Here is a guide that will explain the federal laws governing electric scooters and if they are lawful.
In the USA, electric scooters are quickly overtaking other forms of transportation in terms of popularity. They’re cheaper than vehicles, more ecologically friendly, and you won’t have to be concerned about sharing space with random people on public transportation.
Yes, a lot of people are adopting electric scooters, including teenagers, hipsters, and business professionals. What’s more, there is a wide range of scooter styles to pick from.
Even though electric scooters are becoming increasingly popular in the USA, it’s important to be aware that they must adhere to tight regulations. Knowing the law is essential if you’re relocating or intend to use your scooter in a different state because each state has a separate set of regulations.
We’ll cover all you need to understand about electric scooter rules and electric scooters legal laws in this article, so you can always ride safely.
Can I use an electric scooter on the road?
Electric scooters are an enjoyable and practical mode of transportation. Can you use these on a vehicle, though? Both yes and no, are the answer.
Electric scooters can be operated on roads with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less because they are classified as “low-speed vehicles” in most states.
Electric scooters are not, however, permitted on the highways in all states.
Street-legal electric scooters must have the proper tires, suspension system, steering, and safety equipment including rearview mirrors, lights, horn, and turn signals (requirements can vary by state.)
We advise that you speak with your state or local authority before using an electric scooter to avoid fines and other penalties since many states allow counties and localities to set their electric scooters legal laws.
Why is it important to have electric scooter laws?
The scooter pilot program was valued at $2 billion after scooter maker Bird brought its ride-sharing scooter to the industry in 2017.
It’s not surprising that Bird was able to acquire traction in the electric transportation business given the many advantages of electric scooters, such as convenience and accessibility, but there were some negatives as well.
Few individuals knew the legal requirements due to the popularity of electric scooters, which led to users crowding sidewalks, increasing traffic, and occasionally causing accidents.
The problem wasn’t with the scooters themselves, but rather with the lack of clarity surrounding how users may utilize their electric scooters.
In order to safeguard the safety of e-scooter owners, other drivers, and pedestrians, new regulations were put into place.
A review of the laws in effect regarding electric scooters
Electric scooters are now subject to legislation aimed at protecting people. Each state has its laws, some of which are tougher than others. In this section, we’ll examine the different limitations and how they relate to riders.
Age minimum and requirements for licenses
Although some jurisdictions are more lenient than others, the legal age to operate an electric scooter is typically 16 years old. Virginia, for instance, has a 14-year-old minimum age requirement, while Utah restricts access to those 15 and older.
The local laws governing electric scooters are less rigorous in Minnesota and Michigan, and these states permit anybody over the age of 12 to use them.
Electric scooters are now free from registration requirements, in part because they’re less risky to use than mopeds and bicycles.
While the majority of states demand DMV registration for motorcycles and mopeds, each state has its regulations for electric scooters. Fewer limitations apply to e-scooters than to motor vehicles since they are simpler to operate, yet it is challenging to manage the shared scooter market.
However, several states demand that users of private electric scooters possess a license.
Helmets specifications
We want to be clear that everyone needs to wear helmets when using e-scooters before discussing the regulations governing helmets. No matter how fast you drive, even a slight accident could result in serious brain injuries.
Wearing a helmet ensures your safety, no matter what you do, and as electric scooters improve and reach greater speed, it’s advisable to provide the finest defense for yourself.
Electric scooters will be required in most jurisdictions that have moped legislation, and all states expect riders to act responsibly and always wear helmets.
Road and sidewalk regulations for electric scooters
The fact that some states have outlawed using electric scooters on sidewalks is not surprising. E-scooters shouldn’t be used in areas with a lot of obstacles because they not only increase the risk of accidents but are also dangerous.
Not all states permit the use of electric scooters.
Some states have electric scooter laws requiring the government to certify and insure electric scooters, while others impose outright bans on them.
Electric scooters are street legal in the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode, Island, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia.
States where electric scooters are not street legal: Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon Washington, and Wisconsin.
