As kids, we loved roaming around our newly bought scooters. Traveling through the streets and sliding through the pavements, the scooters were a prominent part of childhood memories. Cut to today; they have been given a complete makeover where you don’t have to move an inch to ride them.
We have electric scooters today that are used as the eco-friendly version of the fuel operated vehicles. Over the past few years, the market for electric scooters has been flourishing with prospects. But is it legal to ride e-scooter on road?
If you have thought whether e-scooters are allowed on the roads to make the most out of these sustainable vehicles, then the answer depends on varying aspects. If this is a question that you brought you here, this article will help you find an answer.
Without further ado, let’s resolve your query.
What is an Electric Scooter?
Before moving ahead, it is vital to know a little about electric scooters. When the world is struggling to find a sustainable model of transportation beyond walking and cycling, an electric bike presents an alternative that reduces carbon footprints.
The revamped version of the foot-powered scooters is powered by batteries that you need to change from time to time. Major countries like the US, Germany, Spain, France, and Japan are harnessing electric scooters’ potentials and contributing to its expansive demand.
When we say that it is an eco-friendly mode of transportation, there are some loopholes in it. No vehicle can be completely sustainable unless you try to make optimal use of it.
For instance, electric scooters have relatively lesser carbon footprints than other environment polluting vehicles. They emit some ionized compounds that add to the greenhouse gas. So, to make them completely sustainable, we have to replace all the other polluting vehicles with electric-powered vehicles.
Electric Scooters Are For Roads or Not?
If you have decided to bring home electric scooters, it is imperative to understand whether it is legal to drive it on the roads. For this, you need to get your facts straight regarding the legality of e-scooters. There are plenty of factors that play a significant role in determining whether you can ride it on roads or not.
It is crucial to understand that each country has its separate laws regarding e-scooters, so you need to check up with your jurisdiction to understand the legalities. However, there is some general information that will help you find the answer.
Let’s discover the answer by going through plenty of questions.
Where Do You Live?
Your residential location says a lot about the legality of driving the e-scooter. Depending on the country you reside in, you can determine the legitimacy of using your e-scooter in public. While most of the states have legalized electric scooters on the streets, they have strictly restricted them on the roads or highways.
You might need legal permission to drive your scooter outside your neighborhood. For instance, the US has legalized electric scooters on the streets at a maximum speed of 20 mph with 750 W power. When it comes to the UK, you cannot possibly take your bike to public road lane or pavement. Similarly, varied countries have different rules regarding electric scooter.
Also, if you are residing in a homeowner’s association or any other gated community, it is essential to abide by such communities’ laws to ensure the mobility of scooters. You need to search for the states’ laws and community laws to determine whether it is legal to take your bike out.
Do You Need A License To Drive Electric Scooter?
Many people have a similar doubt regarding electric scooters. As it falls somewhere between a cycle and a motorized vehicle, people are often confused about whether they need a license. But no, you don’t need a permit for your e-scooter.
A mobility vehicle like an electric scooter is entirely different from a motor cart or bike that doesn’t need to be registered. Electric scooters are not allowed to travel faster than 20 miles per hour. In case you cross that, you will be booked for over-speeding and face the legalities.
Will You Be Fined For Using Mobility Scooter?
It is highly imperative to understand the legalities regarding the electric scooter before bringing it to the roads. In case you have violated the laws, you will be fined for it. Today, electric bikes are also available on rent in many of the countries. You must ascertain whether they are available within the legal area or not. Otherwise, you will be required to face legal complications.
Is Riding e-Scooter on the Roads of the United States Legal?
Just like any other state, the United States has its own rules regarding electric scooters. Let’s take a look at how each region has legalized the use of electric bike:
- Illinois: You can ride on the streets with DMV registration
- Georgia: Allowed on the streets
- Louisiana: Allowed to ride on the roads with 20-25 MPH speed limit
- Missouri: Except the sidewalk, allowed to ride on the streets
- North Dakota: Riders 16 years or younger must wear a helmet
- New Jersey: Allowed on the streets
- North Carolina: You can ride on the roads with DMV registration
- Ohio: Allowed on the streets
- Oregon: Only 18 years or older are allowed to ride on the streets
- Pennsylvania: Allowed on the streets
- Tennessee: Only 16 years or older are permitted to ride on the streets
- Texas: Allowed on the streets
- Utah: Allowed to ride on the roads with 20-25 MPH speed limit
- Virginia: Only 16 years or older are allowed to ride on the streets
- Alabama: You can ride on the streets with DMV registration
- California: Allowed to ride on the streets with 15 MPH speed limit
- Minnesota: Allowed to ride on the streets with 15 MPH speed limit
- Arizona: Allowed to ride on the streets with 20-25 MPH speed limit
- Colorado: Allowed to ride on the roads with 20-25 MPH speed limit
- Massachusetts: Riders 16 years or younger must wear a helmet
- Connecticut: Rider must be 16 years or older
- Nevada: Rider must be 16 years or older
- Delaware: Helmet required for rider below 16 years
- Florida: Allowed to ride on the streets with 20-25 MPH speed limit
- Oklahoma: Helmet required for rider below 16 years
- Michigan: License needed to ride, and the rider must be 18 years old
- Rhode Island: License needed to ride
- Kansas: Except the sidewalk, allowed to ride on the streets
- Idaho: The rider has to follow all the traffic laws
- Arkansas: Rider must be 16 years or older with the speed limit at 15 MPH
- Iowa: Allowed to ride on the streets with 20-25 MPH speed limit
- Kentucky: Scooters are considered bikes and treated the same way legally
- Hawaii: Scooters are considered bikes and treated the same way legally
- Maine: Allowed to ride on the streets with 20 MPH speed limit
- Maryland: Allowed to ride on the roads with 15 MPH speed limit
- Montana: The rider has to follow all the traffic laws
- Nebraska: Except the sidewalk, allowed to ride on the streets
- Alaska: No specific laws
- New Hampshire: Except the path, allowed to ride on the streets
- South Carolina: License needed to ride
- South Dakota: Except the sidewalk, allowed to ride on the streets
- Vermont: Except the path, allowed to ride on the streets
- Washington: Except the sidewalk, allowed to ride on the streets
- West Virginia: No specific laws
- Wisconsin: Allowed to ride on the roads with 15 MPH speed limit
- Wyoming: No particular laws
- New Mexico: Riders must be 18 years or older
- Mississippi: Riders 16 years or younger must wear a helmet
- Indiana: Allowed on the streets
- New York: Not legal
The Bottom Line
Riding electric scooters is an eco-friendly option to reduce your carbon footprints and contribute to the environment. But, first, it is essential to understand whether it is legal to take it on the streets. Check with your countries’ laws regarding riding electric scooters to safeguard your interests.
