Complete US Electric Scooters Laws Guide [2024]

In numerous states, riding an electric scooter doesn't necessitate a driver's license. Nevertheless, some states may impose unique conditions. It's crucial to check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or appropriate transportation bodies to ascertain the exact licensing requirements where you live.

Three states, North Carolina, Hawaii, and Louisiana, stand out as they mandate DMV registration for personal electric scooters. Remember, these regulations might not apply to the entire state, so it's always wise to verify with your local officials before taking an e-scooter onto public streets.

Furthermore, laws are subject to change, which is an ongoing process. What we list below is what we understand the law says at the time of writing, which is January 2024.

The only way to be 100% sure is to keep an eye on any news or updates specifically for your region. Bear in mind that the list below shows each state's current legislature.

Every state might have cities where the local councils prohibit or limit the use of e-scooters in certain areas or ban them completely. There might also be differences between rental and privately owned scooters.

While there's no overarching federal legislation specifically targeting electric scooters, a national statute does exist that encompasses two or three-wheeled vehicles propelled by electric motors (or a combination of motor and pedals). This statute caps the speed at 20 mph for such vehicles and permits their use on public roads, provided the motor's power doesn't exceed 750 Watts. A bit unexpected as most share scooters are regulated to do 10-15 mph.

There are some exceptions. In DC, the max speed is 10 mph while in New Jersey it's 19 mph. In Michigan, 25 mph, and in Oregon, 15 mph.

This federal regulation broadly includes electric bicycles and scooters, but the intricacies of their regulation often fall to state and local jurisdictions. These entities possess the authority to enforce their own set of rules, which can range from stringent limitations to outright prohibitions.

Notably, Delaware, Idaho, and Pennsylvania have banned electric scooters from using streets entirely.

Note! In some cases, we have found conflicting info, e.g., if a helmet is mandatory or not in that particular state. While that issue is easily resolved by the simple and wise solution of always wearing a helmet, other questions such as whether a driver's license is mandatory or not are less easy to find a similar solution for.

In those instances, we have outlined the conflicting info after that state's headlined name.We must, therefore, again reiterate the need for anyone planning on using an e-scooter to find out what the law is in your particular town, city, and/or state as these laws are not yet federally regulated.

Alabama recognizes scooters as a legitimate mode of transportation on public roads, yet the advancement of detailed regulations is delegated to local city authorities.

In cities such as Birmingham, multiple scooter sharing enterprises have been given the green light to function within city boundaries. Conversely, scooter sharing initiatives are currently not allowed in some other cities, including Auburn and Tuscaloosa.

As scooter regulations in Alabama are gradually evolving, it's advisable to seek clarification from local law enforcement regarding any specific scooter-related laws in your region.

Arizona defines electric scooters as devices that:

• Has a max weight of 75 lbs
• Has two or three wheels
• Has a handlebar, and floorboard used for standing on while riding
• Powered by an electric motor
• Maximum top speed of 20 mph

In 2019, a bill was passed that legalized the use of e-scooters in public areas at the state level. Sidewalks and public roads were ok for electric scooters. Riders under 18 years of age must wear a helmet. Some info online states that sidewalks are not allowed.

Arkansas is similar to Arizona. Their definition of an e-scooter is a device that:

• Weighs less than 100 lbs
• Has two or three wheels
• Has a handlebar, and floorboard used for standing on while riding
• Powered by an electric motor
• Maximum top speed of 20 mph

Operators must be a minimum of 16 years old, and although the permitted top speed of the vehicle is 20 mph, you are not allowed to ride faster than 15 mph.

In Arkansas, electric scooters are prohibited from being used on sidewalks and must be ridden on the road, adhering to all traffic regulations.

Some info states that insurance liability as well as a motorcycle license is needed whereas other info states the opposite.

The rules governing share scooter companies like Uber and Lyft have been left to local municipalities in Arkansas. Also, these companies must provide local governments with access to rider data.

California, the home of surfers and skaters, should be great for e-scooters no? Not so much. You can ride on bike lanes and public roads if you don't exceed 15 mph. You can't ride on roads that exceed 25 mph speed limit.

