SB 212: Motor Assisted Transportation Devices Amendments - Utah

Substitute #2 → Substitute #3 · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends Utah's motorcycle and electric vehicle laws to clarify definitions for electric motorcycles and scooters, modify helmet requirements for youth riders, and update rules for bicycles and mopeds. The changes aim to address emerging transportation technologies while maintaining safety standards for road users.

Scope change

The bill expands regulatory coverage to include electric motorcycles and programmable electric assisted bicycles, which were previously not clearly defined under existing statutes.

DEFINITION

Added explicit definition for 'electric motorcycles' and clarified that motorcycles include vehicles propelled by electric motors, not just internal combustion engines.

Added new definitions for 'motor assisted scooter' and 'programmable electric assisted bicycle' to clarify regulatory treatment of these devices.

REQUIREMENT

Modified helmet requirements to require protective headgear for youth under 21 operating motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, class 3 electric assisted bicycles, and non-enclosed autocycles.

Updated rules for bicycles and mopeds to include electric assisted bicycles, mini-motorcycles, and motor assisted scooters in right-of-way and speed restriction provisions.

ENFORCEMENT

Maintained the $8 fine waiver for helmet violations for drivers 21 and older, but clarified that this waiver does not apply to driving under the influence violations.

Substitute #1 → Substitute #2 · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends Utah's traffic code to clarify definitions for electric motorcycles and scooters, modify helmet requirements for youth riders, and update rules for bicycles and motor-assisted devices. The changes aim to address emerging transportation technologies while maintaining safety standards for pedestrians and other road users.

Scope change

The bill expands regulatory coverage to include electric motorcycles and clarifies how various motor-assisted devices (scooters, mopeds, mini-motorcycles) are classified and regulated under existing traffic laws.

DEFINITION

Updated the definition of 'motorcycle' to explicitly include electric motorcycles, ensuring they are subject to the same regulations as traditional motorcycles.

Added detailed definitions for 'motor assisted scooter' and 'electric personal assistive mobility device' to clarify how these devices are regulated.

REQUIREMENT

Modified helmet requirements for youth riders under 21, specifying which vehicle types require protective headgear and the standards those helmets must meet.

Updated rules for carrying passengers on bicycles, electric assisted bicycles, mini-motorcycles, motor assisted scooters, and mopeds, including provisions for children carried in backpacks.

Revised right-of-way rules and speed restrictions for bicycles and motor-assisted devices on sidewalks, paths, trails, and crosswalks.

ENFORCEMENT

Adjusted fine waiver provisions for helmet violations, maintaining the $8 waiver for drivers 21 and older while restricting it for DUI violations.

Introduced → Substitute #1 · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill clarifies definitions for electric motorcycles and scooters, modifies helmet requirements for youth under 21, and updates rules for operating bicycles and similar devices on sidewalks and trails. The changes aim to address emerging transportation technologies while maintaining safety standards for pedestrians and riders.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope to explicitly include electric motorcycles and clarifies which devices are considered bicycles versus scooters, affecting where and how they can be operated.

DEFINITION

Updated definition of 'motorcycle' to include electric motorcycles, and refined definitions for electric assisted bicycles, motor assisted scooters, and mopeds to clarify distinctions between them.

Added new definitions for 'motor assisted scooter' and 'electric personal assistive mobility device' to clarify what devices fall under these categories and how they differ from electric assisted bicycles.

REQUIREMENT

Modified helmet requirements to mandate protective headgear for youth under 21 operating motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, class 3 electric assisted bicycles, and non-enclosed autocycles.

Added provisions allowing courts to waive $8 of fines for moving traffic violations if the operator was 21 or older and wearing compliant protective headgear.

ELIGIBILITY

Changed speed limits for bicycles and similar devices on sidewalks, paths, and trails to the lesser of the posted speed limit or 20 mph, and clarified that individuals 18 or older cannot operate these devices on sidewalks where prohibited.

Motor Assisted Transportation Devices Amendments

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