffler in good working order and in constant operation (muffler cutout, bypass or similar device prohibited)
• Rearview mirror
• Seat and footrests for the operator
• Fuel tank cap

A driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance ARE REQUIRED if operated on the roadway.

If a driver or passenger is under the age of 18, a protective helmet IS REQUIRED.

All of these vehicles are PROHIBITED on sidewalks and multi-use trails/paths. 

If an individual is operating an all-terrain vehicle (motor vehicle) and has never been issued a valid driver license or permit by this state and the person does not produce evidence of ever having a valid driver license or permit issued by another jurisdiction, state law requires the impoundment of the vehicle (ARS 28-3511). 

As stated in (ARS 28-3511), peace officers are compelled by law to take certain actions if someone is found to be operating a motor vehicle under specific conditions. The law states:

“A peace officer shall cause the removal and either immobilization or impoundment of a vehicle if the peace officer determines that a person is driving the vehicle while any of the following applies…”

(Although there are a number of circumstances outlined in this section, we will highlight three specific conditions that have been prevalent in the Town over the past year - multiple complaints):

• The person has not ever been issued a valid driver’s license or permit by this state, and the person does not produce evidence of ever having a valid driver’s license or permit issued by another jurisdiction.
• A person is driving a vehicle in violation of section 28-693 (Reckless Driving), and the peace officer reasonably believes that allowing the person to continue driving the vehicle would expose other persons to the risk of serious bodily injury or death.
• A person is obstructing a highway or other public thoroughfare in violation of section 13-2906, and the peace officer reasonably believes that allowing the person to continue driving the vehicle would expose other persons to the risk of serious bodily injury or death.

Under the Queen Creek Town Code, 11-14-1, an electric bicycle, other power-driven mobility devices, mopeds, motor-driven cycles, motorcycles, motor vehicles, and motorized quadracycles may be removed, seized, or impounded when a police officer has probable cause to believe the operator committed a violation and the violation created an immediate or substantial risk to public safety.

This may include serious conduct such as reckless driving, racing, or unsafe operation; disregard of traffic signs, signals, or traffic control devices; obstructing traffic or interfering with safe movement of vehicles or pedestrians; leaving the scene, failing to stop or render aid, unlawful flight, or interfering with police; or operating in a posted prohibited area when pedestrians are present. The impound process is not intended for minor technical violations, lawful conduct that does not create an objectively articulable safety risk, or simply being present in a group without unsafe behavior.

When a device is impounded, written notice and release instructions will be provided to the operator and, when applicable, the parent or legal guardian. A device may be released after the required hold period once the operator, and if applicable the parent or legal guardian, completes a Police Department-approved safety class, provides satisfactory identification or proof of authorization, pays any applicable fees or administrative costs, and, for juvenile operators, appears with a parent or legal guardian for release.

This Town Code process is separate from the vehicle removal, immobilization, or impoundment process outlined in A.R.S. § 28-3511. If a device or vehicle is subject to impoundment under state law, the applicable state-law requirements, hold periods, release conditions, hearing rights, and procedures would apply separately from this local Town Code process.

Learn to "Ride the Queen Creek Way"

Visit or Safety & Education page to learn more about how to ride smart and register for an in-person E-Bike/Motorized Devices Safety Course