Concerns raised about electric motorcycles following damage to public spaces, crashes

DRAPER, Utah (ABC4) — Draper City officials raising concerns after consistent issues with electric motorcycles damaging parks, trails, and park strips.

Draper City Police said they have been addressing serious safety concerns with operators who are speeding and driving recklessly. According to police, electric motorcycles are classified by state law as off-road vehicles.

Per Utah State Code and Draper City Ordinance, they are not legal to operate on any public road, sidewalk, trail, or in parks. Officials say they can only be operated off-road, with the property owner’s permission.

This follows two incidents involving accidents while riding electric bikes and scooters. Both riders were hit by cars, and one passed away.

On Aug 14, a 21-year-old riding an e-bike passed away after being struck by a utility vehicle traveling at high speeds Thursday. On Aug 15, a teenager was riding an electric scooter and failed to yield to a stop sign and was hit by a car.

Draper City police stated that not only are e-bikes dangerous, but they are also illegal to operate on public roads.