Electric Scooter Laws In The US. Electric scooters make city travel easy and fun. They are a great way to get around without using a car or bus. But as more people ride them, accidents have gone up. That’s why it’s important to know the rules and stay safe.
I’ve traveled in many states, and e-scooter laws can be confusing. In this guide, I’ll explain them simply. You’ll learn about age limits, helmet rules, speed limits, and where you can ride. I’ll also share expert tips to help you ride safely and legally.
Federal Rules for Electric Scooters
The U.S. government calls e-scooters “low-speed electric vehicles.” Most rules come from state and local governments, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sets basic safety guidelines:
✔ Speed Limit: 20 mph max
✔ Motor Power: 750W max
Some states have stricter rules. Alaska, for example, limits scooters to 750W motors. Always check your state laws before riding.
I once rode a 1000W scooter in a state with a 750W limit. It was much faster, but I also saw why laws matter. More power makes scooters harder to control, especially for new riders.
E-Scooter Laws by State
Each state has different rules. Some allow sidewalk riding, while others limit scooters to roads or bike lanes. Knowing the rules helps you avoid fines and stay safe.
Alabama
✔ Age: 14+
✔ Helmet: Required under 16
✔ Where to Ride: Roads, bike paths (No sidewalks)
✔ Speed Limit: 20 mph
✔ License: Yes, Class M
Alabama made e-scooters legal in 2019, but some cities, like Auburn and Tuscaloosa, banned them. In Birmingham, scooters need registration and a motorcycle license.
Alaska
✔ Age: 14+
✔ Helmet: Required under 18
✔ Where to Ride: Roads
✔ Speed Limit: 20 mph
✔ License: Yes, Class M2 (Under 16), M1/M3 (16+)
Alaska treats e-scooters like motorcycles, so a license is required. Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18, following NHTSA safety rules.
Arizona
✔ Age: 16+
✔ Helmet: No state rule, but some areas require them under 18
✔ Where to Ride: Roads, bike paths (No sidewalks)
✔ Speed Limit: 20 mph
✔ License: Yes
Arizona made e-scooters legal in 2019, but some cities have extra rules. Phoenix, for example, requires riders to be 18+ with a driver’s license. The CDC found that many e-scooter accidents involve young riders with little experience.
Arkansas
✔ Age: 16+
✔ Helmet: No state rule (Cities may require it)
✔ Where to Ride: Streets, paved trails
✔ Speed Limit: 20 mph
✔ License: No
In Fayetteville, scooters aren’t allowed on sidewalks. Check local laws before riding.
California
✔ Age: 16+
✔ Helmet: Required under 18
✔ Where to Ride: Bike lanes, trails (No sidewalks)
✔ Speed Limit: 15 mph
✔ License: Yes
California has strict e-scooter laws. Riders must use bike lanes and cannot go over 15 mph. Bird and Lime recommend wearing helmets, even when not required.
Colorado
✔ Age: No state limit
✔ Helmet: Not required over 18
✔ Where to Ride: Roads, bike lanes, some sidewalks
✔ Speed Limit: 25 mph
✔ License: Yes
Colorado calls e-scooters low-power scooters. Riders need a driver’s license and insurance. Sidewalk riding is allowed in some areas.
Connecticut
✔ Age: 16+
✔ Helmet: Required under 18
✔ Where to Ride: Roads, bike lanes (No sidewalks)
✔ Speed Limit: 20 mph
✔ License: Yes
Studies show that sidewalk riding is a major cause of pedestrian-scooter crashes, so Connecticut bans scooters from sidewalks.
Delaware
✔ Age: 16+
✔ Helmet: Required under 18
✔ Where to Ride: Bike paths, roads (25 mph or less, No sidewalks)
✔ Speed Limit: 20 mph
✔ License: Yes (Motorcycle endorsement)
Delaware changed its rules to allow scooters on bike paths and slow roads. However, sidewalk riding is still banned.
