Utah requires helmets for kids riding e-bikes
- Don Jennings
- 6 minutes ago
- 2 min read
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Utah lawmakers have approved a new safety requirement for young riders on electric bicycles, passing legislation that will require children to wear helmets while operating or riding on e-bikes beginning in 2026.
The bill, adopted during the 2026 legislative session, requires anyone under age 18 to wear a properly fitted helmet while riding an electric bicycle. The rule applies to riders operating the bike as well as passengers.
Electric bicycles have become increasingly common in communities across southern Utah, including Kanab, where many teenagers use them to get around town.
Local officials say the growing popularity of e-bikes has also brought safety concerns. In the past couple of years, several crashes involving young riders have been reported in the Kanab area, including incidents that resulted in injuries.
Kanab Police Chief Tom Cram said the increasing number of e-bikes in town makes the new rule timely.
“With the ever-increasing number of e-bikes in town, I think it’s going to be a good thing to help keep kids safe,” Cram said. “E-bikes are a great mode of transportation, but accidents are inevitable. A helmet might just save your life.”
Supporters of the measure said the higher speeds of electric bicycles raise the stakes in a crash. Many e-bikes can travel between 20 and 28 miles per hour depending on their classification.
Medical professionals and safety advocates told legislators that helmets significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries in bicycle accidents.
The helmet requirement applies specifically to electric bicycles. The legislation also clarifies how other electric mobility devices, including scooters and higher-powered electric motorcycles, are regulated under state law.
Electric scooters are treated separately under Utah code, and the new helmet rule does not automatically apply to them.
The requirement will apply statewide to anyone under 18 riding an e-bike.
