I’m minding my own beeswax, driving in the middle lane of I-15 when I hear a really loud engine behind me…so loud that it scared me! I looked around and almost instantly a motorcyclist passed me on the left going over 100 mph with NO helmet. Given his racing and weaving in and out of traffic, I expected (sadly) that I’d see him splattered all over the freeway a few miles ahead. Luckily, I didn’t have to witness what ER doctors call “donorcycles or mobile organ donors”.

Helmet laws are in effect now that HB381 has passed, which requires all riders under 21 operating any class of electric assisted bikes on highways. This law came about due to the popularity of electric bikes and the increasing accidents of the young and old around the state, and the simple fact that many riders are taking their bikes on sidewalks, in bus lanes and causing accidents themselves. Basically, the legislature cracked down this year on E-Bike riders who often are kids.  For example, riders under 14 can use bikes on public roads unless directly supervised by a parent or guardian, nor can any kid under 8 use it on public roads.

There’s also now a ‘High Power Electric Device’ category to the law which covers vehicles that can go faster than 20 mph and requires licensing and registration just like motorcycles or high-powered electric bikes. And I like the fact that a new safety certificate is now required for younger/unlicensed riders ages 8-15. They must complete an online safety course to ride unsupervised on highways. Mind you, we don’t see too many E-Bikes of I-15, but many of our state roads are considered highways such as 700 East, and State Street (part of U.S. Highway 89).

In Utah, there were 53 fatalities of motorcycle riders in 2024, which marked a 15-year high. Handylawutah.com reports that motorcycle fatalities account for 32% of all roadway fatalities in the state.  Utah doesn’t collect E-bike crash data separately from regular bicycle crashes, but their website says that from 2020-2024 there were 2,988 total bicycle crashes statewide with 45 fatalities, adding that from 2024-2025, Utah say 66.7 percent increase in crashes involving both e-mobility devices (e-bikes and e-scooters). Police reports indicate the crashes came from riders exceeding legal speeds, using E-bikes in inappropriate zones, and riding without helmets.

In addition to on-line safety courses for young riders, there are several motorcycle training courses throughout the state, from Washington County north. There’s also a Harley-Davidson driving school. Plus, the DMV has a motorcycle practice test so you can learn and test for specifics in riding your bikes safely.

E-bikes will continue to surge in popularity because they are eco-friendly and cost less than a car. But hell, people, please drive safely and within the law, and make sure your kids have helmets and are trained properly to enjoy their rides.