It can be a bit iffy when it comes to the classification of e-bikes vs e-motorcycles and the laws about using them in US Forest Service land but Utah has several cut and dry regulations that dictate how they are catagorized and where they can be legally riden.
Effective on May 1st, 2024, Utah Code Section 41-6a-102 states that an “electric assisted bicycle” does not include any vehicle with less than four wheels that “has the ability to attain the speed of 20 miles per hour or greater on motor power alone” or “is equipped with a continuous rated motor power of 750 watts or greater.”
The following confrontation involving a SUR-RON rider and a hiker took place on a mountaintop in Provo, Utah. The hiker is very clearly upset to find an e-motorcycle in US Forest Service land and communicated that the use of this type of vehicle is in fact illegal.
The Electric Light Bee SUR-RON X has a rated power of 3,000-6,000 watts and a top speed of around 46 mph. Given these specifications, it is not considered an “electric assisted bicycle” in the state of Utah and they are prohibited on trails that allow e-bikes.
The disagreement quickly descended into name calling with the SUR-RON rider referring to the hiker as a “Karen.” Frustrated, the hiker threatened to call the police to meet the SUR-RON rider at the trailhead. We cannot confirm if the authorities were involved.
If you are considering venturing into the backcountry on an electric-assisted two wheeled vehicle make sure to reference your local laws but as a general rule, off-road electric motorcycles are only allowed where gas-powered off-highway vehicles and dirt bikes are allowed.