Are Electric Scooters Legal on the Road? Expert Insights

I discovered electric scooters while visiting San Francisco, and was immediately drawn to their convenience and fun. As I rode more, I noticed safety concerns and unclear rules. I created a comprehensive guide to electric scooter laws and safety to address this. Through extensive research, I aimed to provide clarity and promote safe riding practices. My guide became a valuable resource,  helping riders understand their local laws and ride responsibly, making electric scooter riding a safe and enjoyable experience for all.  

As electric scooters continue to gain popularity across the United States, it’s essential to understand the laws and regulations surrounding their use. With the rise of scooter-sharing companies like Lime, Bird, and Spin, many cities are struggling, to regulate these micro-mobility devices.  

Electric Scooter Laws and Safety Rules

Electric scooter laws vary by state and even by city. Some states have specific laws governing electric scooters. While others rely on existing bicycle or motorcycle laws. Like,

• Age restrictions –  in most states, the minimum age to ride an electric scooter is 16 to 18 years.
• License requirements –  Some states require a driver’s or motorcycle license to operate an electric scooter.
• Registration – A few states require registration of electric scooters, while others do not. 
• Helmet Laws – many states mandate wearing a helmet while riding an electric scooter, especially for minors.
• Speed limits –  vary from state to state, ranging from 15 to 25 mph.

 Electric Scooter Law By State 2024

State	Legality	Docs Required	Age Limit	Requirement of Helmet
Alabama	Street Legal	Driver’s License	14
Alaska	Street Legal	Driver’s License
Arizona	Sidewalks Legal	Not Required		<18
Arkansas	Street Legal	Not Required	16
California	Street Legal	Driver’s License		<18
Colorado	Street Legal	Not Required
Connecticut	Street Legal	Driver’s License		<16
Delaware	Street Not Legal	Not Required		<16
District of Columbia	Street Legal	Not Required	16
Florida	Street Legal	Not Required	16
Georgia	Street Legal	Not Required
Hawaii	Street Legal	DMV Registration	15	<16
Idaho	Street Not Legal	Not Required
Illinois	Street Legal	Not Required	16
Indiana	Street Legal	Not Required
Iowa	Sidewalks Legal	Not Required
Kansas	Sidewalks Not Legal	Driver’s License	16
Kentucky	Street Legal	Not Required
Louisiana	Street Legal	Driver’s License and DMV Registration		<17
Maine	Street Legal	Driver’s License
Maryland	Street Legal	Not Required
Massachusetts	Street Legal	Driver’s License
Michigan	Street Legal	Not Required	12	<19
Minnesota	Street Legal	Not Required	12	<18
Mississippi	Street Legal	Not Required
Missouri	Street Legal	Driver’s License	16
Montana	Sidewalks Not Legal	Not Required
Nebraska	Sidewalks Not Legal	Not Required
Nevada	Street Legal	Not Required	16
New Hampshire	Street Legal	Not Required
New Jersey	Street Legal	Not Required		<17
New Mexico	No Law	Not Required
New York	Sidewalks Not Legal	Not Required
North Carolina	Sidewalks Legal	Driver’s License and DMV Registration
North Dakota	Sidewalks Not Legal	Not Required		<18
Ohio	Street Legal	Not Required	16
Oklahoma	Sidewalks Not Legal	Not Required		<18
Oregon	Street Legal	Driver’s License	16
Pennsylvania	Street Not Legal	Not Required
Rhode Island	Sidewalks Legal	Not Required
South Carolina	No Law	Not Required
South Dakota	Street Legal	Not Required		<18
Tennessee	Street Legal	Driver’s License
Texas	Street Legal	Not Required
Utah	Street legal	Not Required	12
Vermont	Sidewalks Not Legal	Not Required
Virginia	Street Legal	Not Required	14
Washington	Street Legal	Not Required	16
West Virginia	Street Legal	Not Required
Wisconsin	Sidewalks Legal	Not Required
Wyoming	No Law	Not Required

Safety tips for electric scooter riders

Riding an electric scooter can be a fun and convenient way to get around, but safety should always be the top priority.

• Wear protective gear –  Always wear a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and gloves.
• Check your scooter – Regularly inspect your scooter for proper tire pressure, functioning brakes, and working lights.
• Ride defensively – anticipate hazards, be aware of surroundings, and follow traffic rules.
• Be visible – Use lights, reflectors, and bright clothing to increase visibility at night.
• Follow traffic rules – Obey traffic signals, signs, and lane markings.

Riding Etiquette

Responsible riding etiquette ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all road users.

• Sidewalk etiquette – Give enough space to pedestrians, prevent collisions, and ride slowly on sidewalks.
• Bike lane usage – Merge, turn safely in bike lanes, and be aware of other cyclists.
• Road positioning – Ride in designated areas, avoid blind spots, and use hand signals.
• Intersection and turns – Use signals, check blind spots, and yield to other road users.
• Nighttime visibility – Increase visibility with lights, reflectors, and bright clothing.

Additional Safety Considerations

• Weather conditions – Adjust speed and riding style for rain, snow, or extreme heat.
• Scooter maintenance – Regularly check tire pressure, brakes, and lights.
• Personal protective gear – Consider additional gear like knee pads and elbow pads.
• Local regulations – Stay informed about local electric scooter laws and regulations.
• Safety apps and resources – Utilize apps and resources for safety information and support.

Emergency Procedure

In case of an accident or incident, follow these useful steps:

• Accident response –  Move to a safe location, call 911 if necessary, and report the incident.
• Medical attention – Seek medical help if injured.
• Reporting incidents – Inform local authorities and scooter companies about accidents or incidents.

Environmental Impact

Electric scooters offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional transportation methods.

• Eco-friendly benefits – Reduce carbon emissions, promote sustainability, and decrease air pollutants.
• Minimize impact –  Follow proper disposal guidelines for scooters and batteries.  

By understanding and following these guidelines, electric scooter riders can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while contributing to a more sustainable transportation ecosystem.

Conclusion

We used our best efforts and after research, this is the information available while writing this article. Still, it does not guarantee the accuracy of the electric scooter laws and regulations in the US or Internationally.

Disclaimer

It is highly advisable to check with your State’s Department of Motor Vehicle or Transportation Bodies to know the exact licensing requirements where you live. These might not apply the same regulations to the entire state, hence verify with your local bodies before riding an E-scooter on the streets.