Electric Scooter Laws By State: All You Need To Know (2024)

Electric scooters have gained popularity over the past few years as a form of transportation. They are cost-effective, practical, and environmentally responsible.

However, State-by-state regulations on electric scooters differ widely. Riders may not be aware of the regulations or the places where they are permitted to ride e-scooters because of the difference in laws, which can be confusing.

Hence, in this article, we have covered all the states in the U.S. and their laws regarding electric scooters.

So, without any further ado, let’s delve into the details.

Electric Scooter Laws by State In 2024 (Overview)

Here is a table representing all the states and details like where you can ride electric scooters and where you cannot.

Electric Scooters Legal States	Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia.
Electric Scooters Not Legal States	Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Electric Scooters Not Legal States on sidewalks	Arizona, Iowa, Louisiana, Rhode Island, and Virginia.

Can you ride electric scooter on the road without a license?

In the US, states like California and a few others require a valid driver’s license when operating an electric scooter

A ‘motorized scooter’ is defined by California law as a two-wheeled device with handlebars, an electric motor, and a floorboard that can be stood on.

On the other hand, electric scooters are generally classified similarly to electric bicycles in other states, which do not require a driver’s license to operate. However, it’s still important to check your local laws.

Note that currently, you cannot get a specific license for e-scooters. However, a few states require you to have a normal driver’s license to ride an electric scooter legally.

Additionally, the rider must be 16 years old or older to be able to ride the electric scooter. Riders under 18 years of age are required to wear a helmet without fail.

Are electric scooters legal on sidewalks?

Most cities in the USA do not allow electric scooters to be ridden on sidewalks legally as they were allowed on the streets. This rule was formed due to the rise in pedestrian injuries and lack of responsible riding on the sidewalks.

Therefore, though a few states like Arizona, North Carolina, Iowa, Louisiana, Rhode Island, and Virginia allow you to ride e-scooters on sidewalks, the other states don’t.

What Are the new electric scooter laws by state in the US?

Generally, in most cities in the USA, e-scooters are considered vehicles that run on a motor. Plus, in the other few cities, e-scooters fall under the same group as bicycles.

Therefore, in cities where electric scooters are considered motorized vehicles, they are required to be driven on the roads with a maximum speed of 20 Mph.

For a more precise answer to this question, check out the section below, which will give you insights into electric scooter laws by state in the USA.

Electric Scooter Laws by State – Comprehensive List of 45 States

Below is a breakdown of electric scooter laws by state, according to the federal laws.

1. Alabama:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Alabama are –

Require a special Class M or B restricted license used for motorcycles.
16 years minimum age to legally ride.
Wearing a helmet is mandatory for riders under 16 years.
Stay on the right side of the road.

2. Alaska:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Alaska are –

Require a special Class M2 restricted license used for motorcycles.
14 years minimum age to legally ride.
M1 or M3 license is required for riders aged 16 or above.
Wearing a helmet is mandatory for riders under 18 years.
Motor power is limited to 750W for all e-scooters.

3. Arizona:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Arizona are –

Helmets are mandatory in cities such as Tucson, Sierra Vista, Yuma, and Pima counties.
18 years minimum age to legally ride.

4. Arkansas:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Arkansas are –

16 years minimum age to legally ride.
15 mph maximum speed.
Riding on sidewalks depends on local rules.

5. California:

Laws to operate electric scooters in California are –

E-scooters are only allowed on bike lanes and public roads.
15 mph is the maximum speed limit on public roads.
Wearing a helmet is mandatory for riders under 18 years.

6. Colorado:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Colorado are –

30 Mph speed limit on streets.
6 Mph speed limit on sidewalks.
16 years minimum age to legally ride.
The helmet is mandatory for riders under 18 years.

7. Connecticut:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Connecticut are –

15 years minimum age to legally ride.
Helmets are mandatory for riders under 16 years old.
No riding on sidewalks.
The maximum speed limit is 20 Mph.

