Electric Scooter Laws in Utah – Complete Guide 2025

Quick Facts

  • Classification: Motor-assisted scooter (Utah Code 41-6a-1115)
  • Min age: 8 years old statewide
  • Helmet required: No statewide requirement
  • Max speed: 15 mph on roads with posted speed limits over 25 mph
  • License/registration required: Not required statewide
  • Sidewalk riding allowed: Yes, unless locally prohibited
  • Bike lane access: Yes, same rules as bicycles
  • Scooter sharing present: Yes in Salt Lake City with permits
  • Last checked: September 24, 2025

What Utah riders need to know

Utah keeps electric scooter regulation straightforward treating them similar to Texas, as motor-assisted scooters under Utah Code 41-6a-1115. The state sets a clear minimum age of 8 years old.

The key speed restriction is that you are not allowed to ride faster than 15 mph.

Utah Code Section 41-6a-1115 covers motor-assisted scooter operation throughout the state. Electric scooters fall under this classification along with gas-powered scooters, creating consistent rules regardless of power source.

The law treats motor-assisted scooters as vehicles for traffic purposes, meaning standard traffic laws apply when you’re sharing roads. However, the statute also allows scooters to be treated as “nonmotorized vehicles” when operated with the motor turned off, which doesn’t make much sense for electric scooters.

The statute also leaves room for local governance to impose further restrictions.

Where you can ride

Roadways: Motor-assisted scooters can operate on public roads following appropriate traffic laws as long as the roads speed limit it 25 mph or lower.

Bike lanes: Utah allows scooters in bike lanes following the same rules as bicycles. This typically provides the safest riding where cycling infrastructure is adequate.

Sidewalks: State law permits sidewalk riding “except where posted or prohibited by local ordinance.” Many cities restrict sidewalk riding in downtown areas while allowing it in residential neighborhoods.

Trails and parks: State parks generally follow the same framework as public roads. Many local parks allow scooters on paved trails but may restrict them on natural surface paths to prevent damage.

Equipment & vehicle requirements

Utah focuses on practical safety requirements rather than getting into detailed technical specifications about motor power or weight limits.

The statute requires electric scooters to have enough braking power to quickly stop under normal operating circumstances. While not explicitly detailed, standard vehicle lighting requirements would apply for night operation, meaning white front lights and red rear reflectors or lights.

Most commercially available electric scooters meet Utah’s basic requirements without modification, since the state focuses on operational safety rather than arbitrary technical restrictions.

Rider requirements

Age restrictions: No person under 8 years old shall ride an electric scooter in public.

Licensing: No driver’s license or special permit required for electric scooter operation in Utah. The devices are treated more like enhanced bicycles than motor vehicles for licensing purposes.

Helmet requirements: Utah doesn’t mandate helmets for any age group at the state level, though individual cities have chosen to require minors to wear helmets.

Traffic compliance: Since scooters are treated as vehicles under Utah law, standard traffic rules apply including proper lane positioning, yielding right of way, and following of traffic signals.

Parking, storage & riding etiquette

The state will not set parking requirements, it leaves this primarily to local ordinances. Standard practices include parking in designated areas where available, keeping sidewalks clear for pedestrian access, avoiding building entrances and emergency access points, and securing devices properly to prevent theft.

When riding on sidewalks where permitted, maintain reasonable speeds and give pedestrians plenty of space.

Enforcement & penalties

Utah Code 41-6a-1115 classifies violations as infractions rather than serious criminal offenses. The statute states that “a person who violates this section is guilty of an infraction,” which typically means fines rather than jail time or license points.

Specific penalty amounts vary by jurisdiction since enforcement happens primarily at the local level. Common violations often include seriously exceeding speed limits, and reckless operation of vehicle.

Insurance & liability

Utah doesn’t require specific insurance for “motor-assisted scooters”. Standard homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may provide coverage, though policies vary significantly so check with your insurer.

For accident liability, Utah follows comparative negligence principles where fault can be shared between parties based on their actions.

Local exceptions to state law

Salt Lake City: Has implemented comprehensive regulations beyond state requirements, including permits for shared scooter operators and designated parking areas downtown. The city prohibits sidewalk riding in the downtown core and requires scooters to use bike lanes or roads in business districts.

Provo: Follows state guidelines closely but has added specific restrictions around Brigham Young University campus, requiring scooters to yield to pedestrians in all campus areas and establishing designated parking zones near major campus buildings.

Park City: Has seasonal considerations that reflect its resort town status.

Other municipalities: Most smaller Utah communities follow state law without significant additional restrictions, though many do impose helmets for minors so check with local police departments.

Special circumstances

University areas: Major Utah universities including the University of Utah and Utah State have campus-specific policies that may differ from city or state regulations. Most require some form of registration for regular campus use and have restricted zones near academic buildings.

Ski resort areas: During winter months, many resort communities see limited scooter use due to weather conditions and increased pedestrian traffic, though this is more practical than legal limitation.

National parks: Utah’s numerous national parks follow federal regulations rather than state law. Most prohibit electric scooters on park roads and trails to protect natural resources and ensure visitor safety.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a helmet as an adult rider?
Not legally required at the state level, though individual cities have their own requirements.

Q: Can I ride on sidewalks throughout Utah?
State law allows it unless locally prohibited. Cities like Salt Lake City restrict sidewalk riding in downtown areas while smaller communities often permit it.

Q: What’s the speed limit for electric scooters?
You cannot exceed 15 mph when riding electric scooters in Utah.

Q: Do I need insurance or registration?
Not required under Utah law, but you can still be fined liable for damages.

Resources & citations

Stay up to date

Keep tabs on changes to local regulations by signing up for our newsletter or frequently checking out our electric scooter laws by state page.

We’re riders, not lawyers. This information covers Utah electric scooter laws as we understand them and is intended for informational purposes only, not legal advice.

For specific legal questions, especially regarding accident liability or commercial scooter operations, consult with a local attorney familiar with Utah transportation law.

Utah takes a practical approach to electric scooter regulation that reflects the state’s focus on outdoor recreation and practical transportation. The 8-year minimum age makes sense given how popular scooters are with younger riders, but they aren’t always mature enough to ride in public.

The speed restriction is a tad slow for my liking since most commuter scooters can go around 20 mph and you can more easily work with the traffic opposed to slow it down if you’re allowed to go a bit faster.

The elevation and climate considerations in Utah are more significant than in most states. Hilly areas means you need more power under your feet, and riding becomes very impractical during the winter months due to excess of snow, ice, and low temperatures.

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