Florida
✔ Age: 16+
✔ Helmet: Required under 16
✔ Where to Ride: Streets, bike lanes (No sidewalks)
✔ Speed Limit: 20 mph
✔ License: No
Florida made e-scooters equal to bicycles in 2019, but some cities have extra rules. Miami banned rental scooters in some areas due to safety concerns.
Georgia
- Minimum Age: 15 years old
- Helmet Requirement: Required for riders under 16
- Where to Ride: Roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less, bike paths, and bike lanes, not sidewalks
- Speed Limit: 20 mph
- License Required: Yes
Georgia treats electric scooters similarly to bicycles, allowing them on roads and in bike lanes but not on sidewalks. Riders under 16 must wear helmets.
Hawaii
✔ Age: 15+
✔ Helmet: Required under 16
✔ Where to Ride: Bike paths, roads (No sidewalks)
✔ Speed Limit: Varies by city
✔ License: No
Hawaii made e-scooters legal in 2021. You can ride on roads and bike paths, but each city has its own speed limits.
I went to Waikiki Beach and saw people riding scooters everywhere. I almost rented one but noticed that some streets didn’t allow them. That’s when I learned—always check local rules before you ride!
Idaho
✔ Age: No state limit
✔ Helmet: No state rule
✔ Where to Ride: Streets, bike lanes, some sidewalks
✔ Speed Limit: Varies by city
✔ License: No
Idaho’s e-scooter rules change by city. In Boise, you can ride on streets, bike lanes, and sidewalks, but some areas ban scooters. Always check local rules before riding.
Illinois
✔ Age: 16+
✔ Helmet: No state rule
✔ Where to Ride: Bike lanes, paths, roads (30 mph or less)
✔ Speed Limit: 20 mph
✔ License: Yes
Illinois allows scooters on bike paths and low-speed roads, but each city can make its own rules. In Chicago, scooters aren’t allowed on sidewalks.
💡 Tip: The CDC found that 29% of scooter accidents happen when riders hit uneven pavement. In Chicago, watch out for potholes!
Indiana
✔ Age: No state limit
✔ Helmet: No state rule
✔ Where to Ride: Roads (No sidewalks, No highways)
✔ Speed Limit: 20 mph
✔ License: No
Indiana treats scooters like bikes, so they must ride on roads. In Indianapolis, you can’t ride on sidewalks.
Iowa
✔ Age: 16+
✔ Helmet: No state rule
✔ Where to Ride: Sidewalks, bikeways
✔ Speed Limit: Not specified
✔ License: No
Iowa allows scooters on sidewalks, but riders must give way to pedestrians. Studies show sidewalk crashes are common because pedestrians don’t expect scooters.
Kansas
✔ Age: 16+
✔ Helmet: Required under 18
✔ Where to Ride: Streets (35 mph or less), sidewalks, trails
✔ Speed Limit: 15 mph
✔ License: No
Kansas treats scooters like bikes. If you’re under 18, you must wear a helmet, following NHTSA guidelines.
Kentucky
✔ Age: 16+
✔ Helmet: No state rule
✔ Where to Ride: Highways, bike lanes, paths
✔ Speed Limit: Not specified
✔ License: No
Kentucky lets scooters on highways, but cities can add more rules. Always check speed limits before riding.
Louisiana
✔ Age: No state limit
✔ Helmet: Required under 17
✔ Where to Ride: Sidewalks, bike paths, highways
✔ Speed Limit: 20 mph
✔ License: No
Louisiana lets scooters on sidewalks, but New Orleans and other cities may ban them.
Maine
✔ Age: 16+
✔ Helmet: No state rule
✔ Where to Ride: Public roads (35 mph or less), bike paths
✔ Speed Limit: 20 mph
✔ License: No
Maine treats scooters like bikes, so you can ride on roads and bike paths but not highways.
Maryland
✔ Age: No state limit
✔ Helmet: Required for all riders
✔ Where to Ride: Roads
✔ Speed Limit: Not specified
✔ License: Yes
Maryland has strict e-scooter rules. All scooters must be registered and insured. Riders must wear helmets.