Any riders under 18 years of age must wear a helmet. A valid driver's license or learner's permit is also required. 

But why is California so strict? It started more relaxed and was the birthplace of the share scooter industry. But in 2018, three companies, Bird, Lime, and Spin, launched without the authority's permission. E-scooters quickly gained a bad reputation, and new e-scooter laws were put in place.

The e-scooter seems to be popular in Colorado. At least from a regulatory perspective. E-scooters are allowed on streets with a speed limit of 30 mph or less. The same laws and regulations apply to bicycles.

You can ride on sidewalks but at a maximum of 6 mph and you must yield to pedestrians. Bike paths are also allowed. All other traffic laws and signals must be obeyed.

Riders must be at least 16 years old to ride and under 18's must wear a helmet. The top speed allowed is 20 mph. Some info says a license or permit is required and some say it's not.

Some e-scooter laws were enforced in 2019 in Connecticut. They are very similar to existing bike laws and make it relatively easy to use your e-scooter.

You need to be a minimum of 15 years of age to operate one and it's mandatory to wear a helmet. It is not allowed to ride on the sidewalk, and the maximum speed limit is 20 mph.

Some info says a driver's license as well as liability insurance is required and some say it's not.

Delaware, adapting to the growing trend of alternative transportation, has revised its rules to permit electric scooters on specific public bicycle paths and on roads where the speed limit does not exceed 25 mph.

These scooters must have lights for nighttime riding. Despite these updates, the use of electric scooters on sidewalks continues to be banned. Persons under the age of 16 must wear a helmet.

Some info states that they cannot be registered and some say they are classified as motor vehicles and therefore subject to the same rules and regulations as motorcycles.

In Washington DC, a law was passed in 2020 defining the e-scooter as a "PMD," Personal Mobility Device. This means a type of motorized vehicle designed for one-person transport only. No need for a license, or any other type of registration but there are other restrictions.

The minimum age to operate an e-scooter is 16 years. You are allowed to ride on sidewalks and bike lanes except for the central business district and you must yield to pedestrians. Riders above 18 years old do not need to wear a helmet on share scooters.

ou can ride in all designated bike lanes, but you are not allowed to wear headphones. Scooter riders must obey all road rules and traffic signals. The important and slightly disappointing one, the max speed allowed is 10 mph. This was developed with share scooters in mind. It heavily restricts private owners though.

The first thing to remember regarding Florida and e-scooters regulations is that e-scooter riders, on a state level, have the same rights and responsibilities as bicyclists have, including the right to use bike lanes. However, the rest of the regulations are left up to local cities and their officials to decide.

But generally, Florida is a good place to own and ride an e-scooter. The minimum age to ride one is 16. Some info states under 16s must wear a helmet and some say it's not mandatory. Wear a helmet. Easy.

Some info states a license or instruction permit is required and some does not. Riding in bike lanes is allowed and you must follow all the road rules. Sidewalks are not allowed.

The max speed is 30 mph.

Georgia has stated that they don't want to over-regulate the industry in an attempt to encourage more development of this kind of technology. More specific laws regarding e-scooters are left up to local cities.

Under Georgia's regulations, electric scooters are limited to a maximum weight of 100 lbs and a top speed of 20 mph.

You can ride on bike paths, bike lanes, and on roads with a 35 mph speed limit or less. Sidewalks and crosswalks are not allowed.

There is no minimum age requirement but, any rider under 16 must wear a helmet. Texting while riding is not allowed, and e-scooters must follow the traffic rules. Some info says license and registration are required and some say it's not.

Hawaii is catching up. Which makes sense in such an environment. But laws have been lacking up til now and e-scooters were regulated as mopeds and therefore illegal to ride on sidewalks f.e.

New laws in place as of July 2021, states that any rider must be a minimum of 15 years of age to ride on public property. Anyone under 16 must wear a helmet with a chin strap.

Headlights for nighttime riding are mandatory. An e-scooter shall be registered similarly to a low-speed e bike. Max weight is 75 lbs and max speed is 15 mph. Bike paths and roadways are generally allowed. Each respective county will have rules as to how and where you can ride.

