Public Safety Message: New State Laws Regarding E-Bikes

RIVERTON — Riverton City is telling residents about new state laws covering e-bikes and other electric devices, most of which take effect on May 6, 2026, in a public safety message the city attributes to Police Chief Shane Taylor 1.

The city said the changes are meant to make riding safer and to clearly separate low-speed e-bikes from higher-speed devices 1. Riverton said cities across Utah, including Riverton, are seeing more high-speed electric devices on roads, sidewalks and trails, with some used unsafely or in areas where they do not belong, creating risks for riders and for people nearby 1.

On enforcement, the city said police will focus on education first but may issue tickets if needed, and that riders using unsafe or illegal devices may be stopped, with fines possible 1. If a rider who is a minor breaks the rules, the city said the device may be taken and given back to a parent or guardian 1.

Legal e-bikes can still be ridden on roads, in bike lanes and on most shared trails, just like regular bicycles, according to the city 1. The city advises riders to follow traffic rules, yield to pedestrians and ride at safe speeds, and said higher-powered devices may be restricted to roads and could carry additional requirements 1.

Riverton said it wants residents to understand what is changing and how to ride safely, and it encourages everyone to stay informed and help protect the community 1.