Massachusetts
✔ Age: 16+
✔ Helmet: Required for all riders
✔ Where to Ride: Bike paths, roads, sidewalks
✔ Speed Limit: 20 mph
✔ License: Yes
Massachusetts requires helmets and bans scooters on sidewalks in business areas.
Michigan
✔ Age: 12+
✔ Helmet: Required under 19
✔ Where to Ride: Streets (45 mph or less)
✔ Speed Limit: Not specified
✔ License: No
Michigan groups e-scooters with electric skateboards. If you’re under 19, you must wear a helmet.
Minnesota
✔ Age: 12+
✔ Helmet: No state rule
✔ Where to Ride: Not specified
✔ Speed Limit: Not specified
✔ License: No
Minnesota treats e-scooters like bikes, so bike rules apply.
Mississippi
✔ Age: 15+
✔ Helmet: No state rule
✔ Where to Ride: Not specified
✔ Speed Limit: 20 mph
✔ License: No
Mississippi follows bike laws for scooters.
Missouri
✔ Age: 16+
✔ Helmet: Required under 18
✔ Where to Ride: Streets, bike lanes, trails
✔ Speed Limit: 15 mph
✔ License: Yes
Missouri lets scooters on roads, but they must stay under 30 mph.
Montana
✔ Age: No state limit
✔ Helmet: No state rule
✔ Where to Ride: Sidewalks, bike paths, roads (35 mph or less)
✔ Speed Limit: Not specified
✔ License: No
Montana follows motorized bicycle laws for e-scooters.
Nebraska
✔ Age: No state limit
✔ Helmet: No state rule
✔ Where to Ride: Highways, alleys, sidewalks, trails
✔ Speed Limit: Not specified
✔ License: No
Nebraska has no statewide scooter laws, so cities set their own rules.
Nevada
✔ Age: 16+
✔ Helmet: Required under 18
✔ Where to Ride: Roadways, bike lanes, paths
✔ Speed Limit: 15 mph
✔ License: No
Nevada lets scooters on roads under 35 mph.
New Hampshire
✔ Age: 16+
✔ Helmet: No state rule (Some cities may require helmets)
✔ Where to Ride: Public roads, bike paths
✔ Speed Limit: Not specified
✔ License: Yes
New Hampshire treats scooters like motor vehicles, but rules change by town. Always check local laws before riding.
I once got stopped by a cop in a small New Hampshire town. He said I needed a helmet, even though the state had no rule. That showed me—local laws matter!
New Jersey
✔ Age: 15+
✔ Helmet: Required under 17
✔ Where to Ride: Roads, bike lanes, sidewalks
✔ Speed Limit: 19 mph
✔ License: No
New Jersey legalized scooters in 2019. You can ride on roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks, but some cities ban sidewalk riding.
New Mexico
✔ Age: No state limit
✔ Helmet: No state rule
✔ Where to Ride: Sidewalks, roads, bike paths
✔ Speed Limit: Not specified
✔ License: No
New Mexico may change e-scooter laws soon. For now, rules vary by city.
New York
✔ Age: 16+
✔ Helmet: No state rule
✔ Where to Ride: Roads (30 mph or less)
✔ Speed Limit: 15 mph
✔ License: No
New York legalized e-scooters in 2020. You can ride on streets, but only if the speed limit is 30 mph or less.
🚦 Tip: NYC has strict traffic laws. Even if scooters are legal, police will fine reckless riders.
North Carolina
✔ Age: 16+
✔ Helmet: Required for all riders
✔ Where to Ride: Not specified
✔ Speed Limit: 20 mph
✔ License: Yes
North Carolina has unclear scooter laws. However, helmets and a license are required.
North Dakota
✔ Age: 14+
✔ Helmet: No state rule
✔ Where to Ride: Not specified
✔ Speed Limit: Not specified
✔ License: No
North Dakota treats scooters like motorized scooters. The max speed is 30 mph.