You can find the bill here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2021/bills/HB147_.HTM

Another state that has conflicting info on whether e-scooters are even legal or not.

Idaho’s legal policies concerning electric scooters can be very confusing.

The problem is there is no specific distinction between them and motorcycles. Other motor-driven vehicles such as scooters are bunched together and referred to as "motorized toys".

You have to match the following criteria, describing motorcycles, otherwise, you will be considered to have a motorized toy.

• The vehicle shall have a 50cc engine
• Have two wheels for travel
• Be self-propelled without human assistance

Falling short of this, you are considered to have a motorized toy and unfortunately not allowed to operate it on public roads. The State of Idaho does not consider motorized toys to be manufactured for public road use. Therefore, there is no need for registration and license.

If you are unsure of what type of vehicle Idaho considers you to have, the best thing is to contact your local DMV office to find out.

Yet, in other sources, you can find the following info.

In Idaho, e-scooters are street legal and are not considered motor vehicles. No license, registration, or title is needed to ride.

Boise is the one city that has regulations in place though.

E-Scooters can be used within the City of Boise limits in the following locations:

• Streets
• Sidewalks and crosswalks
• In bike lanes
• On the 25 miles of Greenbelt paths managed by the City of Boise

How to park and specific no-ride zones are also listed.

No-ride zones:

• Parts of Boise State University
• Boise Skate Parks
• Idaho State Capitol (No Park Zone)
• Boise Foothills
• Kathryn Albertson Park

In Illinois, electric scooters are categorized as motor-driven cycles, defined as vehicles possessing two, three, or four wheels and equipped with engines not exceeding 150cc.

Owners of private scooters are required to obtain either a Class L or Class M license.

Additionally, these scooters need to be registered with the state, and operators must have minimum liability insurance coverage. To enhance visibility during the night, scooters in Illinois are mandated to have both headlights and tail lights.

New laws as of July 2019 specifically for e-scooters say a vehicle is considered an "electric foot scooter" if it meets the following criteria:

• Has handlebars and a floorboard to stand on while riding
• Weighs less than 100 lbs
• Has three or fewer wheels
• Has a maximum top speed of 20 mph or less on flat ground

If it does, it has the same rights and responsibilities as bicycles.

Bike paths and streets are allowed.

However, the following info can also be found.

Indiana categorizes scooters, mopeds, and motorcycles in the same group known as motor-driven cycles. There are different classes of these cycles and different rules and regulations apply.

Class A and B both have registration and license required. Helmet required for anyone under 18 years.

Many local governments in Indiana have established additional laws regulating electric scooter usage. Make sure to check with your local authorities.

In Iowa, electric scooters are allowed on streets where the speed limit is 35 mph or less, as well as on sidewalks and bike paths.

They can be parked in any location designated for bicycles, provided they do not obstruct pedestrian movement.

Operators of these scooters are not required to have a license or insurance. Additionally, scooters must be fitted with a white light at the front and either a red light or a red reflector at the rear for visibility and safety.

Kansas has legalized electric scooters at the state level. No helmets are required, and it is not allowed to ride on sidewalks or highways.

Front and rear lights are mandatory for nighttime riding.

You also need a valid driver's license to operate an e-scooter.

Electric scooters are treated the same as bicycles under Kentucky law and allow them to be used on public streets following the same rules as bicycles.

No requirements for registration or purchase of insurance. No driver's license is needed.

Users must be at least 16 years of age.

The e-scooter must, however, be equipped with a headlamp and rear red light for dark or nighttime riding and low visibility such as fog and/or rain.

In Louisiana, electric scooters are defined as devices that:

• Weighs less than one hundred pounds 100 lbs
• Has a handlebar and a floorboard
• Is powered by an electric motor or human power
• Has a maximum speed of 20 mph

Louisiana legalized electric scooters at the state level in 2019. Under the legislation, it is allowed to ride on sidewalks, bicycle paths, and streets with a speed limit of 25 mph or less.

You need a valid driver's license.

Anyone under 17 must wear a helmet, and only one person at a time can ride the scooter.

