E-Bikes Scottsdale: Where Can I Ride?
With its beautiful desert landscapes, stunning architecture, and endless sunshine, Scottsdale, Arizona is a true gem of the Southwest. And on an e-bike, you can easily explore it all.
There are plenty of great e-bike paths to choose from!
Check out Old Town Scottsdale, enjoy a leisurely ride along the canal, or ride your e-bike to incredible destinations like the McDowell Sonoran Preserve (you’ll need to dismount to explore this one).
Here's a guide to some of the best e-bike path options, along with some key tips and regulations to keep in mind.
What Are The Best E-Bike Trails And Parks In Scottsdale, AZ?
Are E-Bikes Legal In Scottsdale?
Are There E-Bike Incentive Programs In Scottsdale?
Where Can I Find Magnum Bikes In Scottsdale?
Watch Magnum Bikes Ride Through Scottsdale (Video)
What Are The Best E-Bike Trails and Parks In Scottsdale?
Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt
Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt features gorgeous architecture alongside Scottsdale’s natural beauty. Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Why We Love It
The Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt is a scenic, 11-mile paved trail threading through the heart of Scottsdale. It winds past lakes, parks, golf courses, and desert landscaping. With flat terrain and grade-separated underpasses that avoid cross-traffic, it’s an ideal ride for all skill levels.
When To Visit
Open year-round from dawn to dusk. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, so plan to ride in the early morning or evening, bring plenty of water, and watch for daytime battery overheating.
Which E-Bike Classes & Rules Apply?
Allowed: Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted on the paved multi-use path.
Prohibited: Class 3 e-bikes (capable of 28 mph) are strictly prohibited on all Scottsdale multi-use paths and city park trails. Additionally, under Scottsdale Ordinance No. 4680, anyone under 16 is barred from operating Class 3 or high-speed electric devices anywhere on city property.
Trail Etiquette: Keep right, pass on the left with an audible bell or voice alert, yield to pedestrians, and maintain a reasonable speed (Scottsdale recommends keeping under 15 mph, especially around underpass blind corners and busy pedestrian park hubs like Chaparral Park).
The Arizona Canal runs through the heart of Scottsdale, and you can follow it for miles by riding your e-bike along the Arizona Canal Path. Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Why We Love It
The Arizona Canal Path is a historic multi-use corridor running alongside the Salt River Project (SRP) canal network. Stretching roughly 25 to 30 miles across Peoria, Glendale, Phoenix, and Scottsdale, it offers a car-free route connecting vibrant entertainment hubs (like Old Town Scottsdale and the Biltmore area) with quiet desert scenery. The route is mostly flat, making it accessible for casual cruises and distance battery tests alike.
When To Visit & Surface Notes
Open year-round from dawn to dusk.
Lighting: While brief segments through downtown Scottsdale are illuminated, long stretches of the canal are unlit. Early morning or twilight riders must bring a powerful headlight (visible from 500+ feet) and a red rear light/reflector.
Surfaces: The path alternates between smooth pavement and packed dirt/crushed gravel maintenance roads. Wider, puncture-resistant tires are strongly recommended to handle loose gravel and desert thorns.
Which E-Bike Classes & Rules Apply?
Allowed: Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted on designated multi-use canal paths.
Prohibited: Class 3 e-bikes (28 mph assist) are prohibited on off-road canal paths under Arizona law (A.R.S. § 28-819) and SRP trail policies. Under Scottsdale Ordinance No. 4680, riders under 16 are also barred from operating Class 3 or high-speed electric devices on city paths.
Speed & Etiquette: Observe the posted 15 mph path speed limit, slow down near underpasses, give an audible signal before passing, and yield to walkers, runners, and SRP maintenance crews.
The paved Grand Canal Path along the Grand Canal in Phoenix. Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Grand Canal Path
Why We Love It
Spanning roughly 23 miles from west Phoenix to South Scottsdale and Tempe, the Grand Canal Path follows one of the region's historic Salt River Project irrigation corridors. It provides a paved, grade-separated route away from car traffic, making it a reliable commute and leisure corridor.
When To Visit
Open year-round from dawn to dusk. Note that while segments near urban hubs are lit, large stretches are unlit at night; riders at dawn or dusk must equip a front white headlight and rear red reflector/light per Arizona law.
Which E-Bike Classes Are Allowed?
Allowed: Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted on the shared-use canal path.
Prohibited: Class 3 e-bikes (28 mph assist) are prohibited on off-road canal paths by default under A.R.S. § 28-819 and SRP trail policy.
