In most places, you don’t need to get a new license to ride electric scooters. However, this varies from state to state. For instance, people in California need a valid driver’s license to cruise around on these devices.
Key Takeaways
Electric scooter laws differ from state to state and city to city.
Many cities do not permit the riding of e-scooters on sidewalks.
Failure to abide by these rules may lead to a citation, even if you’re 16 years old.
Key Aspects of Electric Scooter Laws in the U.S
Requirement for Riding Electric Scooters
Electric scooters do not require any special e-scooter license in some states. But in places like Pennsylvania and Delaware, you can’t just ride an e-scooter on high-speed streets with a speed limit over a certain number. Safety comes first.
Moreover, most states require riders to be at least 16 years old to operate an electric scooter. Then there’s the matter of wearing a helmet. In many places, it’s a legal requirement for youngsters under a certain age.
Mind you, these are not mere suggestions. They are legal requirements and, for a good reason – safety. In a Baltimore pilot study, over 60% of citations given were to riders aged 16 who didn’t wear helmets on their e-scooter.
State-by-State Overview of Electric Scooter Laws
So, are electric scooters legal?
Looking at the bigger picture, it’s not just about individual rules. There are laws surrounding electric scooters in every single state. So, even if you’re a seasoned rider, you must keep up with the times and know the rules.
Moreover, This Consumer Reports study shows that 27% of riders are unsure of traffic laws concerning e-scooters. These are some e-scooter state laws; the list is not exhaustive, so you must thoroughly check your city laws to ensure they align.
Alabama
In the heart of Dixie, Alabama, electric scooters are fine to ride; they’re 100% legal. However, it’s not only the state that makes the rules. Individual cities have the power to make their laws about e-scooters.
Alaska
Alaska classifies e-scooters as “motor-driven cycles.” This means e-scooters in Alaska are subject to rules similar to motorcycles, including licensing and power restrictions. In Alaska, e-scooters have a power restriction of 750 watts.
North Carolina
North Carolina requires e-scooter enthusiasts to register their rides with the DMV. Now, there are limitations to where you can take your e-scooters. The law doesn’t allow you to ride on roads with speed limits over 25 mph.
North Dakota
North Dakota is where people appreciate the beauty of a fast ride, but with e-scooters, they keep it reined in. Technically, e-scooters aren’t specifically classified in their laws; they fall under moped legislation.
If you’re under 18 and in North Dakota, riders under 18 must wear a helmet. Remember not to take your e-scooter for a ride on bike paths or sidewalks; they aren’t allowed there.
South Dakota
South Dakota recognizes e-scooters as “motorized foot scooters.” It defined an e-scooter as a ride with handlebars and a spot to park yourself, be it a seat or a standing platform.
The wheels can’t measure up to more than twelve inches in diameter. In terms of speed, they’re not supposed to go past a maximum speed of 15 mph. Unlike electric bicycles, electric scooters have their definitions. Another interesting fact is that you can ride e-scooters on sidewalks in this state.
New York
In New York, riders must be 16 at least and keep their heads safe with helmets on rides. Also, you can’t ride your e-scooter on sidewalks or on streets zooming with traffic at more than 30 mph. However, local laws sometimes change this up a bit.
Texas
The Lone Star State has laws for e-scooters as big as the state itself. Riders must have a valid license to ride e-scooters. You can ride them on roads, but there are some no-go zones. Stay clear of roads with speed limits over 35 mph. Ultimately, the scooters allowed a max speed of 20 mph.
Utah
Utah says if you’re 15 or older and have a driving permit, you can ride an e-scooter. You can ride them on roads and paths, but sidewalks are a no-go. All e-scooters must have a working headlight for those nighttime rides.
Michigan
E-scooters have a nod under Section 257 under Michigan law. They’re in the same class as electric skateboards. The motor can’t be more than 2,500 watts. Keep your speed under 25 mph.
In addition, the law frowns on the passing of other rides between lanes of traffic. Ensure your scooter has a white front light that can be seen from 500 feet and a rear reflector visible from 600 feet.
