{"id":5181,"date":"2020-11-04T01:32:41","date_gmt":"2020-11-04T01:32:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/escooternerds.com\/?p=5181"},"modified":"2023-11-16T14:26:22","modified_gmt":"2023-11-16T14:26:22","slug":"electric-scooter-legality-laws-regulations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/escooternerds.com\/electric-scooter-legality-laws-regulations\/","title":{"rendered":"Electric Scooter Legality [Laws And Regulations For The US, UK, Ireland, Canada and Australia]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This is the complete electric scooter legal guide. I will cover all the known laws and regulations concerning electric scooters, for USA, UK, Ireland, Canada and Australia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disclaimer note: This article isn’t a substitute for legal advice. Conduct more thorough research since we can’t assure the information’s accuracy and timeliness. Always consult your local authorities to be sure.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/h2>\n

Electric scooter laws in the US vary by state, covering usage locations, speed limits, and age restrictions. Enforcement and specific regulations for more powerful scooters vary, but in unregulated states, electric scooters are generally road-legal. The default speed limit is 20 mph, and most states have no age requirement or set a minimum age of 16.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"court<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Electric scooter laws in the US<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Electric scooter laws and regulations in the US vary by state. They cover where scooters can be used, speed limits, age restrictions, and requirements for licenses, registration, insurance, and helmets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The table below provides state-specific electric scooter laws. For unspecified values, you can assume the general US defaults: 15 mph speed limit, road legality, possible sidewalk restrictions, no license, registration, or insurance requirements, and likely no age restrictions (although cross-referencing with local authorities is recommended).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

State<\/th>Allowed on<\/th>Not allowed on<\/th>Speed limit<\/th>Registration<\/th>License?<\/th>Insurance<\/th>Helmet<\/th>Min. age<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
USA (national level)<\/strong><\/td>road<\/strong><\/td>sidewalks sometimes<\/strong><\/td>20 mph<\/strong><\/td>usually no<\/strong><\/td>usually no<\/strong><\/td>mostly no<\/strong><\/td>maybe if under 16 or 18<\/strong><\/td>none\/16<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Alabama<\/td>road<\/td>sidewalks <\/td> <\/td>DMV registration<\/td>motorcycle license<\/td> <\/td> <\/td>16<\/td><\/tr>
Alaska<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> yes<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Arizona<\/td>road, bike lane<\/td>highways<\/td>20 mph<\/td>no<\/td>no<\/td>no<\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Arkansas<\/td> <\/td> <\/td>15 mph<\/td> no<\/td> no<\/td>no<\/td> <\/td>16<\/td><\/tr>
California<\/td><\/td>more than 15 mph on any bike lane or public road<\/td>15 mph<\/td> no<\/td>yes <\/td> <\/td> yes<\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Colorado<\/td> <\/td> <\/td>20 mph<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Connecticut<\/td> <\/td> <\/td>20 mph<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td>if you’re 16 or younger<\/td>16<\/td><\/tr>
Delaware<\/td>private property<\/td>road, highway, sidewalk<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Florida<\/td> <\/td> <\/td>30 mph<\/td> no<\/td>no<\/td> <\/td>if you’re under 16<\/td>16<\/td><\/tr>
Georgia<\/td>bike lanes, public streets limited to 35 mph<\/td> <\/td>35 mph<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Hawaii<\/td>bike paths, roadways, sidewalks <\/td> <\/td>15 mph<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td>if you’re under 16<\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Idaho<\/td> <\/td>roadways, sidewalks<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Illinois<\/td>road<\/td> <\/td> <\/td>DMV registration<\/td> yes<\/td>yes<\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Indiana<\/td><\/td>streets, bike paths<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> no<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Iowa<\/td>streets with speed limits of 35 mph<\/td> <\/td>35 mph<\/td> <\/td> no<\/td>no <\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Kansas<\/td>road<\/td>highways, sidewalks<\/td> <\/td> <\/td>driver’s license<\/td> <\/td> <\/td>16<\/td><\/tr>
Kentucky<\/td>public streets<\/td> <\/td> <\/td>no<\/td>no <\/td>no<\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Louisiana<\/td>bike lanes, sidewalks, 25 mph roads<\/td> <\/td>25 mph<\/td> <\/td> yes<\/td> <\/td>yes<\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Maine<\/td>road, furthest right lane<\/td> <\/td>20 mph<\/td> <\/td> yes<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Maryland<\/td>road<\/td> <\/td>20 mph<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Massachusetts<\/td>public streets<\/td> <\/td>20 mph<\/td> <\/td> yes<\/td> <\/td>if under 16<\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Michigan<\/td>roads up to 25 mph, furthest right lane<\/td> <\/td>25 mph<\/td> <\/td>yes<\/td> <\/td> <\/td>12<\/td><\/tr>
Minnesota<\/td>bike paths<\/td> sidewalks<\/td>15 mph<\/td>no<\/td>no<\/td> <\/td> <\/td>12<\/td><\/tr>
Mississippi<\/td>road, bike lane<\/td>sidewalks<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td>if under 16<\/td>14<\/td><\/tr>
