Worried the fun police might pull you over if you join the electric scooter bandwagon? Fear not! We're about to answer the most burning questions for budding e-scooter riders!
Imagine that you've just unboxed your shiny Apollo Scooter and are ready to take it for a spin. But then, a niggling thought creeps in – is it legal for you to ride this bad boy? We're here to guide you through the twists and turns of e-scooter regulations! Read on, and by the end of this post, you'll know whether you can hit the streets carefree or need to take a detour to the DMV first.
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Electric Scooter Laws 2024: What You Need To Know About Regulations By State
First and foremost, you’re not obligated to get any kind of special e-scooter license. It doesn’t exist, at least yet. If anything, some states may need you to have a valid driver’s license, but that varies from state to state.
In the United States, California is the only state that requires a valid driver's license to operate an electric scooter. California has specific laws that define a "motorized scooter" as a two-wheeled device with handlebars, a floorboard designed for standing, and an electric motor.
The maximum speed for electric scooters in California is 15 mph. In other states, electric scooters are generally classified similarly to electric bicycles, which do not require a driver's license to operate. However, it's still important to check your local laws, as some states have their own regulations.
Are Electric Scooters allowed on the roads in the USA?
It is common for scooter riders not to be able to ride on high-speed streets with a speed limit over 35 mph. Only Pennsylvania and Delaware prohibit scooters on streets completely. While it may cause frustration to people who enjoy riding high-speed scooters, most are content with riding at speeds below 20 mph.
Planning a trip and considering bringing your electric scooter along? The regulations can be tricky. Check out our detailed guide, where we navigate through the specific rules of US airlines regarding carrying electric scooters on a plane.
Is there any age restriction for Electric Scooters in the USA?
In general, most states require riders to be at least 16 years old to operate an electric scooter. Some states may have additional requirements, such as wearing a helmet or having a valid driver's license.
State
Age Restriction
License Required
Street Legality
Alabama
16+
Yes
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Alaska
None
No
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Arizona
None
No
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Arkansas
16+
Yes
Roads ≤ 25 mph
California
16+
Yes (DL/Permit)
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Colorado
None
No
Roads ≤ 30 mph
Connecticut
16+
Yes (DL/Permit)
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Delaware
16+
Yes
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Florida
16+
Yes (DL/Permit)
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Georgia
16+
Yes
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Hawaii
15+
Yes (DL/Permit)
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Idaho
None
No
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Illinois
16+
Yes (DL/Permit)
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Indiana
None
No
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Iowa
14+
Yes (DL/Permit)
Roads ≤ 25 mph,
Kansas
None
No
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Kentucky
None
No
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Louisiana
16+
Yes (DL/Permit)
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Maine
None
No
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Maryland
16+
Yes (DL/Permit)
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Massachusetts
16+
Yes
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Michigan
12+
No
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Minnesota
16+
Yes (DL/Permit)
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Mississippi
16+
Yes
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Missouri
None
No
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Montana
None
No
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Nebraska
14+
Yes (DL/Permit)
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Nevada
None
No
Roads ≤ 25 mph
New Hampshire
16+
Yes (DL/Permit)
Roads ≤ 25 mph
New Jersey
16+
Yes
Roads ≤ 25 mph
New Mexico
None
No
Roads ≤ 25 mph
New York
16+
Yes (DL/Permit)
Roads ≤ 25 mph
North Carolina
16+
Yes (DL/Permit)
Roads ≤ 25 mph
North Dakota
None
No
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Ohio
16+
Yes (DL/Permit)
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Oklahoma
None
No
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Oregon
16+
Yes (DL/Permit)
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Pennsylvania
16+
Yes (DL/Permit)
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Rhode Island
16+
Yes (DL/Permit)
Roads ≤ 25 mph
South Carolina
16+
Yes (DL/Permit)
Roads ≤ 25 mph
South Dakota
None
No
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Tennessee
16+
Yes (DL/Permit)
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Texas
16+
Yes (DL/Permit)
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Utah
None
No
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Vermont
None
No
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Virginia
14+
Yes (DL/Permit)
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Washington
None
No
Roads ≤ 25 mph
West Virginia
None
No
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Wisconsin
16+
Yes (DL/Permit)
Roads ≤ 25 mph
Wyoming
None
No
Roads ≤ 25 mph
If you're thinking of renting a shared electric scooter from companies like Bird or Lime, you'll need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license, regardless of where you are in the US. These are company policies, not legal requirements.
