Beatrice Lang
Electric scooters are increasingly popular, but their legality varies across the globe. In the US, electric scooters are street-legal in 38 states, while 10 states have deemed them not to be street-legal. In the UK, electric scooters were only recently allowed on public roads in certain cities as part of a pilot program. Globally, the requirements for riding an electric scooter vary widely, and riders should check with their local department of motor vehicles to clarify the laws in their area.
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What You'll Learn
Electric scooter laws in the US
Electric scooters are a fairly new mode of transport, and laws surrounding their use are still developing in many places. In the US, electric scooters are generally allowed on roads, but specific laws vary from state to state, and even city to city.
Federal Law
At a federal level, electric scooters are considered low-speed bicycles or "two- or three-wheeled vehicles with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts". However, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards regarding electric scooters are not always clear or straightforward.
State and City Laws
Each state has its own set of laws governing the use of electric scooters, and these can differ significantly. For example, in California, riders must wear a helmet and are limited to a maximum speed of 15 mph on public roads, while in Arkansas, scooters are prohibited from being used on sidewalks and must adhere to all traffic regulations. In Hawaii, scooters must be equipped with lights for night-time use, weigh less than 75 pounds, and not exceed 15 mph. In Delaware, electric scooters are not allowed on highways, streets, or sidewalks, while in Florida, the minimum age to ride one is 16, and they can be ridden in bike lanes.
Age and Helmet Requirements
The most common minimum age in the US for riding an electric scooter is 16, and helmets are usually required for those under the age of 18. However, this can vary, with some states requiring helmets for all ages, and others not requiring them at all.
Other Considerations
In addition to age and helmet requirements, there are other important considerations for riding an electric scooter legally and safely. These include speed limits, which are typically capped at 15-20 mph, and may be further restricted by the road's speed limit. Scooters should also be equipped with lights for night-time riding, and an audible signal such as a bell to alert pedestrians. It is also illegal in most states to operate an electric scooter under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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Electric scooter laws in the UK
Electric scooters, or e-scooters, are a popular mode of transport in the UK, but the laws surrounding their use on public roads are complex and evolving. Here is a summary of the current legal situation regarding e-scooters in the UK:
Legality of E-Scooters on Public Roads
Privately-owned e-scooters are currently not legal to use on public roads in the UK. They are classified as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988, which means they are subject to the same laws as cars and motorcycles. As e-scooters typically do not meet road traffic laws, such as the requirement for rear lights and registration plates, they cannot be legally used on public roads. Using a privately-owned e-scooter on public roads can result in a fixed penalty of £300 and six penalty points for having no insurance.
Rental E-Scooter Trials
The UK government is running trials of rental e-scooters in certain areas, where it is legal to use them on public roads (excluding motorways) and in some cycle lanes. These trials allow the government to gather data and feedback to inform future legislation. The trials are being conducted in collaboration with e-scooter rental companies such as TIER, Lime, Voi, and Dott. To use a rental e-scooter in these trial areas, individuals must meet certain requirements, including holding a valid driving licence and being insured. The specific rules may vary depending on the rental company and the local area.
Future Legislation
There is growing pressure and support for the legalisation of privately-owned e-scooters in the UK. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has expressed intention to legislate on e-scooters, but it is unlikely to happen in the current parliamentary session. The exact timeline for legislation remains unclear, but it is expected to occur eventually.
Safety Recommendations
When riding an e-scooter, whether rented or privately owned, it is important to prioritize safety. While not a legal requirement, wearing a cycle helmet is strongly recommended. Additionally, wearing light-coloured or fluorescent clothing can enhance visibility for other road users. It is crucial to follow relevant road traffic laws and local regulations to avoid penalties and ensure safe usage.
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Electric scooter laws in New Zealand
Electric scooters are legal in New Zealand. They are classified as low-powered vehicles and do not require registration or a driver's license to operate. To be classified as a low-powered vehicle, an electric scooter's wheels must not exceed 355mm, and its motor must not have a maximum power output over 300W.
E-scooters can be used on the footpath or the road, except in designated cycle lanes that are part of the road. When riding on the road, e-scooter users are required to stay as close as possible to the curb. However, this does not mean riding in the gutter; users should not endanger themselves. It is recommended to give parked cars enough room to open a door and be prepared to stop to let traffic pass if necessary for safety. If it is not possible to ride safely on the road, users should use the pavement. Users should also only use pedestrian crossing signals if they dismount and walk their scooter across.