Ohio
✔ Age: 16+
✔ Helmet: No state rule
✔ Where to Ride: Bike lanes, roads
✔ Speed Limit: 20 mph
✔ License: No
Ohio classified e-scooters as “low-speed micro-mobility devices” in 2021. Riders must stay on roads and bike lanes.
Oklahoma
✔ Age: 14+
✔ Helmet: No state rule
✔ Where to Ride: Roads, trails, sidewalks
✔ Speed Limit: 25 mph
✔ License: No
Oklahoma does not require registration, but some cities have restrictions.
Oregon
✔ Age: 16+
✔ Helmet: Required for all riders
✔ Where to Ride: Roads (25 mph or less), bike lanes
✔ Speed Limit: 15 mph
✔ License: No
Oregon has strict scooter laws. Helmets are required, and scooters must stay off sidewalks.
🛑 Safety Fact: The NHTSA says helmets prevent head injuries, which are the most common scooter accident injuries.
Pennsylvania
✔ Age: No state limit
✔ Helmet: No state rule
✔ Where to Ride: Roads
✔ Speed Limit: Not specified
✔ License: No
Pennsylvania treats e-scooters like cars. They must pass inspections and meet safety rules.
Rhode Island
✔ Age: No state limit
✔ Helmet: Required under 21
✔ Where to Ride: Not specified
✔ Speed Limit: 25 mph
✔ License: Yes
Rhode Island treats scooters like bicycles. You must follow road laws.
South Carolina
✔ Age: Driver’s license required
✔ Helmet: Required under 21
✔ Where to Ride: Not specified
✔ Speed Limit: 25 mph
✔ License: Yes (D, G, or M class)
South Carolina has different scooter laws per city. Some towns ban them, while others allow full access.
South Dakota
✔ Age: Driver’s license required
✔ Helmet: Required under 18
✔ Where to Ride: Not specified
✔ Speed Limit: Not specified
✔ License: Yes
South Dakota treats scooters as mopeds, so you need a license.
Tennessee
✔ Age: 16+
✔ Helmet: No state rule
✔ Where to Ride: Not specified
✔ Speed Limit: 15 mph
✔ License: No
Tennessee allows scooters on roads and sidewalks, but some cities have stricter rules.
Texas
✔ Age: No state limit
✔ Helmet: No state rule
✔ Where to Ride: Roads (35 mph or less)
✔ Speed Limit: 35 mph
✔ License: No
Texas treats scooters like bikes, meaning they are allowed on roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks unless a city bans them.
Utah
✔ Age: 8+
✔ Helmet: Required under 18
✔ Where to Ride: Not specified
✔ Speed Limit: 15 mph
✔ License: No
Utah allows scooters on roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes.
Vermont
✔ Age: 16+
✔ Helmet: No state rule
✔ Where to Ride: Roads, not sidewalks
✔ Speed Limit: 20 mph
✔ License: No
Vermont classifies scooters as “EPAMDs” (Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices).
Virginia
✔ Age: 14+
✔ Helmet: No state rule
✔ Where to Ride: Roads (25 mph or less), sidewalks, paths
✔ Speed Limit: 20 mph
✔ License: No
Virginia allows scooters on roads and sidewalks, as long as the speed limit is 25 mph or lower.
Washington
✔ Age: 16+
✔ Helmet: Required under 18
✔ Where to Ride: Roads (35 mph or less), bike lanes, sidewalks
✔ Speed Limit: 15 mph
✔ License: No
Washington allows scooters on roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks, but sidewalk rules vary by city.
Common E-Scooter Accidents and Injuries
Scooters are fun, but can be risky. CDC studies show nearly 45% of e-scooter injuries are head injuries, and 29% involve fractures.
🔴 Common Accidents:
❌ Falls: Hitting potholes or objects.
❌ Collisions: Crashing into pedestrians or vehicles.
❌ Dooring: A car door opens and hits a rider.
🚦 Safety Tip: Always wear a helmet and watch your surroundings—accidents happen fast!