Legality of electric scooters by state
According to the federal laws, any two- or three-wheeled vehicles powered by motors or a combination of an engine and pedals are perfectly legal as long as the rider's speed does not exceed 20 mph and the motor's power does not exceed 750 watts. Though electric scooters are not explicitly mentioned, they are generally considered to fall under this law.
Alabama
Scooters are legal, but specific laws are left to local municipalities. Scooter-sharing programs may or may not be allowed, depending on the city.
Alaska
Electric scooters are classified as "motor driven cycles" and are subject to similar regulations as motorcycles, including licensing and power restrictions.
Arizona
Electric scooters are treated like bicycles and are allowed wherever bikes can be ridden. No insurance or registration is required, but helmets are mandatory for riders under 18.
Arkansas
Scooters are street-legal, but certain age and speed restrictions apply. Scooter-sharing regulations are left to local municipalities.
California
Extensive scooter laws require valid driver's licenses but no vehicle registration. Speed and road restrictions apply, and helmets are mandatory for riders under 18.
Colorado
Scooters can be used on streets with speed limits of 30 mph or lower and, in some cases, sidewalks. They are subject to similar laws as bicycles, though some aspects remain undefined.
Connecticut
Electric scooter laws resemble bicycle laws, with helmet requirements for riders under 16, sidewalk restrictions, and a 20 mph speed limit.
Delaware
Scooters are treated like motorized skateboards and are not allowed on streets, highways, or sidewalks. However, enforcement is inconsistent.
Washington D.C.
Scooters are classified as "personal mobility devices" and have age and sidewalk restrictions. Helmets are required for shared scooter riders under 18, and a 10 mph speed limit applies.
Florida
Scooters are legal statewide, with age restrictions and similar rules as bicycles. Scooter-sharing programs are subject to local ordinances.
Georgia
Electric scooter laws have weight, speed, and location restrictions, with further regulations left to local municipalities.
Hawaii
Comprehensive scooter laws cover age, helmet, lighting, weight, and speed restrictions.
Idaho
Scooter laws are still developing, with local governments regulating their usage. Inquire with local law enforcement about specific regulations.
Illinois
Electric scooters are classified as motor-driven cycles, with licensing, registration, and insurance requirements for private owners. Shared scooter regulations vary by municipality.
Indiana
Scooters are known as "electric foot scooters" and have specific criteria to meet. They can be ridden on streets and bike paths, with local governments establishing additional regulations.
Iowa
Scooters can be used on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or slower, sidewalks, and bike paths. Lighting requirements apply, but no licenses or insurance are needed.
Kansas
Scooters are street-legal but not allowed on highways or sidewalks. Licensing and lighting requirements apply, but helmets are not mandatory.
Kentucky
Scooters are treated like bicycles, with age, lighting, and location restrictions but no registration, licensing, or insurance requirements.
Louisiana
Scooter riders need valid driver's licenses and must adhere to age, helmet, and location restrictions.
Maine
Scooters are street-legal with speed, lighting, wheel size, engine power, and licensing restrictions.
Maryland
Scooters are street-legal and subject to similar laws as bicycles, with a 20 mph speed limit.
Massachusetts
Scooter riders must yield to pedestrians, wear helmets, and follow audible signaling rules. Licenses and speed restrictions apply.
Michigan
Scooters fall under the electric skateboard category, with passenger, power, and speed restrictions. Lighting and traffic rules also apply.
Mississippi
Mississippi's scooter laws remain largely unformed, with regulations left to local municipalities. For specific scooter laws in your area, contact local law enforcement.
Missouri
Electric scooters are street-legal in Missouri and treated like motorized bicycles, allowed in bike lanes. Riders need a valid driver's license, and scooters must not exceed 30 mph; otherwise, they'll be considered motorcycles.
Montana
Montana treats electric scooters like motorized bicycles, allowing them on streets and bike paths but not sidewalks. Scooter riders must yield to pedestrians and follow traffic signals, giving audible warnings when passing others.
Nebraska
Nebraska's electric scooter usage is mostly unregulated statewide, but the DMV confirmed that scooters don't need registration. Riders should still follow traffic laws and avoid riding on sidewalks.