The power output of an e-scooter is determined by its battery voltage and controller amperage, not just the watt rating of the motor. The maximum power output may differ from the maximum power wattage of the electric motor. The best way to determine an e-scooter's maximum power output is to refer to the manufacturer's specifications or physically test the system on a dynamometer.
While helmets are not legally required when riding e-scooters, they are strongly recommended for safety. It is the rider's responsibility to find out the requirements for using low-powered vehicles, as manufacturers and retailers may not always provide this information.
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Speed limits for electric scooters
Electric scooters are increasingly popular, and their speed capabilities are improving. In New Zealand, electric scooters are legal and fall into the category of low-powered vehicles. These are vehicles that do not meet the definition of a motor vehicle and, therefore, can be used without registration or a driver's license. To meet the requirements for a low-powered vehicle, an e-scooter's wheels must not exceed 355mm, and the motor must have a maximum power output of 300 watts.
However, the speed limits for e-scooters in New Zealand are not entirely clear. While the power output is limited, the speed capabilities of these scooters are not. For example, the Kaabo Wolf King GT Pro 72V, available from Storm Rides, has a top speed of 100km/h. This is much faster than the 35km/h speed of an e-scooter with a 300W motor. While the Transport Agency has expressed concern about the safety of e-scooters, particularly in areas with a lot of foot traffic, there is no mention of speed limits for e-scooters on public roads.
In Australia, electric scooters are subject to speed limits. In New South Wales, e-scooters cannot exceed 20km/h on roads and 10km/h on shared paths. In Victoria, the speed limit for e-scooters is 20km/h, and the e-scooter must not be capable of exceeding 25km/h. In South Australia, the speed limit is even lower, at 15km/h.
In Queensland, the speed limit for e-scooters on footpaths and shared paths is 12km/h, while the speed limit for bike paths and roads is 25km/h. These speed limits are enforced with fines of up to $1209 for dangerous offences, including speeding.
While electric scooters are a convenient and environmentally friendly mode of transport, the lack of clear and consistent speed limit regulations in some countries, such as New Zealand, may pose safety risks for both riders and pedestrians.
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Electric scooter laws in specific US states
Electric scooters are a fun, economical, and environmentally friendly way to commute. However, the laws governing their use vary significantly across the US. While they are legal for personal and recreational use across the US, they are only street-legal in 38 out of 50 states.
Alabama
In Alabama, electric scooters are recognised as a legitimate mode of transportation on public roads. However, the regulations differ depending on the city. For instance, in Birmingham, riders need to obtain a motorcycle license, while in other cities like Auburn and Tuscaloosa, scooter-sharing initiatives are not allowed.
Arizona
In Arizona, electric scooters can be ridden on sidewalks. Riders must be over 12 years old, and those under 18 are required to wear a helmet.
California
California requires riders to have a valid driver's license. The state has also created laws prohibiting riding an e-scooter with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
Florida
In Florida, e-scooter riders have the same rights and responsibilities as bicyclists, including the right to use bike lanes. The minimum age to ride is 16, and those under 16 are required to wear a helmet. The maximum speed limit is 30 mph.
Idaho
Idaho does not have specific state laws for electric scooters, but riders can use sidewalks and streets, and there is no helmet requirement. Riders under 17 need a valid driver's license, and the maximum speed limit is 20 mph.
Maryland
In Maryland, electric scooters are subject to the same laws as bicycles and cannot exceed a speed of 20 mph. Riders need a valid driver's license, and those under 18 must wear a helmet.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric scooters are allowed on the road in 38 US states, but they are prohibited in 10 states. In states like California, Colorado, Massachusetts, and New York, electric scooters are not allowed on highways, expressways, or limited-access roads.
Electric scooters were only recently allowed on public roads in certain UK cities as part of a pilot program.
Yes, you must be at least 15 or 16 years old to ride an electric scooter on the road, depending on the state or country.
Yes, the speed limit for electric scooters on the road is generally 20-25 mph, but this varies by state and country.
It depends on the state or country. In some places, you may need a driver's license or a special motorcycle license, while in other places, no license is required.