Electric scooters are street legal in Maine but specific laws regarding e-scooters have been reapplied from similar motor vehicles such as mopeds.

A motor scooter is defined by the following:

• A vehicle with two or three wheels less than 10 inches in diameter
• A gas-powered motor with less than 25CC:s or an electric motor with max 750W

You need some sort of driver's license, permit, or other endorsement and do not need to register it. No helmets required.

For night riding the scooter must be equipped with a white front headlight, a rear red light as well as reflexes/reflectors. The fastest you are allowed to ride is 20 mph.

A bill was passed in 2019 which defines stand-up e-scooters as their own class of vehicle. The bill established that low-speed electric scooters are considered bicycles as per Maryland vehicle law and can only have a max speed of 20 mph.

Bike paths are to be used when possible and they are also allowed on roads and sidewalks.

All other rules of the road apply. Stop signs, riding on the right side of the road, signal to turn, etc.

Helmet required for all riders under 16 years of age.

Massachusetts groups e-scooters with motorized scooters i.e. mopeds. This would require an electric scooter rider to wear a helmet as well as have a driver's license and never exceed 20 mph. And follow all other rules of the moped laws.

They are street legal. You must yield to right of way pedestrians and provide audible signals when passing.

Michigan classifies and treats electric scooters under the same category as electric skateboards. These are not classified as motor vehicles but must in all other ways follow the rules applicable to a driver of a vehicle.

They can't have a motor with more than 2500W (which should be plenty enough) and the max speed allowed is 25 mph.

E-scooters are only allowed on streets with speed limits of 25 mph or less.

White front light visible from a minimum of 500 ft and rear reflectors visible from a minimum of 600 ft are mandatory. Weaving between lanes to pass traffic is not allowed.

Minnesota categorizes electric scooters as "motorized foot scooters" that a rider can stand or sit on, have handlebars, wheels no larger than 12 inches in diameter, are powered by an electrical motor or combustion engine, and have a max speed of 15 mph.

Helmets are required for anyone under 18 years of age and you must be at least 12 years old to operate one.

Electric scooters have the same rights and responsibilities as bicyclists.

You can ride them on highways and streets without a driver's license, registration, and insurance.

Bike paths and trails are allowed.

Sidewalks are not allowed.

For dark and otherwise reduced visibility riding, it is mandatory with a headlight and taillight meeting the Department of Public Safety Standards.

Local governments may have specific regulations in certain areas. Make sure to check your area for any specific laws.

In Mississippi, state level regulations for scooters are not extensively established, leaving the responsibility of creating scooter laws to local municipalities.

For clarity on scooter regulations specific to your area in Mississippi, it is advisable to reach out to your local law enforcement authorities with any questions you may have.

Classified the same as motorized bicycles and can be operated in streets and bike lanes. A valid driver's license is required. If it goes above 30 mph it will be regulated as a motorcycle.

Like Missouri, Montana regulates electric scooters as "motorized bicycles". Riding on sidewalks is not allowed but bike paths and streets are ok.

Pedestrians always have the right of way. An e-scooter rider must give a verbal warning before passing pedestrians and obey all other traffic rules.

Not much can be found by way of legislation regarding e-scooters' legality in Nebraska. Nebraska DMV states that they don't need to be registered.

Riding on sidewalks is prohibited and all other standard laws must be followed.

No current helmet or age restriction at the state level.

Electric scooters are legal in Nevada.

They can't weigh more than 100 lbs, must not exceed a max speed of 20 mph, and the rider must be a minimum of 16 years old.

They are allowed in bike lanes, paths, and other types of roadways where they are not allowed to go faster than 15 mph.

New Hampshire categorizes electric scooters as e-bikes; therefore, all the rules that apply to bicycles also apply to e-scooters.

A braking mechanism is mandatory by law.

You must be minimum 16 years of age to operate an e-scooter.

Yet, the following info can also be found.

No statewide law exists for electric scooters in New Hampshire. Some local cities such as Nashua and Portsmouth, have passed regulations specifically concerning shared fleet scooters.