8. Delaware:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Delaware are –

E-scooters are equal to motorized skateboards.
Not allowed on streets, sidewalks, and highways.

9. Washington D.C.:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Washington D.C. are –

10 Mph speed limit.
18 years minimum age to legally ride.
Considered as a personal mobility device.

10. Florida:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Florida are –

E-scooters are applied the same rules as bicycles.
16 years minimum age to legally ride.
No driver’s license is needed.

11. Georgia:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Georgia are –

Allowed on bike lanes and roads but not on sidewalks and crosswalks.
20 Mph speed limit.
100 Lbs maximum weight of the scooter.
Helmets are mandatory for riders under 16 years old.
No texting while riding.
Follow traffic rules.

12. Hawaii:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Hawaii are –

15 years minimum age to legally ride.
Helmets are mandatory for riders under 16 years old.
Safety goggles and face shields should be worn.
Not allowed on Sidewalks.
Each County has its own rules.

13. Idaho:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Idaho are –

Laws depend on local rules and regulations.

14. Illinois:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Illinois are –

20 Mph speed limit
E-scooters are called motorcycles.
Mandatory registration.
The scooter should have a headlight and taillight.
Not allowed on public roads.
No rules for helmets.

15. Indiana:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Indiana are –

E-scooters, motorcycles, and mopeds are grouped together.
Rules differ with each class, such as Class A and B licenses.
Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18 years old.

16. Iowa:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Iowa are – (Introduced but not acted upon yet)

E-scooters should be lighter than 100 Lbs.
It should have 2 to 3 wheels with handlebars and floorboards.
20 Mph speed limit.

17. Kansas:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Kansas are –

Allowed everywhere.
No helmet rules.
No riding on sidewalks and highways.

18. Kentucky:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Kentucky are –

E-scooters are considered the same as bicycles.
No license or registration is needed.
No helmet rules.
A few cities have local rules.

19. Louisiana:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Louisiana are –

Allowed on roadways.
25 Mph speed limit on highways.
Allowed on bike routes and sidewalks.
Driver’s license required.

20. Maine:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Maine are –

Maximum power should be 750W.
Wheels should be smaller than 10 inches.
Driver’s license and registration are needed.
No helmet rules.
20 Mph speed limit.

21. Maryland:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Maryland are –

E-scooters are considered bicycles
20 Mph speed limit.
Follow normal traffic rules.
Helmets are mandatory for riders under 16 years old.

22. Massachusetts:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Massachusetts are –

Helmets are mandatory for all.
Driver’s license needed.
20 Mph speed limit.
Moped rules are applied to e-scooters.

23. Michigan:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Michigan are –

45 mph speed limit
Allowed in streets and highways.
It should be on the right-hand side of the roadway.

24. Mississippi:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Mississippi are –

Scooter weight limit less than 100 Lbs.
It should have 2 to 3 wheels with handlebars and floorboards.
15 Mph speed limit but can go up to 20 mph.
No helmet or license rules.

25. Missouri:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Missouri are –

E-scooters are grouped in categories with e-bikes.
Allowed streets and bike lanes.
16 years minimum age to legally ride.
It’s considered a motorcycle above 30 mph.
A driver’s license is needed.

26. Montana:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Montana are –

No riding on sidewalks.
E-scooters are considered as motorized bicycles.
Alerting pedestrians while on the sidewalk is a must.
Follow traffic rules.

27. Nebraska:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Nebraska are –

No registration is needed.
No riding on sidewalks.
Follow traffic laws.
No helmet rules.
No age restrictions.

28. Nevada:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Nevada are –

E-scooter weight limit is 100 Lbs.
20 Mph speed limit.
16 years minimum age to legally ride.

29. New Hampshire:

Laws to operate electric scooters in New Hampshire are –

No statewide electric scooter regulations.
Shared scooter companies like Bird or Spin operate for electric scooter usage in Nashua and Portsmouth.

30. New Jersey:

Laws to operate electric scooters in New Jersey are –

19 Mph speed limit.
E-scooters are considered low-speed scooters when all bicycle laws are applied.
Sidewalks and trail laws differ from city to city.
No driver’s license, registration, or Insurance is needed.

