Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
As of 2026, Utah regulates electric scooters under a dedicated legal framework passed in May 2019, designating them as motor-assisted scooters (UCA § 41-6a-1115).
The state treats these vehicles similarly to bicycles, granting riders many of the same rights and responsibilities.
While state law provides the baseline, local authorities in cities like Salt Lake City and Provo have implemented specific ordinances to manage sidewalk use and parking in high-density areas.
State-level classification and definition
Under the Utah Code, a motor-assisted scooter is defined by its mechanical and electrical specifications.
Design: A vehicle with at least two wheels in contact with the ground and a deck or seat designed to be stood, straddled, or sat upon.
Power: Equipped with an electric motor not exceeding 2,000 watts.
Speed: Capable of a maximum speed of 20 mph on a paved level surface.
Human Power: The device must retain the ability to be propelled by human power alone.
Licensing and age requirements
License: No driver’s license or specialized endorsement is required by the state to operate a motor-assisted scooter.
Minimum Age: Operators must be at least 16 years of age to ride without restrictions.
Supervised Riding: Children between 8 and 15 years old may only operate a scooter with the motor engaged under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian.
Prohibited: Children under 8 years of age are strictly prohibited from operating a motor-assisted scooter with the motor running on any public property, highway, or sidewalk.
Performance and equipment limits
To be street-legal in Utah, a scooter must adhere to the following safety and performance standards:
Operational Speed: Despite being capable of 20 mph, it is illegal to operate a scooter at a speed greater than 15 mph on public ways.
Brakes: A functional braking system capable of stopping the unit under typical operating conditions is mandatory.
Night Lighting: For use after dark, the device must be equipped with a front white lamp and a red rear light or reflector.
Structure: The device must not be structurally or mechanically altered from the original manufacturer's design (except by rental companies to lower the maximum speed).
Operational rules and permitted areas
Operators generally follow the same rules of the road as bicyclists (UCA § 41-6a-1102).
Roadways: Permitted on roadways with speed limits of 25 mph or lower. Operation on highways with four or more lanes is generally prohibited.
Sidewalks: Permitted by state law unless a local ordinance restricts it. Salt Lake City, for example, prohibits scooter riding on sidewalks in the downtown business district.
Bike Lanes: Permitted in bike lanes, shared-use paths, and any area where bicycles are allowed.
Prohibited Areas: Scooters are strictly prohibited in public parking structures and on any property posted as prohibiting bicycles.
Helmet laws
Mandatory: Under Utah Code § 41-6a-1505, all riders under 21 years of age are required to wear protective headgear when operating on a highway.
Standard: Helmets must meet federal safety specifications (16 C.F.R. Part 1203).
Adults: Those 21 and older are not legally required to wear a helmet.
Disclaimer: Bo USA Inc. endeavours to keep these documents up to date and relevant, however does not in any manner guarantee the accuracy of the included findings regarding electric scooter laws in the United States. Always carry out secondary research to validate any statement - and refer directly to the relevant authority before presuming accuracy.
Electric scooter riders or those considering to purchase or begin riding electric scooters should refer to their local governments to obtain the most up-to-date information on the applicable, local legal standing of scooters.
The Bo Model-M: Since the electric scooter is legal in Utah, it is worth investing in a vehicle that is going to have a real integrity and quality to its manufacture. This means it will bring you pleasure every time you use it.
To that end, it is interesting to know that Bo is the only electric scooter designed and engineered by a team of real car guys. Where the rest of the scooter industry took plasticky toys and ruggedised them, we started with a blank sheet of paper to develop the best vehicle in the world for local journeys.
Of course, you can only really feel the benefit of that when you ride it for yourself; that is why we give an extraordinary 60 day return policy and have a customer response team full of the engineers who made it. When you contact Bo, you're going straight to the source.
Visit the Model M page - click here
Learn more about how we made the 'M' - click here
Go watch a Youtube about the Model-M - click here
Return to the State-by-State regulation page - click here
