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Utah's New E-Bike Laws - What to Know
Electric Motorcycles, Mini-Bikes, Scooters, Electric Bikes, Golf Carts and More. What is the Law?
As we have started to warm up from the winter months, we are seeing more and more mini-bikes, motorized scooters, electric bikes, golf carts and other types of motorized devices on our roads. In addition, the law has had some changes that just took effect on May 6, 2026. At the Unified Police Department, we regularly get questions about what is legal on the road, who can ride these devices and what must be registered. There are many different versions of these vehicles. I will answer some of the questions regarding the more common types of machines that we see on a daily basis:
Electric Assisted Bicycles (E-Bikes)-
There are three different classes of electric-assisted bicycles:
Class 1 – Provides assistance only when you pedal. It will stop assisting when you reach 20 miles per hour.
Class 2 – Is equipped with a throttle that provides a boost without pedaling. It will stop assisting when you reach 20 miles per hour.
Class 3 – Is equipped with a speedometer and will assist the rider up to 28 miles per hour.
Electric-assisted bicycles must follow the laws of a bicycle and may be operated on a path or trail designated for bicycles.
Anyone under 16 years old cannot operate a class 3 electric-assisted bicycle.
Anyone 8-15 years old must be under the direct supervision of an adult (direct line of sight) or, after having completed an approved safety course which will be available in 2027.
Anyone under eight years old may not operate an electric-assisted bicycle on any public property, highway, path or sidewalk with the motor engaged.
Motor-Assisted Scooters or High-Power Devices
Motorized assisted scooters are under the provisions and laws regarding bicycles.
A person may operate a motor-assisted scooter across a roadway in a crosswalk, but they cannot operate it in a negligent manner as to collide with a pedestrian or someone operating a bicycle, vehicle or device propelled by human power.
It cannot be operated at a speed that is not reasonable and prudent under the existing conditions.
Motor-assisted scooters cannot be operated in a public parking structure, public property that prohibits bicycles, while having more passengers than it is designed for, if it has been altered from the manufacturer’s design other than to lower the maximum speed, or in excess of 15 miles per hour.
No license is needed, but no one under eight years of age cannot operate it on any public property, highway, path or sidewalk. An owner may not authorize or allow anyone under 18 years old to operate a motor-assisted scooter in violation of this law.
A motor-assisted scooter cannot go over 20 miles per hour on any public roads.
Anyone under 21 years old must wear a CPSC-approved helmet.
Mini Motorcycles (seat height of less than 24 inches):
Cannot be operated on public property, highways, path or sidewalks unless:
* The operator is licensed.
* The machine meets all regulations for licensing (registration).
* In addition, the owner of the machine may not allow someone to operate it in violation of the law.
Electric Motorcycles
Electric motorcycles are machines that have a power output that exceeds five horsepower or 750 watts.
Popular models are Surron, Talaria and Segway.
These devices also have throttles and foot pegs, with no pedals like an electric bicycle.
These motorcycles must meet state registration, insurance and driver’s / motorcycle license and helmet laws.
Low-Profile Motorized Vehicles
Low-profile motorized vehicles are machines that stand less than 36 inches high but are designed to be operated and ridden in a standing position, such that the rider stands higher than 36 inches while operating the vehicle.
These are prohibited on any public property in the City of Holladay, including but not limited to, public right of ways, sidewalks, parks and parking lots where there is a posted speed limit in excess of 25 miles per hour.
In addition to the Holladay City ordinance, state law says that any high-powered device that exceeds 20 miles per hour without pedaling must be licensed, registered and insured.
Golf Carts
Utah law says that for a golf cart to be operated on a public street a municipality, in this case Holladay, must have an ordinance specifying which roads they can be operated on and during which hours.
The City of Holladay does not have an ordinance allowing golf carts to be operated; therefore, they are not allowed on public streets or public property.
Helmets
Helmets must be worn on any of the above e-machines by anyone under the age of 21
Age of Operators
If operating a device that has 750 or more watts, or goes in excess of 20 MPH, the operator must be licensed, and the devices must be registered and / or insured. This means that you must be 16 years old.
Anyone between the ages of 8 to 16 must be under the supervision of a parent or guardian. In 2027, a course will be available for this age group to ride devices that are less than 750 watts and go 20 MPH or less.
No one under the age of 8 can ride these devices on any public property.
Please be familiar with the laws regarding these different types of motor-assisted vehicles. I have only summarized a few of the most common vehicles we see. It is your responsibility to know the law when operating a vehicle. Our officers will stop individuals who are in violation of the law, and you could receive a citation and can have your machine impounded. In addition, parents can receive a citation for allowing their children to operate these devices.
We want everyone to be safe as we all share the road. That is our goal! Working together as a community we can make our roads a safe place for everyone to use in Holladay. If you have questions regarding these laws, you can call the UPD’s Holladay Precinct and speak to an officer at 385-468-9920, or our 24/7 dispatch line at 801-840-4000.
