Legislation restricting pocket bikes revving along

Amendments were made to define and clarify "direct supervision" of some minors riding pocket bikes, and HB159 was passed favorably out of the House Political Subdivisions Committee on Wednesday.

Rep. Brad Dee, R-Washington Terrace, is sponsoring the bill, which would prohibit pocket bikes from operating on public property, mainly roads, in the state of Utah.

Proposed legislation would set the age limit for such vehicles at 8 years old and require direct parental supervision for those up to 15 years old.

Dee said the bill is designed to allow kids to still ride such toys for fun but provides criteria for rider responsibility and oversight.

"(Pocket bikes) can't be on the streets. They lack VIN numbers, so they can't be registered in the state of Utah," said South Ogden Police Chief Val Shupe.

HB159 would establish regulations for the use of pocket bikes and other miniature motorized devices in the state.