Utah Senate raises e‑bike power threshold, keeps voluntary disability card option
January 31, 2022 | 2022 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah
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Salt Lake City — The Utah Senate on Jan. 30 amended and passed first substitute Senate Bill 66, changing the statute that defines electric‑assisted bicycles to reflect a 750‑watt threshold and clarifying a voluntary identification card for riders with disabilities.
Senator Wyler, who presented SB 66, said the bill aims to distinguish electric bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles so local jurisdictions can treat them appropriately and so Utah is not an outlier on technical limits. “All of our surrounding states are at 750 watts,” Wyler said in floor remarks explaining why he supported the change.
Senator Bramble proposed and won an amendment to replace the bill’s 250‑watt threshold with “one full horsepower,” described in debate as 750 watts, and to make conforming edits throughout the text. The amendment passed by voice vote and the body later approved the bill on third reading. The Senate’s roll‑call result recorded 27 ayes, 0 nays and 2 absent.
Wyler emphasized the bill also provides, but does not require, an option for riders with disabilities to obtain a card that can be displayed if they are challenged using a city trail. “This gives someone with a disability an option, not mandatory, but an option to get a card,” Wyler said, adding the card would function similarly to a handicap parking credential for on‑trail verification.
Senator Reeb recounted a personal experience of harassment toward an older rider and asked whether the higher wattage would increase trail damage; Wyler said he did not believe the amendment would increase trail wear and noted industry testimony suggesting higher‑watt e‑bikes may cause no more trail damage than conventional bikes.
Supporters argued that the amendment brings Utah into alignment with neighboring states and prevents unintended harm to local businesses that sell higher‑watt bicycles. Opponents in committee testimony had expressed concerns about industry disagreement over wattage, but none registered a floor vote against the amended bill.
SB 66 now moves forward to the next legislative steps following the Senate’s passage.
Senator Wyler, who presented SB 66, said the bill aims to distinguish electric bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles so local jurisdictions can treat them appropriately and so Utah is not an outlier on technical limits. “All of our surrounding states are at 750 watts,” Wyler said in floor remarks explaining why he supported the change.
Senator Bramble proposed and won an amendment to replace the bill’s 250‑watt threshold with “one full horsepower,” described in debate as 750 watts, and to make conforming edits throughout the text. The amendment passed by voice vote and the body later approved the bill on third reading. The Senate’s roll‑call result recorded 27 ayes, 0 nays and 2 absent.
Wyler emphasized the bill also provides, but does not require, an option for riders with disabilities to obtain a card that can be displayed if they are challenged using a city trail. “This gives someone with a disability an option, not mandatory, but an option to get a card,” Wyler said, adding the card would function similarly to a handicap parking credential for on‑trail verification.
Senator Reeb recounted a personal experience of harassment toward an older rider and asked whether the higher wattage would increase trail damage; Wyler said he did not believe the amendment would increase trail wear and noted industry testimony suggesting higher‑watt e‑bikes may cause no more trail damage than conventional bikes.
Supporters argued that the amendment brings Utah into alignment with neighboring states and prevents unintended harm to local businesses that sell higher‑watt bicycles. Opponents in committee testimony had expressed concerns about industry disagreement over wattage, but none registered a floor vote against the amended bill.
SB 66 now moves forward to the next legislative steps following the Senate’s passage.
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