Where Are Electric Scooters Legal? Electric Scooter Laws By State

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Paul Somerville

April 19, 2023

Rider Guide’s Editor-in-Chief is a seasoned expert in the electric scooter industry. With a wide-ranging background that includes managing scooter warehouses, selling thousands of motorcycles, and restoring high value (+1M) European sports cars, his expertise is unmatched. Having personally tested more than 100 electric scooters, he offers invaluable insights and recommendations to our readers. We are fortunate to have him as part of our team, as his diverse skill set and extensive experience ensure top-notch reviews.

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Unagi Model One, just released a new 2021 guide to electric scooter laws that breaks down everything you need to know, state by state.  No seriously, everything, including the speed limit, where scooters are allowed on the street, where you must ride on the sidewalk, and where DMV registration is required. Let's start with where electric scooters are allowed.

Don't miss this comprehensive guide to electric scooter laws in the United States created by Unagi Scooters, including quick reference visuals for where you need to wear helmet, which states require a license, and which states lack regulations Unagi Scooters, best known for their subscription scooter service and lightweight, just released a new 2021 guide to electric scooter laws that breaks down everything you need to know, state by state. No seriously, everything, including the speed limit, where scooters are allowed on the street, where you must ride on the sidewalk, and where DMV registration is required. Let's start with where electric scooters are allowed.

Where Is It Legal to Ride an Electric Scooter?

In this quick reference map, Unagi has provided the information you need most using symbol- and color-coded keys. You can see where electric scooters are already legal, which states are currently developing laws, and which states haven't caught on yet.

Credit: Unagi Scooters

According to their study, Alaska, South Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Hawaii, and Nebraska do not have regulations for electric scooters. 

For states where electric scooters are legal, check out this graphic that includes states listed by speed limit and where it is illegal to ride on public roads or sidewalks.

One change noted by a thoughtful reader is that it's illegal to ride on sidewalks in California "except as may be necessary to enter or leave adjacent property" according to Vehicle Code § 21235(g).   

Although many people think it's illegal to ride alongside pedestrians, it is only illegal in 11 states. Sometimes riding on the sidewalk is the safest option given limited road space when traveling with vehicles.

Revision: It is illegal to ride on the sidewalk in California | Credit: Unagi Scooters

What Does Each State Require to Ride? 

safety gear in order to operate an electric scooter, however it's strongly suggested for self-preservation. Helmets are legally required by 10 states, mostly for riders under the age of 18. We think you should wear safety gear at all ages, but it's not a legal requirement.

We always suggest you wear a helmet on an electric scooter, and that you upgrade to a full-face helmet whenever riding over 15 mph. If you'd like more information on which helmet is best for you, check out our comprehensive helmet guide and peruse our helmet database.

No state requires riders by law to wearin order to operate an electric scooter, however it's strongly suggested for self-preservation. Helmets are legally required by 10 states, mostly for riders under the age of 18. We think you should wear safety gear at all ages, but it's not a legal requirement.We always suggest you wear a helmet on an electric scooter, and that you upgrade to a full-face helmet whenever riding over 15 mph. If you'd like more information on which helmet is best for you, check out ourand peruse our

Scooter gear | Credit: Richard S. / ESG

In our study on scooter safety, we found that fewer riders wear helmets on scooters than on bicycles. Accidents involving riders who are not wearing safety gear has lead to the impression that shared scooters are unsafe, but currently states are leaving it up to individuals to safeguard themselves.

In the graphic below, you can see states organized by age, helmet, registration and license requirements.

Credit: Unagi Scooters

Where Can You Find More Information?

Check out Unagi's comprehensive guide to electric scooter laws here.

On electric scooter laws and the changing landscape of micromobility, we echo Unagi's statement below: 

In all cases, it is important that riders seek to take consideration for those around them—pedestrians, other riders, and even cars that might be caught off guard by unpredictable riding styles—as well as become informed as to the regulations and transportation cultures of their locality. UNAGI SCOOTERS

Thanks, Unagi Scooters, for the sweet guide to scooter laws.

The new, completely overhauled guide to electric scooter laws includes the many changes over time as well as an even great number of fundamental improvements to the clarity, summarization, original source reporting, and distinguishing between all scooters and shared scooters—and much more.On electric scooter laws and the changing landscape of micromobility, we echo Unagi's statement below:In all cases, it is important that riders seek to take consideration for those around them—pedestrians, other riders, and even cars that might be caught off guard by unpredictable riding styles—as well as become informed as to the regulations and transportation cultures of their locality. UNAGI SCOOTERSThanks, Unagi Scooters, for the sweet guide to scooter laws.