Law Of The Road: Are Electric Scooters Legal Where I Live?
Here at e-RIDES, we love electric scooters and we know that you do too! Believe us when we say that we know the excitement that you feel when you buy an electric scooter – especially your first electric scooter – as well as all the careful thought that goes into buying the best accessories and protective gear. But no matter how well-equipped you are or how safe your ride might be, it’s critical to remember that the legal status of electric scooters differs wildly depending on where you are – or where you might be travelling to – with your e-scooter.
Unfortunately, there is quite a bit of conflicting information and confusion surrounding the legality of e-scooters in various countries. There are different rules for different types of rides being used on different types of roads… it’s easy to see why this question leads to so much confusion!
Don’t worry – we are here to help!
Are Electric Scooters Legal?
It’s easy enough to find out the rules for bicycles and motorcycles. So why is it so much more difficult with e-scooters? Bicycles and motorcycles have been around for long enough for detailed laws and regulations to have been drawn up for them over time. But the newness of electric scooters – and the fact that they are still quite niche and often controversial modes of transportation – means that many countries are still trying to work out where they stand.
Some countries or regions are yet to have any real rules or guidance to hand, while others offer only baffling, half-baked, ever-changing rules riddled with contradictions and useful only for generating even more questions! Part of the confusion comes from how different countries define electric scooters. Originally, they were viewed similarly to bicycles, but as they have become more powerful and subsequently viable as actual modes of transport, the desire to categorise them as motor vehicles has led to confusion in some countries.
In some countries where e-scooters are legal, there may be additional conditions attached. Meeting minimum age requirements, fitting headlights or horns, utilising adequate protective gear and ensuring that your ride operates below a certain speed and motor power level are the sorts of considerations that riders may have to make to ensure that they are compliant with local laws.
In Which Countries Can I Legally Ride An Electric Scooter?
What follows is not an exhaustive list, by any means. It does, however, aim to cover the current guidance for most major countries across the UK, ROI and EU as well as providing basic guidance for e-scooter laws in the USA. These laws are subject to constant change and should be researched regularly for the most up-to-date information.
| COUNTRY | NEED A LICENSE? | LEGAL | ILLEGAL | NOTES / CONDITIONS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | No | Private Land Rental | Roads Cycle Paths Foot Paths Highways | General use of e-scooters is illegal in the UK, except for on private land. However, promising government rental trials began in 2020 and there is currently evidence that the UK could soon be moving towards making e-scooters ‘street legal’. |
| Ireland | No | Private Land Rental | Roads Cycle Paths Foot Paths Highways | Illegal to use on public roads. Like the UK, there are promising signs of future change. |
| France | No | Private Land Rental Roads | Cycle Paths Foot Paths Highways | Minimum Age: 8 Max Speed: 20 km/h Gear: Helmets (for under 12s) |
| Germany | No | Private Land Rental Roads Cycle Paths | Foot Paths Highways | Minimum Age: 14 Max Speed: 20 km/h Max Power: 500W Gear: Front lights and side reflectors, two independent brakes and a bell or other signal. Must be insured similarly to mopeds. |
| Italy | No | Private Land Rental Roads Cycle Paths Foot Paths | Highways | Minimum Age: 14 Max Speed: 25 km/h (roads), 6km/h (pedestrian areas) Max Power: 500W Gear: Helmets (for under 18s) |
| Spain | No | Private Land Rental Roads Cycle Paths | Foot Paths Highways | Max Speed: 25 km/h Gear: White lights at front and red lights at back of scooter (like cycles) + reflectors Riders can be fined for using footpaths, using earphones or mobile phones and for riding whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs. |
| Greece | No | Private Land Rental Roads Cycle Paths Foot Paths Highways | Minimum Age: 18 Max Speed: 25 km/h Gear: Helmet Legal to use with no known restrictions. Popular and generally accepted throughout Greece. | |
| Norway | No | Private Land Rental Roads Cycle Paths Foot Paths Highways | Max Speed: 20 km/h Defined similarly to bicycles, e-scooters enjoy general freedom in Norway. However, stricter rules are expected to come into force during 2021. | |
| Sweden | No | Private Land Rental Roads | Cycle Paths Foot Paths Highways | Max Speed: 20 km/h Gear: Front lights and side reflectors, two independent brakes and a bell or other signal. Helmet (15 and under) |
| Netherlands | No | Private Land Rental Roads Cycle Paths | Foot Paths Highways | Minimum Age: 16 Max Speed: 25 km/h Gear: White lights at front and red lights at back of scooter (like cycles) + reflectors Must be insured similarly to mopeds. Only specific scooters approved by RDW are legal. Personal scooters remain illegal to use. |