As expected, New Jersey has had legislation since May of 2019 regarding electric scooters. They are specifically categorized as "low-speed" electric scooters that you can stand on, have handlebars, and must not exceed a top speed of 19 mph. They must adhere to the same rules of the road as bicycles.

Whether they are allowed on sidewalks and trails, is left to the various cities and municipalities. There is no need for a valid driver's license, insurance, or vehicle registration.

In New Mexico, you have to inquire locally as at the moment there are no state level formal legislative policies about electric scooters. A bill was introduced in January 2019 with a regulatory framework but no further action has been taken at the time of writing this which is January 2024. No rush "eh".

New York will always be New York. This is certainly a place where the electric scooter would show its advantages. Approximately 50% of car trips in the U.S. are under three miles, and nowhere is this more true than in New York where many trips are very short, yet can drive any person insane from the maddening congestion.

So it was welcomed when the state of New York legalized e-scooters in August 2020 helping micromobility and the city at the same time.

Before this, it was the "wild wild east" let's say, as unregulated personally owned e-scooters were roaming free and share scooters were banned.

But now rules are in place.

At the state level, riders must be minimum of 16 years old and wear a helmet.

Riding on sidewalks is not allowed. Streets with a posted speed limit of more than 30 mph are also a no- no.

However, cities and municipalities have the right to override these laws or extend them. In November 2020, New York City passed a regulation applying to the five boroughs that opened up its permit process for five privately owned share scooter companies starting in March of 2021.

The max speed limit is 20 mph and scooters are not permitted on streets with speed limits faster than 25 mph.

Electric scooters are considered motor vehicles in NC and must be registered with the DMV. Riders must have a valid NC driver's license or ID card. They fall under the definition of a moped which includes heavier vehicles that can travel up to 30 mph.

E-scooters are only allowed on streets with a speed limit of 25 mph or less.

Any rider must be a minimum of 16 years of age and wear an FMVSS 218 (motorcycle standard) helmet.

Similar to North Carolina, e-scooters are grouped with mopeds and there are no specific statewide laws that regulate the use of e-scooters.

The max speed allowed is 30 mph. Any rider under the age of 18 must wear a motorcycle helmet. Bike paths and sidewalks are not allowed.

The e-scooter must have brakes, a headlight, and a taillight.

Ohio passed state laws in January 2021 which regulate and legalize electric scooters as "low-speed micro-mobility devices".

They must not exceed 100 lbs in weight and 20 mph in top speed.

No license, insurance, or registration is needed. Permitted on public roads but must yield to pedestrians and have front and rear lights at night. No helmet is required.

The minimum rider age is 16.

All other rules of law apply and parking is only allowed in areas where it doesn't impede traffic.

Oklahoma's approach to electric scooter regulation is managed by each city independently. Cities like Oklahoma City, Norman, Stillwater, and Tulsa have welcomed scooter-sharing programs, each with its unique set of rules for riders.

If you're uncertain about electric scooter regulations in a specific area of Oklahoma, it's advisable to reach out to local law enforcement for detailed information on the rules that apply.

Oregon follows the path of some other fellow states and regulates the e-scooter under clarified guidelines within the category of moped laws. Scooters are allowed of up to 1000W.

Riding on sidewalks and crosswalks is prohibited. Operators must be 16 years old and helmets are required for all riders regardless of age.

Roadways are allowed but highways are not. Using turn or hand signals is mandatory.

Portland, as the largest city in Oregon, does not allow scooters on sidewalks and requires that riders can not exceed 15 mph.

Pennsylvania is currently in the process of developing state level laws for electric scooters. While bills have been proposed to create uniform statewide regulations for electric scooter use, these have not yet been finalized.

Consequently, the regulation of electric scooters largely remains under the purview of individual cities within the state.

Some info states that e-scooters are classified as bicycles and subject to the same rules.

There is no electric scooter state legislation in RI but instead, local cities have their respective rules. The only way to know what the law says is to check with your respective municipality.

The City of Providence f.e. requires a valid driver's license or municipal ID.

Riders are encouraged to wear a helmet and ride slowly.

Similar to Rhode Island. No statewide laws regulate e-scooters but allow cities to self-regulate. This has resulted in Charleston and Columbia banning electric scooters in 2018/2019 respectively which is still in effect.

