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House approves e‑scooter regulatory framework after heated amendment fight
Summary
Lawmakers passed a second-substitute to SB139 establishing a regulatory framework for motor-assisted scooters and giving cities authority to set operating rules; a floor amendment to remove parental-supervision language for under-15 riders sparked lengthy debate over safety and sidewalk use.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House on March 12 approved a second-substitute to Senate Bill 139, a measure sponsors say creates a flexible legal framework for motor-assisted scooters while leaving cities with authority to regulate local use.
Representative Robertson told the House the bill aims to make scooters legally viable for first-mile/last-mile trips and to allow cities to set lower speed caps, expand permitted operating streets and provide local oversight. “This bill simply gives structure, allows local cities to regulate scooters in their own neighborhood,” Robertson said.
Floor debate centered on an amendment that struck language requiring direct parental supervision for riders under 15 when operating in public. Representative Thurston moved the amendment; proponents said the change would align scooters more closely with bicycles and decriminalize many youth riders. “I think they should be treated like bicycles,” Robertson said in debate.
Opponents raised safety concerns for pedestrians and argued scooters are faster and quieter than bikes. Representative Nelson warned that allowing operation on sidewalks creates a “real hazard” and urged safeguards such as signage or time-and-location limits. Representative Judkins, among others, objected that striking the lines could criminalize children under 15 in the bill’s prior text, and speakers clarified the amendment’s practical effect: after amendment adoption, privately owned scooters could be used by younger children on private property but rental agencies would still be restricted from allowing under-18 riders.
The House adopted the amendment and later passed the second-substitute, 65-19. Sponsors said the bill includes safety provisions (e.g., prohibiting operation in posted restricted zones; signage options) and caps on motor power (noted on the floor as 2,000 watts). The measure returns to the Senate for further consideration.
The floor record shows substantial back-and-forth about where cities should be allowed to permit sidewalk use and how to balance pedestrian safety with micromobility goals. Implementation will hinge on local ordinances exercising authority granted by the statute.