Electric scooters are not permitted on public highways in Pennsylvania or Delaware, although they are in other states, as long as the rider follows the speed limit.
Are electric scooters legal in the US?
It’s time to research the limitations and legal requirements now that you are aware of the electric scooter laws by state.
Alabama
In 2019, Alabama legalized electric scooters, however, the state also permits local governments to establish their regulations for electric scooter users.
E-scooters are now illegal on public roadways in Tuscaloosa and Auburn; however, they are permitted in other areas like Birmingham.
Scooters cannot be used by anyone under the age of 14 because all riders must have an M License. Those beyond the age of 16 are not legally compelled to wear a helmet, however anyone under the age of 16 must.
Alaska
In Alaska, electric scooters are subject to the same regulations as electric bikes and mopeds. The fundamental limitations specify that anyone under the age of 16 must have an M1 or M3 permit and that no one should operate an e-scooter with a power output greater than 750 Watts.
Vermont
E-scooters are classified as motor vehicle in Vermont; therefore, only road use is permitted, despite the fact that each city is free to enact its legislation. There are some cities with a 15 mph speed limit, like Burlington.
Arizona
Electric scooters are treated more leniently in Arizona, where it is legal to use them on sidewalks and public roadways at low speeds. Your electric scooter won’t even need to be registered, but it must weigh no more than 75 pounds and have a maximum speed limit of 20 miles per hour.
Arkansas
The Electric Motorized Scooter Act went into force in Arkansas in 2019. According to state law, scooters must weigh at least 100 lbs, and riders are not allowed above a 15 mph speed limit.
In Arkansas, every municipality has the authority to establish scooter-sharing businesses and enact reasonable local regulations.
Colorado
The maximum speed limit for e-scooters in Colorado is 6 mph.
If your scooter’s top speed doesn’t exceed 30 mph, you may also ride on public roads.
You’ll notice that Colorado has a few more lenient laws than other states.
Connecticut
E-scooter use is prohibited in Connecticut on sidewalks, although the maximum speed limit is 20 mph. Additionally, a helmet is required for electric scooter riding for anyone below the age of sixteen.
Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, the laws vary based on which city you live in. Riders can ride the scooter on the road and the sidewalks in Providence, but drivers must have licenses.
Delaware
One of the harshest states, Delaware, banned electric scooters on public highways. Some cities, notwithstanding the state law, have more lax enforcement policies; however, you should always verify with your district authority.
The state limits the use of e-scooters, but there is also a regulation requiring everyone over 16 to wear a helmet.
Washington, D.C.
Scooters are considered personal mobility devices in Washington, D.C. because they are not considered to be cars. Although no license or registration is required, the state does limit electric scooter riders to those who are 16 years old and older.
Additionally, you won’t be able to ride an electric scooter on pavements in the business district, although most sidewalks allow low-speed electric scooters as long as they don’t go faster than 10 miles per hour.
Georgia
Electric scooters are street-legal on public highways in Georgia if there is no available lane since they are only permitted on bike lanes and walkways. The maximum speed limit for riders is 20 mph, and the weight limit is 100 pounds.
Michigan
What are the Michigan electric scooter laws? According to Michigan electric scooter laws, electric scooter owners in Michigan are required to exclusively use streets with a 25 mph speed restriction, according to the same laws that apply to electric skateboards.
On roads with speed limits greater than 30 miles per hour, scooters are not permitted. Additionally, you must possess front and rear lights that are visible for up to 600 feet, and you must never attempt to pass another vehicle in traffic.
Massachusetts
Electric scooter riders are considered other vehicle owners in Massachusetts and are required to keep themselves and other road users safe. Anyone riding an e-scooter is required to obey traffic laws and wear a helmet at all times.
The maximum speed limit is 20 miles per hour, and all motorists are required to have proper licenses.
South Carolina
E-scooter sharing programs are prohibited in Charleston and Columbia, although they are permitted in other South Carolina cities. Privately owned scooters are subject to ambiguous regulations, but each city is free to enact its standards.
