HB 407 Utah House · 2025 General Session

Mini-motorcycle Amendments

HB 407 updates Utah's traffic laws to clarify safety rules for mini-motorcycles, e-bikes, scooters, and mopeds. It modifies existing bicycle regulations to explicitly include these devices under the same operational rules, such as requiring helmets for certain riders and defining speed limits for e-bikes (20 mph for Class 1/2, 28 mph for Class 3). The bill directly affects riders of these vehicles by standardizing their legal classification and safety requirements. Key changes include adding specific definitions for e-bikes and scooters, repealing outdated terms, and ensuring all covered devices follow consistent traffic rules.

Issues: ✓ Transportation

Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

Mar 2025

Senate Passage

Feb 2025

Governor

Introduced Feb 4, 2025 Last action Mar 8, 2025

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What changed between versions

Amended 2/19/2025 10:02:586 → Substitute #1 · 8 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends Utah's traffic code to clarify mini-motorcycle regulations and expand safety rules to include bicycles, electric assisted bicycles, motor assisted scooters, and mopeds. It adds new definitions for various vehicle types, establishes mini-motorcycle registration and licensing requirements, and creates specific penalties for violations. The bill also updates impoundment procedures and fee structures.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of safety provisions to include electric assisted bicycles, motor assisted scooters, and mopeds in addition to traditional bicycles, and specifically addresses mini-motorcycles which previously had unclear regulatory status.

DEFINITION

Added new definitions for 'Adult' (18 years or older), 'Electric assisted bicycle', 'Motor assisted scooter', 'Moped', and 'Mini-motorcycle' to clarify vehicle classifications.

Modified the 'Bicycle' definition to explicitly include electric assisted bicycles while excluding scooters and similar devices.

Added specific exclusions for mini-motorcycles to clarify they do not include mopeds or motor assisted scooters.

REQUIREMENT

Requires mini-motorcycles to be registered for highway use and operators to hold a motorcycle license endorsement.

Added requirements for parents/guardians to be held accountable if children under 15 violate mini-motorcycle laws after multiple convictions.

Added requirement that mini-motorcycles must comply with motorcycle registration, insurance, and seizure provisions.

ENFORCEMENT

Establishes penalties for mini-motorcycle violations including infractions or class C misdemeanors, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders under 15.

Updated impoundment fee structure with specific amounts for mini-motorcycles ($50 first time, $100 subsequent) and reallocated fee distributions.

Introduced → Amended Excerpts 2/19/2025 10:02:586 · 8 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends Utah traffic laws to clarify that safety regulations apply to bicycles, electric assisted bicycles, mini-motorcycles, motor assisted scooters, and mopeds, and establishes new penalties for minors operating these vehicles. The amendments include renumbering of definitions, clarifying the age of adulthood from 18 to 18 (unchanged), and adding specific provisions for mini-motorcycle violations.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of Title 41, Chapter 6a, Part 11 to explicitly include mini-motorcycles, motor assisted scooters, and mopeds alongside bicycles and electric assisted bicycles, ensuring these vehicles are subject to the same safety regulations.

DEFINITION

Renumbered and reorganized definitions in Section 41-6a-102 to clarify and standardize terminology for various vehicle types including mini-motorcycles, motor assisted scooters, and mopeds.

ENFORCEMENT

Added Section 41-6a-1121 establishing impoundment authority for law enforcement officers to impound bicycles, electric assisted bicycles, mini-motorcycles, motor assisted scooters, or mopeds when operators commit violations of the chapter, with a $50 administrative fee deposited into the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Fund.

Amended Section 41-6a-210 to include mini-motorcycles, motor assisted scooters, and mopeds in the list of vehicles that may not be stopped by law enforcement officers, with associated penalties and license revocation provisions.

Amended Section 53-3-220 to include mini-motorcycles, motor assisted scooters, and mopeds in the list of vehicles that must be brought to a stop at the command of a law enforcement officer, with mandatory license revocation for violations.

