Herriman: check an e-bike's legal class before buying one as a gift

HERRIMAN — Herriman City published guidance on Nov. 9 telling residents to check a device's legal classification before buying an electric bike as a holiday gift, warning that some electric dirt bikes and motorcycles are marketed alongside e-bikes but carry different requirements 1.

Under Utah law, the city's page states, an electric bicycle must have operable pedals, a motor of 750 watts or less and must meet specific speed requirements 1. Higher-powered devices may be classified as motorcycles or other motor vehicles, which can require a driver's license, a motorcycle endorsement, registration and insurance to use on public roads 1. The city lists three classes: Class 1, pedal-assist only to 20 mph; Class 2, throttle and pedal-assist to 20 mph; and Class 3, pedal-assist only to 28 mph, with a speedometer required 2.

Helmets are required for riders under 21 on public roads and streets. The city states that e-bike and e-scooter riders must wear a CPSC-approved helmet and that riders of e-motorcycles and higher-powered devices must wear a DOT-approved one 2. The Utah Highway Safety Office dates the under-21 helmet requirement to May 6, 2026 3.

**The rule that changes in 2027**

The city's page states that children ages 8 to 14 must be accompanied by an adult while riding an e-bike, that riders must be at least 16 to operate a Class 3 e-bike, and that children under 8 may not operate a motorized device on a public road or path 2. The state office puts the coming change this way: beginning May 5, 2027, a rider ages 8 to 15 must have direct supervision by a parent or responsible adult, or a personal electric vehicle safety certificate issued by the Department of Public Safety, to ride on a public road 3.

The course will be offered online through the Utah Department of Public Safety, the city states, and third-party classes will not satisfy the legal requirement 2. Herriman's page adds that riders 16 and older may ride any class without a certificate or supervision 2.

**Enforcement**

Police may seize and temporarily hold a personal electric vehicle if a minor is violating safety laws or standards, and the device is released only when a parent or guardian can pick it up, according to the state office 3. Herriman's page states the same and adds that violations may result in citations 2. Modifying a device beyond its manufacturer's specification to increase speed or power is illegal 23. The state office also says that operating a motor-assisted device while drinking or carrying an open container is prohibited 3.

The city's post points families to its e-bike and e-motorcycle webpage and to the Utah Highway Safety Office for the full classification and equipment rules 13.