Utah E-Scooter Accident Claims: State Law, Salt Lake City Shared Scooters, and Who Pays
General information, not legal advice. Read the full disclaimer.
Short answer: Under Utah Code § 41-6a-1115, a motor assisted scooter is generally subject to the traffic code provisions for a bicycle. A person may not operate one faster than 15 mph, in a public parking structure, on public property posted as prohibiting bicycles, with more people than it is designed to carry, or after altering it from the manufacturer's design (other than to lower its speed). A person under eight may not operate one with the motor running on public property, and an owner may not authorize a person under 18 to operate one in violation of the section. A violation is an infraction. Salt Lake City adds rules for shared scooters — for example, riding on sidewalks is not allowed downtown, and scooters may not block walkways. Liability for a crash depends on who was negligent — the rider, a driver, a pedestrian, the scooter company, or a government entity responsible for a road defect.
Who this guide is for
Utah riders, pedestrians and drivers involved in e-scooter crashes — especially on shared scooters in Salt Lake City, Provo and college areas.
What counts as a "motor assisted scooter"
Section 41-6a-102 defines it as a self-propelled device with at least two wheels in contact with the ground, a braking system, and an electric motor not exceeding 2,000 watts, among other criteria; it excludes electric assisted bicycles. A "high power electric device" is a self-propelled vehicle capable of more than 20 mph on motor power alone, including e-bikes modified beyond factory limits, and has its own helmet rule for riders under 21 (§ 41-6a-1505). See Utah E-Bike and Scooter Injury Claims.
Key state rules (§ 41-6a-1115, version effective May 14, 2019; a later version is scheduled to take effect May 5, 2027)
- Subject to exceptions, scooters follow the bicycle rules; lights, horns, mirrors, lane entitlement and driver licensing rules for motor vehicles don't apply.
- A scooter may cross a roadway in a crosswalk, but not negligently so as to collide with a pedestrian or bicyclist or at an unreasonable speed.
- No operation in a public parking structure, on public property posted as prohibiting bicycles, with extra passengers, after unsafe alterations, or above 15 mph.
- If the motor is off, a scooter is considered a nonmotorized vehicle (unless posted or prohibited by local ordinance).
- Violations are infractions.
- Riders under 21 must wear protective headgear on a highway under § 41-6a-1505, except for certain rented Class 1 e-bikes and rented motor assisted scooters. Failure to wear it can't be used as evidence of negligence in civil litigation.
Salt Lake City shared scooters
According to Salt Lake City's shared mobility page, riding on the sidewalk is not allowed downtown, e-scooters should be parked between the sidewalk and the curb without blocking pedestrian walkways, and scooters should not be parked next to bike racks, poles or bus stop signs, within 50 feet of a GREENbike station, at a UTA stop, or in vehicle parking spots. The city's Ordinance 56-20 sets requirements for scooter companies and users, and complaints go to the city's Transportation Division. The page doesn't list company insurance requirements, so confirm the current ordinance.
Who may be responsible
| Situation | Possible defendants |
|---|---|
| A driver hits a scooter rider | The driver (right-of-way, door-zone, turning or distraction). See Utah Intersection Accident Fault |
| A scooter hits a pedestrian | The rider (duty to avoid colliding; speed), sometimes the company if there was a defect or maintenance failure |
| Equipment failure (brakes, throttle, battery fire) | Manufacturer or maintainer. See Utah's Product Liability Act Explained |
| Road defect or sidewalk hazard | A city or the state, subject to immunity and a one-year notice. See Utah Road Defect Claims Against the Government |
| Rental waiver | Riders often agree to terms; whether a waiver blocks a claim depends on its wording and the facts |
Insurance
- A driver's liability insurance responds to your injuries if a car hits you; PIP pays your medical bills and part of lost income regardless of fault, subject to coverage rules. A person on a scooter may or may not be a "covered person" under a given policy; see Utah's PIP Coverage Explained.
- Your health insurance and liens are involved in the usual way. See Utah Medical Liens on Injury Settlements.
- The no-fault threshold applies to general damages claims against drivers. See Utah's No-Fault Tort Threshold.
After a scooter crash
- Get medical care, including for head injuries. See Utah Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Claims.
- Photograph the scene, scooter ID number and any hazard.
- Keep the rental receipt, app trip record, and terms.
- Report to the company and law enforcement.
- Don't give a recorded statement before understanding your rights.
Frequently asked questions
How fast can I go on an e-scooter in Utah?
Not more than 15 mph, under § 41-6a-1115(3)(e).
Is a scooter treated like a car or a bicycle?
Generally like a bicycle for traffic-code purposes, with listed exceptions.
Can I ride on the sidewalk in Salt Lake City?
Not downtown, per the city's shared mobility page; other rules may apply elsewhere.
Can I sue Lime or Bird?
Possibly for defects or maintenance failures, but your agreement and the facts matter.