Senate transportation committee forwards bill to regulate e-scooters

SALT LAKE CITY — A bill allowing e-scooters access to some Salt Lake City streets now heads to the full Senate.  The bill, approved unanimously on Thursday in committee, would allow riders to use roads with posted speeds limits greater than 25 mph, and place maximum speed limits at 35 mph.  Under current law, e-scooters are not allowed on roads where speed limits are 25 mph or greater, nor are they allowed on streets with more than four lanes.

The bill would also establish restrictions on the use of alcohol and possession of open containers while operating e-scooters and would set limits on the number of riders to no more than the scooter is designed for.  SB 139 would keep in place current restrictions against riding e-scooters on city sidewalks.

The bill’s sponsor is Senator Kirk Cullimore, R-Sandy.