E-Bike & E-Motorcycle Safety

Why This Matters

More kids are riding e-bikes, scooters, and other motorized devices around their neighborhoods and to and from school. Many are doing so on vehicles that are unsafe, illegal for their age, or both.

The South Jordan Police Department is seeing a rise in:

• Underage riders on high-powered e-motorcycles
• Unsafe riding on sidewalks, roads, and trails
• Parents who are unaware of the rules or the type of vehicle their child is operating

Our goal is education and injury prevention — not punishment.

The Basics: What’s Legal and What’s Not

*Kids under 8 years old cannot legally ride e-bikes with or without supervision, and parents can be fined*

Class 1 E-Bike

• Max Speed: 20 mph, must pedal
• Where Allowed: Roads, sidewalks, trails
• Who Can Ride: Adults; kids 8–14 with adult supervision
• License/Insurance: Not required

Class 2 E-Bike

• Max Speed: 20 mph, throttle allowed without pedaling 
• Where Allowed: Roads, sidewalks, trails
• Who Can Ride: Adults; kids 8–14 with adult supervision
• License/Insurance: Not required

Class 3 E-Bike

• Max Speed: 28 mph
• Where Allowed: Roads, some sidewalks, and trails 
• Who Can Ride: 16+ only
• License/Insurance: Not required, but helmet required for riders under 21

Unregistered E-Motorcycles, Off-Road Dirt Bikes, Mini Bikes

• Often exceed 28 mph, no pedals
• Require registration, insurance, and a motorcycle-endorsed license
• Not legal to ride on roads, sidewalks, or trails
• May be legal in off-road/Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) areas only
• Unregistered mini bikes are not legal anywhere public

Why Underage Use is Dangerous

These vehicles can reach speeds similar to cars and require the same kind of skill, awareness, and reaction time as driving. Underage riders lack the training and judgment to operate these vehicles safely in traffic or crowded public spaces.

We’ve seen:

• Young children riding unsecured on bikes or scooters
• Groups of kids weaving at high speeds through pedestrians on trails
• Teens on e-motorcycles traveling at unsafe speeds in neighborhoods

Insurance & Liability

If a child crashes an e-motorcycle or other illegal vehicle, insurance may not cover the damages because the vehicle was operated illegally.

Example: A local teen on an e-motorcycle hit parked cars. The family did the right thing by reporting it, but they had to pay for all the damage out of pocket.

How to Tell the Difference

• If it has working pedals and goes 20 mph or less: likely an e-bike (Class 1 or 2)
• If it has working pedals and goes up to 28 mph: likely a Class 3 e-bike (16+ only)
• If it has no pedals or exceeds 28 mph: it’s an e-motorcycle or similar, and not legal for kids to ride in public spaces

Parents - We Need Your Help

• Know exactly what your child is riding — speed, motor wattage, and classification matter.
• Don’t assume a purchase labeled “e-bike” online meets legal standards.
• If you wouldn’t hand your child the keys to your car, don’t hand them the controls to a vehicle that can go 28+ mph without a license, insurance, or training.

Bottom Line

• The South Jordan Police Department wants kids to enjoy riding, but they must do so legally and safely.
• Knowing the rules protects riders, pedestrians, and families — and can prevent injuries, citations, and costly accidents.
• The message is simple: Own Your Ride — Know What’s Legal.