Wyoming
In 2019, they passed a law that said e-scooters get the same privileges as traditional bicycles. That means there is no need for licenses or registrations. They go by the same rule book as electric skateboards. However, when you see ‘scooters’ in NO SF0081, they mostly talk about mopeds.
Indiana
Moving on to Indiana, it’s a different ball game over there. They have their bike laws and call e-scooters “electric foot scooters.” These high-tech foot scooters, as they like to call them, are allowed to ride on public streets and bike paths, but local governments get to call the shots on additional rules.
Hawaii
In 2021, they passed House Bill 72, which makes electric scooters legal on public roadways, bike paths, and sidewalks. However, there are some ground rules. Riders must be over 15, and those under 16 must wear helmets.
Scooters must have lights for night use, weigh under 75 pounds, and not go faster than 15 mph. The state’s Transportation Committee is also planning new infrastructure to make e-scooter riding safer.
Arkansas
Arkansas passed the Electric Motorized Scooter Act in 2019, giving the go-ahead for electric scooters. The scooters must weigh less than 100 pounds and not zoom past 20 mph.
Riders can’t go faster than 15 mph and must be at least 16. The state also puts some rules on sharing programs, requiring that scooter companies have liability insurance and share data with local governments.
Colorado
In Colorado, you can roll freely on any street that caps the speed limit at 30 mph. Even some sidewalks let you wheel around. But remember, the laws are similar to those for bicycles. You’re good as long as you stay within the right limits.
Connecticut
In Connecticut, electric scooters are treated a lot like bicycles. If you’re 16 and under, remember to strap on your helmet. Also, riding on sidewalks won’t fly here. The authorities have set a strict 20 mph speed limit on scooters.
Delaware
In Delaware, e-scooters are lumped in with “motorized skateboards” and are a no-go on highways, streets, or sidewalks. The busier the road, the more frowned upon it is to ride your scooter there. Don’t forget to wear your helmet.
Florida
Electric scooters got the green light statewide in 2019. All you need is to be 16 or older. No driver’s license, no problem. But don’t go firing your engines just yet. Florida’s law insists scooters must not exceed a top speed of 30 mph.
Georgia
Georgia state’s laws allow residents to zip about on bike paths or lanes. Even roads that limit speed to 35 mph or under are fair game if there are no bike lanes. But try not to lug around a scooter weighing more than 100 pounds, and keep your speed under 20 mph.
Illinois
Let’s take our journey to Illinois, where electric scooters and bikes share the same rules. Those under 17 need a license to take an e-scooter for a spin.
Iowa
The Hawkeye State has its deal when it comes to e-scooters. They have the same rules for scooters as e-bikes, which do not require a license or registration.
Kansas
In Kansas, they’ve decided to give electric scooters the green light at the state level on roadways. However, freestyling on bikes or e-scooters on sidewalks or highways isn’t legal. They require front and rear lights at night if you plan to operate electric scooters. Only riders with a valid driver’s license may get on the road with their e-scooters.
Louisiana
The Bayou State hopped on the e-scooter bandwagon in 2019, legalizing them at the state level. According to the local DMV, electric scooters can move around on sidewalks, bicycle paths, and streets that don’t exceed the speed limit of 25 mph. Also, only one rider is allowed on a scooter. Finally, helmets are mandatory.
Maine
The state has some serious rules about electric scooters. In Maine, scooter riders are required by law to have a driver’s license. E-scooters cannot be more than 750 Watts, and their tires must not be more than 10 inches in diameter.
Maryland
In 2019, Maryland’s state legislature made electric scooters legal after passing bill SB770. The bill made stand-up scooters their class of vehicle. In Maryland Vehicle Law, an electric low-speed scooter is like a bicycle. But mind you, these scooters can’t go over 20 mph.
Massachusetts
Electric scooters are legal in Massachusetts. However, things are a little different in this state. They lump electric scooters with motorized scooters, like mopeds. This means you have to wear a helmet.
Second, you must yield to pedestrians. Third, if you’re passing someone, you must let them know. And finally, a driver’s license is required, and you’re allowed a maximum speed of 20 mph.