Nevada
Only electric scooters weighing 100 pounds or fewer are permitted in Nebraska when using an electric motor from Nevada. Nevada electric scooters are legal in Nevada. The minimum age requirement for scooter riders is 16, and everyone is subject to the 20 miles per hour speed limit.
Oklahoma
There are no laws governing the use of e-scooters in Oklahoma as a whole, but each community may enact its regulations.
E-scooters are permitted on roadways in Oklahoma City with a speed restriction higher than 35 mph, which is extremely lenient in comparison to other states.
Cities in Oklahoma do take the legal age requirement for riders seriously.
To use them, you need to be at least 18 years old.
Texas
Texas restricts the use of e-scooters on highways with speed restrictions greater than 35 mph, although electric vehicles are widely used throughout the state, particularly in colleges.
Scooters are not required to be registered, and riders are not required to have insurance.
Can you ride an electric scooter on a sidewalk?
In only five states—Arizona, Louisiana, Iowa, Rhode Island, and Virginia—are the use of electric scooters legal on sidewalks.
While the majority of states explicitly prohibit scooter use on sidewalks, 19 states’ regulations make no mention of sidewalk usage at all. Regarding sidewalks where pedestrians, bikers, or even scooter riders themselves could be hurt in an accident, many states deem electric scooter speeds to be excessively unsafe.
Can you ride electric scooters on the sidewalk in California?
No. Due to their popularity, electric scooters are subject to more specific restrictions in California. Although owners of electric scooters are not required to register them, they need to have a current driver’s license.
You must ride no faster than 15 mph and keep off the sidewalk if you wish to operate your e-scooters on a public road. Additionally, everyone under the age of 18 needs to wear a helmet.
What kind of scooter does not require a license in Florida?
A 49cc scooter is classified as a moped in Florida, so it is subject to the same fundamental regulations as every other motorized vehicle on the road.
2019 saw the legalization of electric scooters in Florida, but only for riders older than 16. Scooter owners are advised to ride in specified bike pathways and no faster than 30 mph.
While personally owned scooters cannot be restricted, electric scooter sharing may be subject to local regulations.
Do electric scooters need to be registered, insured, or have a license?
The good news about electric scooters is that only North Carolina’s DMV requires them to be registered. In nine states, using a kick scooter also calls for a driver’s license. Other electric scooters and mopeds, nevertheless, need a license and/or registration; therefore this does not apply to them.
Is insurance necessary for my electric scooter?
Local and federal transportation organizations in the US do not currently mandate insurance for electric scooter owners.The only legal requirement for riders is a current driver’s license.
Only Texas and Illinois in the US have electric scooter laws, requiring electric scooter owners to obtain insurance if their scooters have motors with a capacity of more than 750 Watts.
To bring some order to the pandemonium, nine states now demand driver’s licenses in order to operate electric scooters. However, given the unique ability of micro-mobility to provide access to possibilities for people who cannot afford a car, this strategy is doubtful to become the standard.
Why are scooters allowed but not electric bikes?
Electric scooters cannot be driven on public roads, but electric bikes and motor vehicles may. This is because scooters are categorized as motor vehicles, whereas electric bikes are considered bicycles.
A driver’s license or registration is not needed to use a bicycle as a form of transportation. Additionally, they are permitted on bike paths and on bike trails. Contrarily, drivers of motor vehicles must be licensed and have their cars registered. They are prohibited from using bike paths.
Conclusion
Riding electric scooters is enjoyable for both adults and children. But are electric scooters street-legal?
You can see that there are no universal e-scooter regulations in the USA, and your responsibilities are solely determined by your state and, occasionally, your city of residency. Many individuals find that e-scooters are a convenient and ecologically beneficial mode of transportation.
It’s important to remember that if you are riding a scooter in the U.S., you are subject to the same rules and regulations as any motor vehicle.
Basically, it is recommended to verify with your local authority, as there are no clear electric scooter laws.