Nevada
Electric scooters are allowed on public roads in Nevada, but cannot weigh over 100 lbs or exceed 20 mph. Riders must be at least 16 years old.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire lacks statewide electric scooter regulations, but cities like Nashua and Portsmouth have laws governing shared scooters from companies like Spin or Bird.
New Jersey
New Jersey classifies electric scooters as "low-speed electric scooters," limited to 19 mph and generally subject to bicycle laws. Regulations for riding on trails and sidewalks vary by city. Riders don't need a driver's license, insurance, or vehicle registration.
New Mexico
New Mexico leaves electric scooter regulations to local municipalities, but a bill is being considered in the state legislature for statewide governance. As of early 2023, it has not been enacted.
New York
New York state law permits electric scooter use, requiring riders to be at least 16 and wear helmets. Scooters cannot be ridden on sidewalks or streets with speed limits over 30 mph. Local municipalities can extend or override these laws, like New York City's 20 mph limit on streets with 25 mph speed limits.
North Carolina
North Carolina requires electric scooter registration with the DMV and a valid driver's license. Scooters can't be ridden on roads with speed limits over 25 mph. Other statewide scooter issues remain unaddressed.
North Dakota
North Dakota doesn't specifically regulate electric scooters statewide, but they're subject to existing moped legislation. Scooters shouldn't be ridden on bicycle paths or sidewalks and must have taillights and headlights. Riders under 18 must wear helmets.
Ohio
Ohio classifies electric scooters as "low-speed micromobility devices" limited to 20 mph and 100 lbs. Riders must be 16 or older, but don't need a driver's license or insurance. Scooters can be ridden on public roads, but riders must follow traffic signals and yield to pedestrians. Nighttime riding requires front and rear lights.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma leaves electric scooter regulation to individual cities, with scooter-sharing programs in Oklahoma City, Norman, Stillwater, and Tulsa, each with unique rules. Consult local law enforcement for specific regulations.
Oregon
Oregon treats electric scooters like mopeds, allowing motors up to 100w, lights for night riding, and a 24 mph maximum speed. Individual cities can establish their own rules, like Portland's 15 mph speed limit and minimum rider age of 16.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's state-level electric scooter laws are still developing, with introduced bills seeking to establish statewide rules. Currently, regulation is left to individual cities.
Do you need a license to ride an Electric Scooter in Canada?
In Canada, electric scooter laws differ by province, state, and city. In most provinces, a license is not required to operate an electric scooter, but some places do require a driver's license, and there are minimum age requirements.
It's important to remember that regulations surrounding electric scooters are constantly evolving, so it's essential to check your local laws before purchasing or renting an electric scooter. Additionally, wearing a helmet when riding an electric scooter is important, regardless of legal requirements.
Conclusion
On the surface, electric scooters offer a convenient, sustainable, and environmentally-friendly mode of transportation. However, it's essential to understand the laws surrounding them to avoid any legal issues, in many cases, disproportionately high fines. They are in place for a reason, and safety being the most significant one. So check your local laws, wear a helmet, play by the book, and enjoy the ride!
FAQ
What are the general electric scooter laws in the U.S. in 2023?
Electric scooter laws vary by state, but generally, they must follow certain safety requirements such as having a working headlight and tail light, and not exceeding a maximum speed limit. Additionally, some states require riders to wear helmets, and there may be age restrictions for using an e-scooter. It is important to check the specific regulations for each state.
Do I need a license to ride an electric scooter in the U.S.?
Licensing requirements for electric scooters vary by state. Some states do not require a license, while others may require a standard driver’s license or a special permit. Be sure to check the regulations for the state in which you plan to ride.
Can I ride my electric scooter on roads in the U.S.?
In most states, electric scooters are allowed on roads with a speed limit of 25 mph or less, and they are often permitted to ride in bike lanes. However, the specific rules can vary from state to state, so it is important to familiarize yourself with local regulations before riding.
Are there any age restrictions for riding electric scooters in the U.S.?
Yes, there are age restrictions for electric scooter riders in some states. These can range from a minimum age of 12 to 16 years old, depending on the state. Always check the regulations in the state where you plan to ride to make sure you’re not breaking any laws.
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