REQUIREMENT

Amended Section 41-6a-1101 to clarify that adults, parents, or guardians may not authorize or knowingly permit a child to violate the chapter, with penalties for repeat violations.

Amended Section 41-6a-1103 to clarify that bicycles, electric assisted bicycles, mini-motorcycles, motor assisted scooters, and mopeds may not carry more persons than designed, with an exception allowing an adult rider to carry a child in a backpack or sling.

Amended Section 41-6a-1104 to prohibit persons riding bicycles, electric assisted bicycles, mini-motorcycles, motor assisted scooters, mopeds, skates, and sleds from attaching to moving vehicles, with an exception for designed trailers or semitrailers.

Amended Section 41-6a-1406 to include bicycles, electric assisted bicycles, mini-motorcycles, motor assisted scooters, and mopeds in the list of vehicles subject to impoundment and reporting requirements, with specific fee structures and refund provisions.

Substitute #2 → Substitute #3 · 8 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends Utah's traffic code to clarify definitions and regulations for mini-motorcycles, electric assisted bicycles, motor assisted scooters, and mopeds. It establishes new requirements for mini-motorcycle operation, including registration and licensing, and modifies penalties for traffic violations involving these vehicles.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of safety regulations to include electric assisted bicycles, motor assisted scooters, and mopeds alongside traditional bicycles, while adding specific provisions for mini-motorcycles.

DEFINITION

Added new definitions for 'electric assisted bicycle', 'motor assisted scooter', 'electric personal assistive mobility device', and 'programmable electric assisted bicycle' to clarify what vehicles are covered under traffic laws.

Removed the repealed Section 41-6a-1117 regarding mini-motorcycle restrictions, which was replaced by the new comprehensive mini-motorcycle regulations in Section 41-6a-1511.

Modified the definition of 'bicycle' to explicitly include electric assisted bicycles while excluding scooters and similar devices, clarifying regulatory boundaries between vehicle types.

REQUIREMENT

Enacted new Section 41-6a-1511 requiring mini-motorcycle operators to register the vehicle for highway use and hold a valid motorcycle license to operate on public roads.

Modified Section 41-6a-1406 to establish specific administrative fees for impounding mini-motorcycles ($50 for first impoundment, $100 for subsequent impoundments) and designated fee distributions to state funds.

Added requirements for mini-motorcycles to comply with motorcycle registration, licensing, insurance, seizure, and law enforcement stop procedures.

ENFORCEMENT

Modified penalties for violating mini-motorcycle regulations, allowing for either an infraction or a class C misdemeanor if the violation occurs within six months of a prior conviction.

ELIGIBILITY

Added provisions holding parents or legal guardians criminally liable (class C misdemeanor) if a child under 15 with two or more prior violations operates a mini-motorcycle in violation of the law.

Substitute #1 → Substitute #2 · 51 edits

MAJOR

This bill clarifies how mini-motorcycles and other personal mobility devices are regulated under Utah traffic law. It adds a new section requiring mini-motorcycle operators to have proper registration and motorcycle licenses, establishes penalties for violations, and updates definitions to distinguish between different types of electric-assisted vehicles. The bill also repeals an older mini-motorcycle restriction section.

Scope change

The bill expands regulatory clarity by explicitly including mini-motorcycles in the definition of motor vehicles requiring registration and licensing, while also clarifying distinctions between electric assisted bicycles, motor assisted scooters, and mopeds.

REQUIREMENT

Added new Section 41-6a-1511 requiring mini-motorcycle operators to register the vehicle and hold a motorcycle license

Repealed previous Section 41-6a-1117 regarding mini-motorcycle restrictions

Added parental liability provisions for children operating mini-motorcycles in violation of the law

ENFORCEMENT

Established penalties for mini-motorcycle violations, including infractions or class C misdemeanors for repeat offenses

DEFINITION

Updated definitions to clarify distinctions between electric assisted bicycles, motor assisted scooters, mopeds, and mini-motorcycles

Added specific definition for 'mini-motorcycle' as a motorcycle with a seat less than 24 inches from the ground