Check with local authorities for further information.

South Dakota has officially permitted electric scooters on its public roads, categorizing them as "motorized foot scooters." These are defined as vehicles equipped with handlebars and a platform for either sitting or standing.

Additionally, electric scooters must have wheels with a maximum diameter of 12 inches. While these scooters are allowed on sidewalks, their maximum speed capacity is restricted to 15 mph.

As of 2019, Tennessee passed legislation regulating electric scooters in the same category as e-bikes and defines e-scooters as a vehicle that can't weigh more than 100 lbs, with a max speed of 20 mph, have a handlebar, and an electric motor. They must have front and rear lights or reflectors as well as brakes.

Street legal but not allowed on sidewalks unless permitted by local laws.

No specific electric scooter laws exist in Texas, but there are guidelines of sorts. The DMV rules for "motor-assisted scooters" meaning mopeds are where one needs to look.

Under these regulations, it is not allowed to ride on roads with a greater speed limit than 35 mph, and the power is limited to 750W.

At the time of writing, it seems relatively unlikely that Texas will induce state-wide regulations, but rather leave it to local municipalities and cities to decide for themselves.

Contact your local municipality for clarity.

Utah has regulations in place which effectively treat e-scooters as bicycles.

Thus there is no need for licensing or registration. It is legal to ride scooters everywhere that bikes are allowed if the road speed limit is 25 mph.

The e-scooter however must not exceed 15 mph. Scooters must be equipped with front and rear lights or reflectors.

Riders under the age of 15 must be under direct supervision by a parent or other guardian.

No state wide regulations but local rules and guidelines exist in Vermont.

Burlington f.e. has a speed limit of 15 mph which is set mainly with share scooters in mind.

E-bikes and e-scooters are treated as vehicles and must ride on roadways and are not allowed on sidewalks.

For all other purposes, current law states that motor-assisted bicycles are governed as regular bicycles, and operators shall follow the same rules and regulations. The assumption is that the same applies to e-scooters for now.

Virginia has legislation in place as of July 2020. It states an e-scooter's max net weight at 100 lbs, and its top speed at 20 mph, and the minimum age of operation is 14 years.

Riding on highways is prohibited.

The law also permits counties and cities to regulate or ban micro-mobility vehicles via local ordinances.

In May 2019, Washington passed e-scooter legislation legalizing scooters and specifying them as "motorized foot scooters".

A max speed of 15 mph is allowed on bike lanes and streets.

Lights are mandatory when riding at night.

Those under 16 years of age can only ride if the local jurisdiction expressly allows it, as is riding on the sidewalk.

Anyone under 16 must wear a helmet.

A bill was passed in 2020 regarding e-bikes but nothing yet for e-scooters. The suggested guidance from the State of West Virginia is that e-scooters would fall under the same category as e-bikes.

The new law does not require e-bikes to be registered, or insured, or demand a driver's license. The e-bikes must follow the same rules of the road as bicycles and all riders under 15 must wear a helmet.

Wisconsin is similar to many other states when it comes to regulating electric scooters.

An e-scooter is defined as a device that weighs less than 100 lbs, has a max speed of 20 mph, has a handlebar, can be used to stand on while riding, and is powered by an electrical motor.

They are not allowed on sidewalks, and riders must follow the same rules of the roads as bicyclists.

The bill also permits local governments to regulate shared scooter operators and set their own rules on scooters within their jurisdiction.

No statewide requirement for helmet or license.

In Wyoming, while there are specific regulations for electric bicycles, comprehensive laws for electric scooters are not fully developed at the state level.

Consequently, rules regarding the use of electric scooters can differ significantly across various cities. To gain clarity on the electric scooter regulations applicable in your area of Wyoming, it is advisable to reach out to the local law enforcement authorities.

Disclaimer: Fluidfreeride has used the best efforts and information available at the time of writing but does not in any manner guarantee the accuracy of the electric scooter laws in the US or internationally.

Any person using or riding an electric kick scooter must refer to local governments and authorities to get the latest updated information as to the legal standing of the usage of an e-scooter in that region.