SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — E-bikes have become a growing problem for cities. Now, a new law taking effect in May 2026 aims to crack down.
From speeding to reckless driving and property damage, e-bikes have become a concern — and, in some cases, dangerous.
“I think we almost got run over a couple of nights ago down at the river,” said Shelley Kirkham Peck, a Sandy resident.
“That’s too much speed. They need some guidance,” Kirkham Peck said.
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“These things can go pretty fast, especially if you’re not wearing a helmet. You can get injured on some of these,” said Sgt. Michael Olsen of the Sandy Police Department.
A new law taking effect this May will increase enforcement for e-bikes and e-motorcycles.
“It really gives us clarification on what we can and can’t enforce,” Olsen said.
Under the new law, some high-powered bikes will now be treated like motorcycles.
You can read House Bill 0381 here.
When asked whether the law requires a driver’s license for certain devices, Olsen said, “For an electric motorcycle, it’s treated just like any other motorcycle. It has to have registration, it has to have insurance, and you have to have a license for it.”
At the same time, traditional e-bikes will still be treated differently.
“The e-bicycles are still treated like a bicycle, but there is a safety course that you can take to basically replace needing a license,” Olsen said.
That includes electric dirt bikes, which fall under the stricter category.
“So electric dirt bikes are still considered an electric motorcycle,” Olsen said.
Police say their approach will focus on education and enforcement, with safety at the center.
“The first and foremost priority is trying to keep kids safe,” Sgt. Olsen said.
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