Clarified that electric assisted bicycles do not include mopeds, motor assisted scooters, or motorcycles

Added definition for 'motor assisted scooter' with specific speed and power limitations

Added definition for 'electric personal assistive mobility device' with specific technical specifications

Updated 'bicycle' definition to explicitly exclude scooters and similar devices

Added 'programmable electric assisted bicycle' definition for devices that can switch between classes

Added 'all-terrain type I, II, and III vehicle' definitions referencing Section 41-22-2

Added 'electric assisted bicycle' definition with power output and speed limitations

Added 'moped' definition with engine displacement and speed limitations

Added 'low-speed vehicle' definition with passenger capacity and speed limitations

Added 'golf cart' definition with weight and passenger capacity limitations

Added 'autocycle' definition referencing Section 53-3-102

Added 'motor vehicle' definition to explicitly exclude electric assisted bicycles and motor assisted scooters

Added 'motor-driven cycle' definition referencing engine displacement and horsepower limitations

Added 'street-legal all-terrain vehicle' and 'street-legal novel vehicle' definitions

Added 'mobile carrier' definition referencing Section 41-6a-1120

Added 'personal delivery device' definition referencing Section 41-6a-1119

Added 'child' definition as individuals younger than 18 years old

Added 'adult' definition as individuals 18 years old or older

Added 'parent' or 'guardian' definition referencing Section 78B-15-102

Added 'mobility disability' definition covering various physical limitations

Added 'soft-surface trail' definition for marked trails with sand, rock, or dirt

Added 'pole trailer' definition for vehicles without motive power designed for long loads

Added 'restored-modified vehicle' definition referencing Section 41-1a-102

Added 'off-highway implement of husbandry' definition referencing Section 41-22-2

Added 'off-highway vehicle' definition referencing Section 41-22-2

Added 'farm tractor' definition for motor vehicles designed for farm use

Added 'flammable liquid' definition with flashpoint specifications

Added 'explosives' definition for chemical compounds or mechanical mixtures

Added 'echelon formation' definition for snowplow operations

Added 'divided highway' definition for highways separated by barriers or unpaved spaces

Added 'direct supervision' definition for oversight at a distance

Added 'controlled-access highway' definition for highways with limited access

Added 'commissioner' definition for Department of Public Safety commissioner

Added 'class 3 electric assisted bicycle' definition with 28 mph speed limit and speedometer requirement

Added 'class 2 electric assisted bicycle' definition with throttle-only propulsion capability

Added 'class 1 electric assisted bicycle' definition with pedal-only assistance up to 20 mph

Added 'circular intersection' definition for roundabouts and traffic circles

Added 'crosswalk' definition for designated pedestrian crossing areas

Added 'controlled-access highway' definition for highways with limited access rights

Added 'commissioner' definition for Department of Public Safety commissioner

Added 'class 3 electric assisted bicycle' definition with 28 mph speed limit and speedometer requirement

Added 'class 2 electric assisted bicycle' definition with throttle-only propulsion capability

Added 'class 1 electric assisted bicycle' definition with pedal-only assistance up to 20 mph

Added 'circular intersection' definition for roundabouts and traffic circles

Added 'crosswalk' definition for designated pedestrian crossing areas

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Mar 3, 2025

Upper · Passed

Senate/ committee report favorable

upper

Feb 28, 2025

Upper · Passed

Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation

upper

Feb 27, 2025

Committee

Senate/ to standing committee

upper

Feb 26, 2025

Introduced

Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)

upper

Feb 25, 2025

Upper · Passed

House/ passed 3rd reading

upper

Feb 19, 2025

Lower · Passed

House/ comm rpt/ substituted/ amended

lower

Feb 18, 2025

Lower · Passed

House Comm - Favorable Recommendation

lower

Feb 18, 2025

Introduced

House Comm - Amendment Recommendation

lower

Feb 7, 2025

Committee

House/ to standing committee

lower

Feb 4, 2025

Introduced

House/ 1st reading (Introduced)

lower

1 primary · 1 co-sponsor