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Committee backs HB 381 to classify high‑power electric devices and set youth safety requirements
Summary
The committee recommended the third substitute to HB 381, which creates a 'high power electric device' category for devices exceeding 20 mph, clarifies pedal‑assist vs. motorcycle‑like devices, requires safety courses for riders under 16, and directs UDOT to clarify freeway restrictions; public safety and health groups supported the bill with injury data.
Representative Cutler presented HB 381 (third substitute), a bill intended to standardize classifications for electric bicycles, scooters and high‑powered devices and to establish a safety‑training pathway for minors.
Cutler described the problem as a growing mix of devices that are hard to distinguish: "there were different rules about which age you could ride a bike... currently if you're below 14, you're only supposed to be driving under the direct supervision of their parents." He said the bill creates a new ‘‘high power electric device’’ category for machines capable of more than 20 miles per hour, treats devices that behave like motorcycles as motorcycles (requiring endorsements and helmets), and provides a voluntary safety course for children up to 16 that would allow unsupervised riding after completion.
Public commenters and agency witnesses largely supported the measure. Catherine Stokes of Intermountain Health cited a rise in serious injuries, telling the committee: "In our emergency departments in 2025, we treated 536 e‑bike and e‑scooter related traumatic injuries," and noted low helmet use among those injured. Heather Anderson of the Unified Police Department and Mayor Kate Bradshaw of Bountiful urged the committee to support the bill, citing local incidents and law‑enforcement challenges.
The bill carries a house amendment clarifying freeway restrictions and prohibiting younger riders from operating high‑power devices on freeways. The committee adopted the amendment and voted to send the third substitute, as amended, to the Senate floor with a favorable recommendation.