31. New Mexico:

Laws to operate electric scooters in New Mexico are – (The bill has not been acted upon)

Local municipalities decide the laws

32. New York:

Laws to operate electric scooters in New York are – (The following laws can differ according to a few municipalities in New York)

30 Mph speed limit.
16 years minimum age to legally ride.
No license is needed.
Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18 years old.
No riding on sidewalks.

33. North Carolina:

Laws to operate electric scooters in North Carolina are –

E-scooters are considered as motor vehicles like mopeds.
Registration and driver’s license required.
30 Mph speed limit usually and 25 Mph speed limit on streets.
16 years minimum age to legally ride.
Use a helmet with FMVSS 218 motorcycle standard.

34. North Dakota:

Laws to operate electric scooters in North Dakota are –

E-scooters are considered as motor vehicles like mopeds.
18 years minimum age to legally ride.
The E-scooter should’ve headlights and tail lights.
30 Mph speed limit.

35. Ohio:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Ohio are –

E-scooter’s weight limit should be 100 Lbs.
20 Mph speed limit.
No restrictions on licenses, registrations, or Insurance.
Allowed on public roads.
Mandatory headlights and tail lights.
No helmet rules.
16 years minimum age to legally ride.
Follow traffic rules.

36. Oklahoma:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Oklahoma are –

The policies of each city regulate e-scooter laws.

Specific Oklahoma city laws –

16 years minimum age to legally ride.
Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18 years old.
No restriction on a license or Insurance.
35 Mph speed limit.
Follow traffic rules.

37. Oregon:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Oregon are –

Motor power allowed up to 100W.
Using lights is mandatory in the dark.
24 Mph speed limit.
Further laws differ by each city.

38. Pennsylvania:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Pennsylvania are –

E-scooters are in the same category as motor vehicles.
E-scooters that don’t meet the motor vehicle criteria are counted as illegal.
Rules might change in the future.

39. South Dakota:

Laws to operate electric scooters in South Dakota are –

No special laws for electric scooters.
Electric scooters are considered as mopeds.
Drover’s license and eye protection are necessary.
Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18 years old.
Follow traffic rules.

40. Rhode Island:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Rhode Island are –

No state laws for electric scooters. Hence, must follow local regulations.

41. Tennessee:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Tennessee are –

E-scooters are treated the same as e-bikes in Tennessee.
The E-scooter’s weight limit should be 100 Lbs.
20 Mph speed limit.
Headlights and tail lights are mandatory.

42. Utah:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Utah are –

E-scooters are treated the same as bicycles in Utah.
No restrictions for a driver’s license and registration.
25 Mph speed limit, but should maintain a speed of 15 Mph normally.
Riders under 15 years should have a parent to supervise the ride.

43. Texas:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Texas are –

No specific rules for electric scooters in Texas.

44. Virginia:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Virginia are –

E-scooter’s weight limit is 100 Lbs.
20 Mph speed limit.
14 years minimum age to legally ride.
No riding on highways.
Each city can apply further rules as per the local law.

45. Minnesota:

Laws to operate electric scooters in Minnesota are –

E-scooters are considered motorized foot scooters with handlebars.
The wheel diameter limit is less than 12 inches.
15 Mph speed limit.
Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18 years old.
12 years minimum age to legally ride.
No riding on sidewalks.
Allowed on highways and streets without a license.
Headlights and tail lights are mandatory.

In Which States are Electric Scooters Legal, and Where are They Not?

In 38 U.S. states, electric scooters are considered permitted for use on public streets, while they are not allowed in ten additional states.

In which states are electric scooters legal, and where they are not

While the majority of states allow electric scooters on the streets, others have added restrictions on where and how they can be used on public roads.

Four states, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, and New York, don’t allow electric scooters on the highways, freeways/expressways, or some limited-access roads due to most scooters not being able to reach safe enough speeds to keep up with the traffic.

