South Jordan officials are increasing their focus on e-bike and e-motorcycle safety following a rise in unsafe and illegal use, particularly among underage riders. The push for increased education aims to protect riders, pedestrians, and drivers as more children use motorized vehicles to travel to school and around the community.
Rising Safety Concerns
The City of South Jordan noted that many parents remain unaware of the legal distinctions between different types of motorized vehicles. Law enforcement has observed several unsafe behaviors in the community, including toddlers and babies riding unsecured on e-bikes or scooters, and teenagers riding e-motorcycles in neighborhoods without helmets or adult supervision. Additionally, officials have seen riders weaving at high speeds through pedestrians on trails and underage riders using powerful bikes to commute to school through traffic.
Distinguishing E-Bikes and Motorcycles
A primary distinction in local regulations involves the presence of pedals and the vehicle's maximum speed. E-bikes are equipped with working pedals and electric motors of up to 750 watts. In contrast, e-motorcycles—which include certain mini bikes and dirt bikes—do not have working pedals and often exceed speeds of 28 mph. According to city guidelines, if a vehicle looks and rides like a motorcycle, it is classified as an e-motorcycle rather than an e-bike.
E-Bike Classifications and Rules
E-bikes are categorized into three distinct classes, each with specific usage rules. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes provide pedal or throttle assist and are limited to a maximum speed of 20 mph; these vehicles do not require a license or insurance, though riders aged 8 to 14 must have adult supervision. Class 3 e-bikes allow for both pedal and throttle assist with a maximum speed of 28 mph. Riders of Class 3 bikes must be at least 16 years old, and those under age 21 are required to wear a helmet.
Usage Restrictions and School Policy
The legality of vehicle operation is strictly enforced on local infrastructure. Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes are permitted on roads, sidewalks, and trails. However, e-motorcycles and off-road dirt bikes are not legal on any of these surfaces in South Jordan. Furthermore, the Jordan School District maintains its own restrictions regarding the use of e-bikes on school campuses. Officials have noted that e-motorcycles, dirt bikes, and unregistered mini bikes are not street legal for underage riders and require licensing, registration, and insurance.
Liability and Financial Risks
The legal consequences for operating unauthorized vehicles can be significant for families. The City of South Jordan warned that if a child is involved in an accident while operating an illegal or non-street-legal vehicle, insurance may not cover any resulting damages or injuries. In such cases, families could be held responsible for all costs out of pocket, and parents may face fines exceeding $150.
Guidance for Safe Purchasing
To ensure compliance with local laws, South Jordan officials recommend that residents verify the make and model of a vehicle online to confirm its top speed and class before purchasing. The city also suggests purchasing from local bike shops, as staff members are generally informed about local laws and the specific classes of bikes they sell. For further clarification, residents can contact the South Jordan Police Department at 801-446-4357 to speak with an officer regarding e-bike safety.
Regulatory Framework and Age Limits
South Jordan's current ordinance was updated on August 19, 2025, to better align with the State Code. The city emphasizes that children under the age of 8 should not operate e-bikes due to the physical skills and judgment required to navigate traffic and handle speeds of 20 to 28 mph safely.
