In 2023, electric scooter laws in the United States continue to evolve and vary significantly by location. Key aspects of these regulations include age restrictions, helmet requirements, speed limits, rules regarding where scooters can be ridden, parking guidelines, and considerations related to rental companies. It is crucial for riders to stay updated on their local laws to ensure safe and legal use of electric scooters, as these regulations can differ greatly between states and cities. Riders are encouraged to consult official sources or local government websites for the most current information in their area.

Do I need a driver's license to ride an electric scooter?

In most places, you do not need a driver's license to operate an electric scooter. However, some cities or states may require a special permit or license for certain types of scooters.

Are helmets mandatory when riding electric scooters?

Helmet laws vary. In some areas, all riders must wear helmets, while in others, it might be required only for minors or not required at all. Check the local regulations.

Can I ride electric scooters on the sidewalk?

Regulations on where you can ride electric scooters differ. Some places allow sidewalk riding, while others restrict scooters to roads or designated bike lanes.

What's the maximum speed limit for electric scooters in most places?

The maximum speed limit typically ranges from 15 to 20 mph, but it varies by location. Always adhere to local speed limits.

Are there age restrictions for electric scooter riders?

Many areas require riders to be at least 16 or 18 years old. Check the local regulations for specific age requirements.

How should I park electric scooters?

Many cities have designated parking zones for electric scooters to prevent clutter on sidewalks. Always park in these designated areas when available.

Legality of electric scooters by state
Electric scooter laws and regulations can vary significantly from one U.S. state to another, and they may also vary within states depending on local jurisdictions.

Here's a general summary of the legality of electric scooters by state as of 2021:

  • Alabama: Electric scooters are allowed but may be subject to local regulations.

  • Alaska: Regulations can vary by city, but electric scooters are generally permitted.

  • Arizona: Electric scooters are legal in many cities, with specific regulations varying by location.

  • Arkansas: Electric scooters are allowed but may be subject to local regulations.

  • California: Electric scooters are popular, and regulations are in place to govern their use. Helmet requirements, age restrictions, and speed limits may vary by city.

  • Colorado: Electric scooters are generally permitted, but local regulations may apply.

  • Connecticut: Electric scooters are allowed in some cities, with varying rules and regulations.

  • Delaware: Electric scooters are allowed in some areas but may be subject to local regulations.

  • Florida: Electric scooters are permitted in various cities, with specific rules and restrictions varying by location.

  • Georgia: Electric scooters are generally permitted, but local regulations may apply.

  • Hawaii: Electric scooters are legal in some cities, with varying rules and restrictions.

  • Idaho: Electric scooters are generally allowed, but regulations can vary by city.

  • Illinois: Electric scooters are permitted in some cities, with varying rules and regulations.

  • Indiana: Electric scooters are generally allowed, but local regulations may apply.

  • Iowa: Electric scooters are permitted in some cities, with varying rules and regulations.

  • Kansas: Electric scooters are allowed in some areas, with varying rules and regulations.

  • Kentucky: Electric scooters are generally allowed, but local regulations may apply.

  • Louisiana: Electric scooters are legal in some cities, with specific rules and restrictions varying by location.

  • Maine: Electric scooters are allowed in some areas but may be subject to local regulations.

  • Maryland: Electric scooters are permitted in some cities, with varying rules and regulations.

  • Massachusetts: Electric scooters are legal in some cities, with specific rules and restrictions varying by location.

  • Michigan: Electric scooters are generally allowed, but local regulations may apply.

  • Minnesota: Electric scooters are permitted in some cities, with varying rules and regulations.

  • Mississippi: Electric scooters are allowed in some areas, with varying rules and regulations.

  • Missouri: Electric scooters are generally allowed, but local regulations may apply.

  • Montana: Electric scooters are generally allowed, but regulations can vary by city.

  • Nebraska: Electric scooters are permitted in some cities, with varying rules and regulations.

  • Nevada: Electric scooters are generally allowed, but local regulations may apply.

  • New Hampshire: Electric scooters are permitted in some areas, with varying rules and regulations.

  • New Jersey: Electric scooters are allowed in some cities, with specific rules and restrictions varying by location.

  • New Mexico: Electric scooters are generally allowed, but local regulations may apply.

  • New York: Electric scooters were illegal in most areas as of 2021, but laws were changing, and some pilot programs were in place in specific cities.

  • North Carolina: Electric scooters are generally allowed, but local regulations may apply.

  • North Dakota: Electric scooters are generally allowed, but regulations can vary by city.

  • Ohio: Electric scooters are permitted in some cities, with varying rules and regulations.

  • Oklahoma: Electric scooters are generally allowed, but local regulations may apply.

  • Oregon: Electric scooters are legal in some cities, with specific rules and restrictions varying by location.

  • Pennsylvania: Electric scooters are permitted in some cities, with varying rules and regulations.

  • Rhode Island: Electric scooters are allowed in some areas, with specific rules and restrictions varying by location.

  • South Carolina: Electric scooters are generally allowed, but local regulations may apply.

  • South Dakota: Electric scooters are generally allowed, but regulations can vary by city.

  • Tennessee: Electric scooters are permitted in some cities, with varying rules and regulations.

  • Texas: Electric scooters are generally allowed, but local regulations may apply.

  • Utah: Electric scooters are permitted in some cities, with varying rules and regulations.

  • Vermont: Electric scooters are generally allowed, but local regulations may apply.

  • Virginia: Electric scooters are legal in some cities, with specific rules and restrictions varying by location.

  • Washington: Electric scooters are permitted in some cities, with varying rules and regulations.

  • West Virginia: Electric scooters are generally allowed, but local regulations may apply.

  • Wisconsin: Electric scooters are permitted in some cities, with varying rules and regulations.

  • Wyoming: Electric scooters are generally allowed, but regulations can vary by city.

The legality of electric scooters in the United States varies from state to state and city to city. Electric scooter laws were still evolving, and specific regulations could differ significantly by location. Common factors included age restrictions, helmet requirements, speed limits, rules on where scooters could be ridden and parked, and potential differences in regulations between cities and states.

To ensure safe and legal use of electric scooters in 2023, it is essential for riders to stay informed about the latest laws and regulations in their specific area. This information can typically be found on local government websites or by contacting local authorities. As electric scooters continue to gain popularity, it's expected that regulations will continue to adapt to ensure the safety and responsible use of this mode of transportation.

 
September 08, 2023 — Kathy Li