| Belgium | No | Private Land Rental Roads Cycle Paths | Foot Paths Highways | Max Speed: 25 km/h |
| Austria | Bicycle License Required | Private Land Rental Roads Cycle Paths | Foot Paths Highways | Max Speed: 25 km/h Max Power: 600W Gear: Front lights and side reflectors, two independent brakes and a bell or other signal. Helmet (12 and under) Bicycle license is required. Users who are 12 and under must ride with a person aged 16+ |
| Finland | No | Private Land Rental Roads Cycle Paths | Foot Paths Highways | Max Speed: 25 km/h Max Power: 1000W |
| Portugal | No | Unknown | Unknown | Max Speed: 25 km/h No viable information on what is and is not illegal within Portugal. General advice is to follow basic guidelines such as using cycle lanes and wearing a helmet. |
| USA | Varies By State (see below) | Varies By State (see below) | Varies By State (see below) | Often dependant on state, though e-scooters with top speeds not exceeding 20mph and an electric motor of 750W or less are considered ‘street legal’ in most states, provided that no other laws clearly contradict this. In some states, e-scooters with motors more powerful than 750W have to be registered as motor vehicles with the DMV. Delaware – The only state where e-scooters are not street legal and can only be used on private property. Indiana / Washington – E-scooters are not allowed to make use of bike lanes. A few states such as Louisiana, Rhode Island and Virginia allow riding on sidewalks. Many states, however, do not. For more detailed guidance, see below. |
Are Electric Scooters Legal in the USA?
As there is so much variance regarding rules in the US due to its size and number of states, below is a helpful reference to some of the questions you might have. It is not an exhaustive guide – such is well beyond the scope of this article – but should hopefully help to guide you in the right direction if you are living in, or planning to travel to, the USA.
How old do I have to be to ride an e-scooter in the USA?
Most states do not impose age restrictions. Those that do are:Â
| STATES | AGE RESTRICTION |
|---|---|
Alabama Arkansas Connecticut Florida Kansas Nevada North Carolina Oregon Rhode Island Tennessee Vermont | 16 |
Utah | 15 |
Mississippi | 14 |
Michigan Minnesota | 12 |
What speeds are allowed in the USA?
| STATES | SPEED |
|---|---|
Any states not listed | 15 mph |
Arizona Iowa Louisiana Maine Michigan New Jersey Utah | 20 mph |
Colorado Florida | 25 mph |
Do I need to ride an Electric Scooter with a helmet in the USA?
| All Riders | Under 16 | Under 18 | No helmet* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Oregon West Virginia | Florida Massachusetts Mississippi | New Mexico North Dakota South Dakota Oklahoma | Any states not listed |
* It is always, of course, advisable to wear a helmet for your own protection, whether or not the law states that it is mandatory.
Do I need to register my Electric Scooter with the DMV in the USA?
| Yes | Yes, If motor is > 750W | No |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Illinois North Carolina West Virginia | Texas | Any states not listed |
Do I need a license to ride an Electric Scooter in the USA?
| Need Motorcycle License | Need Driving License | Exceptions | No |
|---|---|---|---|
Alabama | Kansas Rhode Island Michigan South Carolina Tennessee | Florida – any license is acceptable Texas – only if >750W | Any state not listed |
Do I need insurance for my Electric Scooter in the USA?
Most states do not require riders to insure their electric scooters, with the notable exception of Illinois.
Staying on the Right Side of the Law
Even if e-scooters are legal where you live, you can still find yourself on the wrong side of the law if you fail to observe safe practices when riding your scooter.
Generally, you should follow many of the same practices that a cyclist would:
- Always pay attention to both pedestrian and road traffic signs
- Use bike lanes wherever possible to avoid sharing space with faster traffic
- Exercise courtesy and safe behaviour with other road users and pedestrians.
- Try not to obstruct roads
- Always park your e-scooter in a safe and considerate place
- Only use the pavement where it is the only safe option – if the law allows this.
It should go without saying but, as with any vehicle, trying to compete with or aggravate other road users – such as by weaving in-between vehicles, speeding past cars or driving in an unsafe manner – is a sure-fire way to get yourself into trouble, both with the law and the ambulance service.
When in doubt, rely on common-sense…
If it isn’t safe, considerate and legal, don’t do it!
The information given here is our understanding of the laws in different countries. As laws change periodically, so we would strongly advise researching the laws and practices in your geographic location. Always obey the law of the land and if in doubt seek legal advice.
We at e-RIDES don’t profess to be experts in the legality of riding e-scooters, but we are passionate about legalising PEV’s – especially in the UK and have been asked to help formulate guidelines and basic practices in the UK by Government representatives.
For more information, please email us – info@e-rides.com
