The Wasatch County Council voted to adopt additional e-bike rules to help keep our trails and neighborhoods safe.
The Wasatch County Council voted to adopt additional e-bike rules to help keep our trails and neighborhoods safe. Utah state code already regulates e-bike usage, and other municipalities like Heber City, Midway, and Park City have their own e-bike regulations, so be sure to check state and local municipal ordinances before hitting the road or trails.
Wasatch County E-Bike Regulations:
- Class II or III electric assisted bicycles may not be operated on soft-surface trails.
- E-bikes should always be operated at a safe rate of speed for the existing conditions. (Improved multi-use trails: 20 mph, Soft-surface trails and sidewalks: 15 mph)
- E-bike passengers should not exceed the manufacturer's intended capacity and all passengers should ride in a manner consistent with the manufacturer's intended passenger placement.
- E-bikes should be ridden only on trails and sidewalks. Stay off the grass in public parks, public property, and other areas not designated for e-bike use.
- Riders under 18 are required to wear a helmet.
Violations of the Wasatch County e-bike ordinance are punishable as an infraction.
State of Utah E-Bike Regulations:
Utah recognizes three classes of e-bikes:
- Class I: Provides electric assistance only when the rider is pedaling and stops assisting when speeds reach 20 mph.
- Class II: Provides electric assistance with no pedaling required and stops assisting when speeds reach 20 mph.
- Class III: Provides electric assistance only when rider is pedaling and stops assisting when speeds reach 28 mph.
Age Restrictions:
- Children under 14 can only ride with electric assistance if directly supervised by a parent or guardian.
- Children under 8 may not ride with electric assistance unless on private property.
- Riders under 16 cannot operate Class III e-bikes.
- Riders under 21 must wear a helmet when using a Class III e-bike.
Where You Can Ride:
- E-bikes are generally allowed on non-motorized state park trails that are open to bikes.
- Federal trails (like those managed by the U.S. Forest Service) often prohibit e-bikes on non-motorized paths, but they are allowed on motorized trails.
- Bike lanes and roads
Any e-bike that doesn’t fall into Class I, II, or III is legally considered a motor vehicle under Utah law.