E-Bike Safety
E-Bike Classifications
Utah law defines three classes of electric-assist bicycles based on speed and motor function:
Class 1: Pedal assist e-bike with a maximum speed of 20 MPH. The motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling.
Class 2: Throttle assist e-bike with a maximum speed of 20 MPH. The motor can be engaged without pedaling.
Class 3: Pedal assist e-bike with a maximum speed of 28 MPH. The motor only provides assistance when the rider is pedaling.
Bicycle-Related Crash Data
2,988
Bicycle-related crashes in Utah from 2020-2024
15,004
Injury distracted driving crashes
Driver Common Factors
36% Failure To Yield Right-Of-Way (followed by disregarding traffic signs/signals, and improper turns)
UNK pm - UNK pm
XX% of fatal bicycle crashes occurred between XXpm and XXpm
50 Fatalities
(Bike-Related) From 2020 through September 2025
Under 20 years old
34% of bicycle-related crashes in 2025 involved young riders under age 20
Vehicle Definitions
There is currently no distinction between bicycles and e-bikes on Utah’s crash report form. Thus, as of 2025, no e-bike-specific crash data is available. Data includes bicycles of all types. An update to the form is expected in 2026. Reference Utah Code 41-6a-101.
Did You Know?
Under Utah law, children between the ages of 8 and 14 are required to be accompanied by an adult when riding an electric bicycle (e-bike). It is illegal for any Utah child under the age of 16 to ride a Class 3 e-bike, which can travel at speeds exceeding 20 mph. Ensure you ride with your kids if they are on an e-bike.
E-Bike vs. Bicycle
E-bikes aren’t toys! The injury rate for children riding e-bikes is higher than for other types of active transportation, such as bicycles and scooters. Because e-bikes are heavy and fast, they present a greater danger to both the rider and others. Teach your kids how to treat their e-bike as a tool, not a toy. Utah averages nine cyclist fatalities on our roads each year. (2020-2025)
Be Courteous & Cautious!
When riding on sidewalks, e-bikes should roll slowly and courteously to avoid injuring pedestrians. If the sidewalk is busy, riders should walk their bike. Many e-bikes feature a walk mode, making it easier to push them along.
E-Bikes Must Follow The Same Laws As Bicycles
- E-bike on Trails
- E-bikes are allowed on non-motorized state and local trails, unless prohibited by the city codes.
- E-bikes are not allowed on non-motorized federal trails (US Forest Service).
- Alcohol: You may not drink any alcoholic beverage or have an open alcoholic beverage with you while operating a class 2 e-bike (41-6a-526).
- Age Requirements
- Under 8 years old - cannot operate any class e-bike
- 8-14 years old - must have adult supervision
- Under 16 years old - cannot operate a class 3 e-bike