Missouri<\/td>bike lane if available, street otherwise<\/td>sidewalks<\/td>30 mph<\/td> <\/td> yes<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Montana<\/td>road, bike paths<\/td>sidewalks<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Nebraska<\/td>bike lane if available, street otherwise<\/td>public places, sidewalks<\/td> <\/td> no<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Nevada<\/td>public streets<\/td> <\/td>20 mph<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td>16<\/td><\/tr>
New Hampshire<\/td>bike lane if available, street otherwise<\/td>public places, sidewalks<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
New Jersey<\/td>bike lane<\/td> <\/td>19 mph<\/td> no<\/td> no<\/td> no<\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
New Mexico<\/td>bike lane, furthest right side of road<\/td> <\/td>15 mph<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td>if you’re under 18<\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
New York<\/td> <\/td> sidewalks<\/td>30 mph<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td>if you’re under 16<\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
North Carolina<\/td>roads limited to 25 mph<\/td> <\/td> <\/td>DMV registration<\/td> yes<\/td> <\/td> <\/td>16<\/td><\/tr>
North Dakota<\/td>road<\/td>sidewalks, bike paths<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td>if you’re under 18<\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Ohio<\/td>road, bike lane<\/td> <\/td>20 mph<\/td> <\/td>no<\/td>no<\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Oklahoma<\/td> <\/td>sidewalks<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td>if you’re under 18<\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Oregon<\/td>road, bike lanes<\/td>sidewalks, parks<\/td>24 mph<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td>yes<\/td>16<\/td><\/tr>
Pennsylvania<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Rhode Island<\/td>road, sidewalks<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td>driver’s license or municipal ID<\/td> <\/td> <\/td>16<\/td><\/tr>
South Carolina<\/td>road<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td>yes<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
South Dakota<\/td>road<\/td>sidewalks, highways<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td>if under 18<\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Tennessee<\/td>furthest right lane, close to sidewalk<\/td>sidewalks (unless bikes are allowed too)<\/td>20 mph<\/td> <\/td>yes<\/td> <\/td> <\/td>16<\/td><\/tr>
Texas<\/td>roads up to 35 mph<\/td> <\/td> <\/td>if over 750W<\/td>if over 750W<\/td>if over 750W<\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Utah<\/td>roads up to 25 mph<\/td>sidewalks<\/td>15 mph<\/td> <\/td>no<\/td> <\/td> <\/td>8 or 15<\/td><\/tr>
Vermont<\/td>road<\/td>sidewalks<\/td>15 mph<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Virginia<\/td>sidewalks<\/td> highways<\/td>20 mph<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td>16<\/td><\/tr>
Washington<\/td>roads up to 35 mph<\/td>sidewalks, bike lanes, public walkways<\/td>15 mph<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
West Virginia<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td>DMV registration<\/td> <\/td> <\/td>yes<\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Wisconsin<\/td>yes<\/td>sidewalks<\/td>20 mph<\/td> no<\/td> no<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr>
Wyoming<\/td> <\/td> <\/td>25 mph<\/td> no<\/td> no<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Are electric scooters street legal in the US?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In general, electric scooters that are operated while standing, have a maximum top speed of 20 mph<\/a>, and an electric motor of 750 Watts or less, will be considered street legal in every state in the US (source: govinfo.gov<\/a>).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The legal situation can differ in specific states, but in the absence of conflicting laws, this will be the standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The status of scooters exceeding 20 mph or 750 W motors isn’t clearly defined. Many widely used scooters may not meet street legal criteria. Given the presence of more powerful scooters that exceed these regulations, it’s reasonable to assume that the laws, while clear, may not be rigorously enforced at this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some states, scooters with greater power are simply registered as vehicles with the DMV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to ride an electric scooter in the US?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In unregulated states, electric scooters are typically road-legal. The majority of regulated states also permit electric scooters on roads, often with speed limits of 25 mph or 35 mph. Delaware stands as the sole exception, where electric scooters are not considered street legal and are restricted to use on private property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the speed limit for electric scooters in the US?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The default speed limit for electric scooters in the US is 20 mph, unless it’s specified otherwise at the state level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the age requirement for electric scooters in the US?