Etiquette: Obey the 15 mph trail speed limit, yield to pedestrians, and give an audible alert (bell or voice) before passing.
Are E-Bikes Legal In Scottsdale?
Yes! Under Arizona law (A.R.S. § 28-819), e-bikes with motors under 750W are regulated similarly to standard bicycles, with key local rules to keep in mind:
Multi-Use Paths & Sidewalks: Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on city multi-use paths and most sidewalks. Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited on sidewalks and multi-use paths. Exception: E-bikes cannot be ridden on pedestrian-only sidewalks in Old Town Scottsdale (including covered boardwalks and walkways).
Roads & Bike Lanes: All three classes (Class 1, 2, and 3) are legal on public streets and on-road bike lanes, provided riders follow standard vehicular traffic laws and travel in the direction of traffic. (Note: The 40 mph street ban applies to motorized stand-up scooters, not e-bikes).
Age Restrictions: Under Scottsdale Ordinance No. 4680, riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike anywhere within city limits.
Helmets: While not legally required for adults under Arizona state law, helmets are strongly recommended, and riders under 18 must wear one in designated park zones and across neighboring municipal jurisdictions.
Do I Need a Driver’s License For E-Bikes In Scottsdale?
No. As long as your e-bike has operable pedals, an electric motor under 750 watts, and fits Class 1, 2, or 3 specifications, neither Arizona nor the City of Scottsdale requires a driver's license, vehicle registration, or insurance.
Tinted photo of statue featuring cowboy riding stylized geometric horse in Old Town Scottsdale AZ: Unsplash
Are There E-Bike Incentive Programs In Scottsdale?
While neither Arizona nor the City of Scottsdale currently runs a permanent statewide point-of-sale consumer rebate, local clean-transportation incentives and regional pilot programs emerge periodically through energy providers and local sustainability grants.
Programs like these open and close regularly, so lists can become quickly outdated.
Check out our e-bike incentives article for more information about these programs as well as ways to find out if there’s an active program near you.
Where Can I Find Magnum Bikes In Scottsdale?
We’ve partnered with more than 250 authorized dealers and flagship stores across the US.
We have several stores in Arizona, including 2 partners in Scottsdale.
We also have our very own Scottsdale Magnum Bikes store!
See our full list of Magnum Authorized Dealers in Arizona.
E-Bikes Scottsdale FAQs
Here are answers to common questions about riding electric bikes in Scottsdale and surrounding areas:
Are E-Bikes Allowed On Dirt & Mountain Bike Trails in Scottsdale?
Generally, no on natural-surface trails in Scottsdale proper. Most notably, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve strictly bans all electric bikes (including Class 1 pedal-assist) across its 230+ miles of natural-surface trails.
If you want to ride off-pavement, several Maricopa County regional parks (such as McDowell Mountain Regional Park, just outside Scottsdale city limits) permit Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on shared-use trails open to conventional bicycles. Always check trail designations before you head out.
Can You Ride An Electric Bike On The Sidewalk In Scottsdale, Arizona?
Yes, but with specific limitations:
Classes: Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted on most Scottsdale sidewalks, provided you yield right-of-way to pedestrians, give an audible signal before passing, and ride at a safe, pedestrian-friendly speed. Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited on sidewalks.
Old Town Dismount Zone: E-bikes are strictly prohibited on sidewalks, covered boardwalks, and designated pedestrian corridors throughout historic Old Town Scottsdale—riders must dismount and walk.
Age Restrictions: Under Scottsdale City Ordinance No. 4680, riders must be at least 16 years of age to operate any Class 3 or high-speed electric mobility device anywhere in the city.
Feel free to ride your e-bike on the sidewalk in Scottsdale — but mind the pedestrians and dismount in downtown, especially at the covered sidewalks! Image Source: pxfuel
Is It Illegal To Ride An E-Bike Without a Helmet In AZ?
Under Arizona state law, no. Arizona does not have a statewide helmet requirement for bicycle or e-bike riders of any age.
However, local city and county rules vary. Several jurisdictions across Arizona—including Tucson, Gilbert, Pima County, and Sierra Vista—have passed municipal ordinances requiring riders under 18 years of age to wear an approved helmet. While helmets are not legally mandated for adults in Arizona, wearing one is strongly advised for safety on any ride.
Watch Magnum Bikes Ride Through Scottsdale (Video)
Plan your next e-bike adventure in Scottsdale today!