Scooters are now required to ride on the right side of the road while they are street-legal in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, and Virginia.

States where Electric Scooters are Legal on Streets

Here is a quick overview of the state-wide laws on electric scooters on the streets.

State	Docs Requirement	Minimum Age	Legality Note
Alabama	Driver’s License	14	–
Alaska	Driver’s License	–	–
Arkansas	Not Required	16	–
California	Driver’s License	–	Not allowed on expressways
Colorado	Not Required	–	Not allowed on limited-access roads
Florida	Not Required	16	–
Georgia	Not Required	–	–
Hawaii	DMV Registration	15	–
Illinois	Not Required	16	–
Indiana	Not Required	–	–
Kansas	Driver’s License	16	Must stay on the right side
Louisiana	Driver’s License and DMV Registration	–	–
Maine	Driver’s License	–	Must stay on the right side
Maryland	Not Required	–	–
Massachusetts	Driver’s License	–	Not allowed on limited-access roads and Must stay on the right side
Michigan	Not Required	12	–
Minnesota	Not Required	12	–
Mississippi	Not Required	–	–
Missouri	Not Required	16	–
Nevada	Not Required	16	–
New Hampshire	Not Required	–	–
New Jersey	Not Required	–	–
New Mexico	Not Required	–	Can be regulated on a local level
New York	Not Required	–	–
North Carolina	Driver’s License and DMV Registration	–	–
North Dakota	Not Required	–	–
Ohio	Not Required	16	–
Oklahoma	Not Required	–	–
Rhode Island	Not Required	–	–
South Dakota	Not Required	–	–
Tennessee	Driver’s License	–	–
Texas	Not Required	–	–
Utah	Not Required	12	–
Vermont	Not Required	–	–
Virginia	Not Required	14	Must stay on the right side
Washington	Not Required	16	–
West Virginia	Not Required	–	–

States where Electric Scooters are Not Legal on Streets

There are a few states where electric scooters are not legal on the street, but they might be allowed in parks or sidewalks. Let’s check out which are these streets.

Delaware
Idaho
Kentucky
New Jersey
Oregon
Washington
Wisconsin.

States where Electric Scooters are Legal on Sidewalks:

Some states allow riding on sidewalks legally, including Arizona, North Carolina, Iowa, Louisiana, Rhode Island, Arizona, and Virginia.

States where electric scooters are legal on sidewalks

Some states allow riding on sidewalks legally, including Arizona, North Carolina, Iowa, Louisiana, Rhode Island, Arizona, and Virginia.

Furthermore, remember that in states where electric scooters are legal on the streets, they are not allowed to ride on sidewalks in most cities.

This is because many states find electric scooters dangerous to be ridden on the sidewalks where people walk relaxed and can be harmed if you ride carelessly.

Related read;

How To Ride An Electric Scooter
Do You Need A License For An Electric Scooter?

Wrapping Up: Electric Scooters Are Legal in 37 States

The electric scooter laws differ from state to state. Hence, it is necessary to know the laws in your state before buying an electric scooter.

Additionally, in some states, even though electric scooters are allowed, some legality notes are mandatory to be followed.

Lastly, remember, if electric scooters are allowed in your states, consider taking all the safety risks into account while riding with safety gear.

FAQs: Electric Scooter Laws By State

What is the DMV Certification?

DMV certification is the certification provided by the US Department of Motor Vehicles.

Is it okay to ride an electric scooter like a regular kick scooter?

Manufacturers of electric scooters suggest not using an electric scooter like a regular kick scooter to increase the life of the scooter.

Do you compulsorily need a license to ride electric scooters everywhere in the US?

In some states, there is a compulsion to have a license to ride electric scooters, but not in all states like Texas, Ohio, and many others, where you can ride e-scooters without any legal documents.

About The Author

Nathan Carter

I'm Nathan Carter founder of Electron Wheel, a company that specializes in electric scooters. I started the company because I saw a need for a more efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transportation, and I believe that our platform provide real value to our readers.