Utah Electric Mobility Device Law -

What Is an E-Bike?

A bicycle with an electric motor (max 750 watts), fully operable pedals, and which can be ridden without the motor.

E-BIKE CLASSES

Class 1: Pedal-assist only; cuts off at 20 mph.

Class 2: Throttle-powered; cuts off at 20 mph.

Class 3: Pedal-assist only; cuts off at 28 mph; requires speedometer.

Programmable: Switches between Class 1, 2, or 3 modes. Requires permanently affixed, operable cranks.

WHERE YOU CAN RIDE

Bicycle lanes on public highways
Paths and trails designated for bicycles
Roads and streets open to bicycles
Multi-use pathways (local rules may apply)

Treated as a bicycle — no driver license or registration required for age 16+.

AGE REQUIREMENTS

Under 8: Cannot operate with motor on a highway.

Ages 8–15: Requires DIRECT parent supervision OR Safety Certificate.

Age 16+: May operate without supervision.

HELMET & PENALTIES

Under 21: Helmet required on highways.

No-helmet fine: Up to $25.

Violations: Infraction; a peace officer may hold the bike if the rider is under 18.

ELECTRIC BICYCLE RESTRICTED USES

No operating on freeways
No alcohol consumption while riding — Class C Misdemeanor
No tampering with motor or electronics beyond factory settings
No riding where bicycles are prohibited
Trails prohibited by federal law or conservation easement are off-limits
Local authorities may restrict use on sidewalks, paths, or trails

What Is an Electric Motorcycle?

A motorcycle powered by an electric motor that is EITHER:

More than 750 watts, OR
Capable of exceeding 20 mph on motor power alone
Has no manufacturer-installed cranks
Uses throttle-controlled acceleration

OHV Education Course required.

ON TRAILS / PUBLIC LAND

Typically treated as off-highway vehicles (OHVs); must follow OHV regulations.

Only on designated motorized trails and routes
Follow rules for public lands where motorized use is allowed

ON PUBLIC ROADS

Must meet street-legal motorcycle requirements, including:

Title and registration
Valid driver’s license & motorcycle endorsement
Insurance
Required safety equipment (lights, mirrors, horn, signals)

LICENSE & AGE

Required: Valid Class D license AND motorcycle endorsement. Safety Certificate if under 18.

Under 16: Cannot operate on a highway/public road.

Age 16+: Valid Class D license with a motorcycle endorsement, or the OHV safety certificate.

Under 21: Helmet required on highways.

SAFETY CERTIFICATE

Riders under 18 must obtain a Personal Electric Vehicle Safety Certificate.

Online course at recreation.utah.gov

ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE RESTRICTED USES

No freeways without proper licensure
No alcohol while operating — Class C Misdemeanor
No lane splitting between moving lanes
No passing in the same lane as overtaken vehicle
Cannot attach to another vehicle on roadway
No tampering beyond manufacturer settings

What Is a Motor Assisted Scooter?

A self-propelled device with:

At least two wheels
Electric motor not exceeding 2,000 watts
Handlebars and a standing or sit/straddle deck
Maximum 20 mph on a level surface

Treated as a bicycle under Utah law. No driver license required.

WHERE YOU CAN RIDE

Roads and streets open to bicycles
Bicycle lanes on public highways
Across roadways in crosswalks (not negligently)

AGE REQUIREMENTS

Under 8: Cannot operate with motor running on a highway.

Ages 8–15: Requires DIRECT parent supervision OR Safety Certificate.

Age 16+: May operate without supervision.

Owner liability: Cannot permit riders under 16 to violate these rules.

SAFETY CERTIFICATE

Riders ages 8–15 without direct supervision must obtain a Personal Electric Vehicle Safety Certificate.

Online course at recreation.utah.gov
Fee: $10 or less — Dept. of Public Safety

HELMET & PENALTIES

Under 21: Helmet required on highways.

Exception: Rented Class 1 scooters from businesses are exempt.

No-helmet fine: Up to $25.

Violations: Infraction; officers may hold scooters if rider is under 18.

MOTOR ASSISTED SCOOTER RESTRICTED USES

No freeways or public parking structures
No riding where bicycle use is prohibited
Cannot exceed 15 mph
No more riders than designed for
No mechanical/structural alterations from factory
No alcohol while riding — Class C Misdemeanor