Minnesota
E-scooters are called “motorized foot scooters” in Minnesota. But that’s what they’re called according to the law. Minnesota considers an electric scooter as something you can both sit and stand on. It ought to have handlebars and be powered.
Missouri
Missouri treats electric scooters like motorized bicycles. They’re legal, so you can have some good scooter adventures. You also need a valid driver’s license to ride them.
Montana
In the picturesque state of Montana, you’ll find that electric scooters share the same rules as motorized bicycles. Sidewalks are a no-go, and you have to give way to pedestrians. You also need to follow traffic signals.
Nevada
Yes, electric scooters are allowed on public roads in this desert state. But it can’t weigh over 100 lbs or go faster than 20 mph. Only folks who are 16 years old or older can ride.
New Jersey
They call them “low-speed electric scooters” in New Jersey They can’t go faster than 19 mph and are bound by the same laws as bicycles. But the rules for motorized scooters on trails and sidewalks can vary.
Oregon
The laws of Oregon treat electric scooters like they’re mopeds. That means lights for riding in the dark, a motor that doesn’t exceed 100 watts and 24 mph. Individual cities like Portland can bend the rules a bit. They have a 15 mph speed limit, and you must be at least 16 years old to ride.
Tennessee
In Tennessee, they gave the green light to electric scooters in the summer of 2019. However, they’ve defined them pretty specifically. An electric scooter in Tennessee has to weigh under 100 pounds, have handlebars, and a motor that won’t take you faster than 20 miles an hour.
Front and back lights or reflectors are also required. And to clarify, you’re not allowed to hit the sidewalks unless your city gives it the OK.
Virginia
Virginia was quick on the uptake with e-scooter legislation, passing a law in July 2020. They have a few criteria that electric scooters need to meet.
First, they have to weigh under 100 pounds. Second, they shouldn’t zoom faster than 20 mph. And third, you need to be at least 14 to ride them. Additionally, keep off the highways.
Washington
Moving on to Washington, where they’ve got their term for electric scooters: “personal mobility devices.” Now, if you’re under 18 and renting a scooter, you should strap on a helmet. And they’ve set a limit of 10 mph.
Age restrictions apply, and you’ll need to stay off the sidewalk. So, keep that in mind if you’re considering scooting around Seattle or Spokane.
Wisconsin
Finally, we’ve got Wisconsin. In the summer of 2019, they decided to lay down the law for electric scooters. First, scooters must not exceed 20 mph, and they can’t weigh more than 100 lbs.
They’re not usually allowed on sidewalks, except in special cases. And if you’re riding a scooter, you must follow the same road rules as bicycles. It’s also worth noting that local governments can create their own scooter regulations.
California, Kentucky, and Arizona
If you are in California, Kentucky or Arizona scooters are treated mostly like bicycles so you don’t need to worry about vehicle registration. There are some restrictions on speed and roads, so keep an eye out for those. California also requires a driver’s license.
States that Don’t Have State-Wide Electric Scooter Laws
Ohio
Oklahoma
New Mexico
Pennsylvania
Vermont
Rhode Island
South Carolina
West Virginia
Mississippi
Idaho
Nebraska
New Hampshire
Concluding Thoughts
Are electric scooters legal? It all depends on the city you are in. The world of micro-mobility, including all those fancy electric scooters, is moving quickly. Every zip code could have its rules for riding an e-scooter.
So, it’s wise to know your local laws if you’re wondering if electric scooters are legal. Some states might need you to have a valid driver’s license to ride. Ultimately, it doesn’t mean you need a special e-scooter license. Each place, like San Francisco, has its book of rules and regulations.
Hi! My name is Johnathan, and I am the creator of ScooterAdvice360.com. Having been riding motor scooters and bikes for over 20 years, I have picked up a few things! I ran my own scooter store in Florida, selling all manner of motor scooters, mobility scooters, hoverboards, e-scooters and accessories, from Forzas to Vipers, Hellcats to Vespas.
Here, at ScooterAdvice360.com, I want to ensure everyone has access to the information that they need to enjoy their bikes and scooters for longer.