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most states have no age requirement for electric scooter use. The ones that do, usually have a minimum age requirement of 16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electric scooter laws in the UK<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Up until a while ago, the UK had in place one of the most infamous bans on electric scooters. The law used to ban them was the old 1835 Highway law<\/a> that mentions horses and carts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyway, in July 2020, the UK ban on electric scooters was lifted<\/a>, or so it seemed. Turns out, the ban was only lifted for ride-sharing scooters in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Right now, you can find rental e-scooters in approximately 23 towns and cities throughout England, thanks to government trials.<\/a> It’s crucial to remember that using your personal e-scooter on public roads is against the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through these e-scooter trials, the government tends to gain a deeper understanding of the advantages of well-regulated, safety-tested e-scooters and how they affect public spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, since the trials have been extended to 2024<\/a>, the legal status of electric scooters in the UK is still questionable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are electric scooters street legal in the UK?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Electric scooters are permitted on UK roads, but only when they are part of ride-sharing services. Riding privately-owned scooters on public roads remains illegal, and they are restricted to use on private property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it’s important to note that owning a scooter is not illegal in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people do ride their private scooters on public roads – although, if you choose to ride your personal scooter on public roads, in a bicycle lane, or any other public area, you risk facing a \u00a3300 fine and receiving six points on your driver’s license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where can I ride an electric scooter in the UK?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Electric scooters rented through ride-sharing companies can be ridden on public roads in the designated zones where they are available. Right now, privately owned electric scooters can only be ridden on private grounds in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I ride an electric scooter in the bicycle lane in the UK?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are riding a trial electric scooter, you can ride in the bike lane. You can’t ride your own scooter on public roads, which includes bike lanes as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the speed limit for electric scooters in the UK?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Electric scooters in the UK must not go faster than 25 kmh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the age requirement for electric scooters in the UK?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The minimum age for riding an electric scooter in the UK is 16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I need to wear a helmet to ride an electric scooter in the UK?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Helmets are obligatory for riding an electric scooter in the UK. Riding without a helmet may result in a fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I need to register my electric scooter in the UK?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While citizens can own an electric scooter, they legally can’t ride it on public roads. Therefore, registration is not possible, nor necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I need a license to ride an electric scooter in the UK?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You will need a driver’s license to ride an electric scooter in the UK. This is true for ride-sharing scooters right now, and it will likely be true for private scooters if they become street legal in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I need insurance for an electric scooter in the UK?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Since the only street legal scooters in the UK right now are ride-sharing scooters, you will not need insurance to ride them, as they are already insured by the companies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electric scooter laws in Ireland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ireland did not have any specific laws regarding electric scooters until the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 bill<\/a> was presented and signed in June this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under this new legislation, electric scooters will be regarded as powered personal transporters (PPTs) and will not require registration, motor tax, insurance or a driving license to use on Irish roads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, keep in mind that e-scooters will stay prohibited on public roads until regulations are established. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is expected by the end of this year, as EU law mandates notifying the European Commission for review of the technical e-scooter regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electric scooter laws in Canada<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Electric scooters in Canada<\/a> are covered by various laws, and almost every detail will vary from province to province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electric scooter laws in Ontario<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ontario is currently running a pilot program to decide where and how electric scooters can be used. They’re only allowed in municipalities that permit them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n