New Utah law tightens rules on high-powered e-bikes, e-motorcycles

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. “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. 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. _______________ Hit the subscribe button to stay up-to-date on the latest news, and turn on the notifications to get alerted when the big stories break as we bring them to you live! For all the full stories seen here, go to kutv.com. Follow KUTV 2News on our other social media pages for more photos, videos and reports: Facebook: KUTV2News TikTok: @kutv2news X: @kutv2news Instagram: @kutv2news Threads: @kutv2news Bluesky: @kutv2news.bsky.social If you see something newsworthy happen, or you just witness something incredible, hilarious or adorable, you can send your videos, photos and news tips to kutv.com/chimein. We love sharing our favorites on kutv.com, our social media and our broadcasts! You can also submit tips by email or phone. Email: [email protected] Call the Newsroom: 801.839.1234 _______________ KUTV is a Utah-based station and a CBS Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today. Sinclair owns and operates, programs or provides sales services to nearly 200 television stations in 86 markets. Sinclair's television group reaches close to 40% of US television households and includes FOX, ABC, MyTV, CW, CBS, NBC, Univision and Azteca affiliates. #kutv #saltlakecity #news #utah #ebike #law