Across the nation, including Murray City School District, electric bicycles (e-bikes) and motorized scooters have become popular modes of transportation for children. While MCSD is unaware of any serious e-bike or scooter incidents on or near our campuses, they are occurring in other communities. The steady mix of vehicle, bike, and foot traffic during school drop-off and pickup times calls for extra caution from parents and young riders.

E-bikes and scooters offer a fun, popular mode of travel, but their added speed and weight present distinct safety challenges in busy school zones. Unlike traditional bicycles, motorized bikes and scooters routinely reach speeds of 20 miles per hour or more. According to national injury data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), emergency room visits involving electric micromobility devices have increased significantly, with youth under 15 accounting for over a third of all scooter and e-bike injuries. Studies show that younger riders often lack the physical motor control and traffic awareness needed to safely navigate higher speeds during high-density drop-off hours.

To help keep students safe, parents should be aware of state guidelines established under Utah’s House Bill 381:

• Helmet Rules: All riders under age 21 must wear a properly fitted helmet while operating an e-bike, electric scooter, or similar device on public roads.

• Age & Class Limits: Children under age 8 are prohibited from operating motorized e-bikes or scooters on public roadways. Youth under age 16 are legally prohibited from operating Class 3 e-bikes (which reach speeds up to 28 mph) or high-powered electric motorcycles.

• Adult Supervision: Children ages 8 to 14 must be accompanied by a parent or adult when riding an e-bike on public roads.

Setting clear family rules—such as requiring helmets every time, prohibiting multiple riders on one device, and reminding students to slow down and dismount near crosswalks—ensures peak travel hours remain safe for everyone.

Key Safety & Legal Takeaways

• Helmet Mandate: Required for all riders under 21 operating e-bikes or scooters on public roadways.

• Speed Restrictions: Standard Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes assist up to 20 mph; youth under 16 cannot operate Class 3 devices (up to 28 mph).

• Traffic Safety: Remind students to remove earbuds and dismount near busy school crosswalks.

• National Data: Review the full CPSC Micromobility Safety Report for national injury trends and research.

• Utah Regulations: Read full device classifications and rules at the Utah Highway Safety Office.