Salt Lake County, Utah Advances Proposed E-Bike Trail Rules With 20 MPH Limit

Last Updated on August 26, 2026 by Kristina

SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah – August 26, 2026: The Salt Lake County Council approved the first reading of a proposed ordinance on August 25 that would create new rules for e-bike use on trails and pathways in unincorporated Salt Lake County. The proposal is not final law and is not yet in effect.

The measure would add a new Chapter 11.33, titled “E-Bikes,” to the county code. Riders who want broader context on how state and local rules can overlap can also review my State-by-State E-Bike Law Guide, and you can follow the latest electric bike news for other developing rules and safety updates.

Current status: The Salt Lake County Council approved the ordinance on first reading August 25, 2026. It has not been finally adopted and is not yet an effective county rule. KUTV reported that it is expected to return to the council for another hearing.

What Salt Lake County Is Considering

The official August 25 County Council agenda describes the proposal as an ordinance to define e-bikes and establish allowable uses and restrictions on trails and pathways in unincorporated Salt Lake County. That geographic limit matters because this is not a rule for every city in Salt Lake County and it should not be read as a Salt Lake City ordinance.

According to KUTV’s August 25 report on the council meeting, the proposal would generally prohibit e-bikes from exceeding 20 mph on trails, although the report notes that exceptions would apply in some circumstances. A violation could carry a $150 civil fine.

The proposal also addresses which types of e-bikes may use natural-surface trails. Council Member Suzanne Harrison, who presented the ordinance, told KUTV that the intent is to keep throttle-equipped bikes off dirt trails while allowing the appropriate type of e-bike on natural surfaces.

If you are unsure how throttle-equipped bikes differ from other common e-bike types, my guide to Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes explains the usual distinctions. Local trail rules can still be more restrictive than the general class definitions.

Where the Proposed Rules Would Apply

The proposal is aimed at trails and pathways under Salt Lake County’s authority in unincorporated areas. Harrison told KUTV that the ordinance is focused mainly on the southwestern portion of the county, including the Yellow Fork Canyon area near Herriman.

That means riders should not assume the same rule automatically applies on every trail elsewhere in Salt Lake County. Cities, state agencies, federal land managers and other trail operators may have their own rules.

Why County Officials Say the Rules Are Needed

County officials are trying to address increasing e-bike use on shared trails while reducing conflicts with hikers, equestrians and other trail users. Harrison told KUTV that the county wants riders to be able to enjoy the trails while also protecting people and animals from unsafe interactions.

The natural-surface trail provisions appear to be one of the main concerns. Harrison specifically discussed throttle-equipped bikes on dirt trails and the potential for higher-speed encounters with horses, hikers and other users.

Enforcement Would Emphasize Education

Harrison said the county’s goal is primarily education rather than aggressive enforcement. Signs would be used to explain the rules, while the proposed civil citation would give law enforcement another option when riders are traveling unsafely.

KUTV reported that the proposed civil fine would be $150. Because the ordinance has not yet completed the county’s adoption process, riders should treat that amount and the other provisions as proposed rather than current enforceable trail rules.

Who Would Be Affected

If the ordinance is finally adopted, it would matter most to e-bike riders using county-controlled trails and pathways in unincorporated Salt Lake County. Riders using throttle-equipped e-bikes would need to pay particular attention to natural-surface trail restrictions.

Mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians could also be affected because the proposal is designed around shared-trail use and speed differences between users. The practical effect will depend on the final ordinance language, where signs are installed and which trails fall under county jurisdiction.

What Happens Next

The August 25 action was a first reading, not final adoption. KUTV reported that the ordinance passed that first reading and will be heard again at the council’s next meeting, where the public can attend and comment.

I will treat the measure as pending until the county records a final adoption or another official action. If the council changes the speed provision, trail-access language, penalties or effective date, this story should be updated to reflect the final version.

My Take

The most important part of this proposal is not simply the 20 mph number. It is the county’s attempt to distinguish between different e-bike uses on shared and natural-surface trails instead of treating every electric bicycle the same way.

For riders, the difficult part will be knowing exactly which trails are covered and which type of e-bike is allowed on each surface. Clear signs and simple maps will matter just as much as the ordinance text if Salt Lake County wants people to follow the rules without unnecessary confusion.

📰 How This Story Was Verified

This report is based on available official documents, agency statements, meeting records, court filings, or other primary sources, with reliable reporting used for additional context. I clearly distinguish proposals from rules that have been finally approved or taken effect.

Sources

• Utah Public Notice Website – Salt Lake County Council meeting agenda, August 25, 2026
• KUTV – Salt Lake County council weighs e-bike law for trails, pathways, August 25, 2026