Otis Singleton
Electric skateboards are a fun, eco-friendly way to travel, but their legal status is ambiguous in many places. In the United States, electric skateboards are illegal in most states, but some states and local governments have made them legal with certain restrictions. For example, California permits electric skateboards, but riders must wear helmets and stick to roads with speed limits below 35 mph. In contrast, Florida prohibits electric skateboards on public roads and sidewalks. The lack of clear and consistent laws across states and even cities in the US has led to confusion among riders and law enforcement alike. Similar variations in laws can be seen in other countries, such as Australia, Singapore, and European nations like Ireland and Italy. As electric skateboards gain popularity, the demand for clear and well-thought-out legislation becomes more pressing to ensure safe and responsible use.
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What You'll Learn
Electric skateboard laws in the United States
Electric skateboards are a relatively new phenomenon, and their popularity is increasing. However, their legal status in the United States varies from state to state, with most states not having legalized their use. This has resulted in confusion and a legal grey area, with riders facing fines and confiscation of their boards.
Some states have made moves to legalize their use, with specific regulations in place. California, for example, has laws that are rider-friendly, allowing electric skateboards in public areas with certain rules, such as a maximum speed limit of 35 mph, and the need for lights and reflectors at night.
Michigan also allows electric skateboards, with a maximum speed limit of 25 mph, and the same rules that apply to cyclists. Riders must be at least 12 years old, and those under 19 must wear helmets.
Texas has not explicitly legalized or outlawed electric skateboards, but they are considered motor vehicles and must follow the rules of the road as cars. They can be ridden on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or lower, and in some bicycle lanes and on sidewalks, depending on local laws.
Arizona has legalized electric skateboards, but with varying regulations depending on the location. They can be used on streets, bike lanes, and multi-use paths, but local ordinances may restrict their use on sidewalks.
In contrast, some states have specifically outlawed electric skateboards. Florida is one such state, classifying them as motor vehicles, which must be registered to be ridden on roads, and as electric skateboards do not meet the safety and design requirements, they cannot be registered. New York has also made electric skateboards illegal, causing public outrage, and the state government has not reconsidered its stance.
The lack of federal regulation means individual states have the power to create their own laws, and with the popularity of electric skateboards increasing, more states will need to address this issue and provide clear guidance to avoid confusion and legal issues for riders.
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Electric skateboard laws in Europe
Electric skateboard laws vary across Europe. Each country has its own rules, and sometimes these differ between cities.
Electric skateboards are legal in Belgium, where they fall under the same laws as Segways. This means they can travel at speeds up to 20km/h and anywhere bicycles can go. In Finland, electric skateboards can be ridden on footpaths if they have a maximum power of 1KW and a maximum speed of 15km/h, which technically classifies the rider as a pedestrian. To ride on the road, the maximum speed increases to 25km/h, and the skateboard is classed as a light electric vehicle. Similar to Finland, France permits electric skateboards on roads with a speed limit of 50kph or less, on bike paths, and on curbs at a reduced speed of 6kph. However, the maximum speed of the skateboard should not exceed 25kmph, and it must have lights, reflectors, and a bell. In Sweden, electric skateboards have been assimilated as bikes and given similar rights with a few speed limitations.
In the Czech Republic, electric skateboards are legal, but Segways are banned in Prague. In Greece, if an electric skateboard is ridden on the road, it is classified as a bicycle and can travel at speeds up to 25km/h. In Austria, electric skateboards are unclassified, but they are allowed on sidewalks as long as they do not endanger pedestrians. Electric skateboards are illegal in Ireland as they are classified as Mechanically Powered Vehicles (MPV) and are subject to the same regulations as other vehicles.
While electric skateboards are legal in some European countries, it is important to note that local laws and regulations may vary, and it is always recommended to wear a helmet and protective gear for safety.
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Electric skateboard laws in Australia
Electric skateboards are generally legal in Australia, but specific regulations vary by state and territory. According to the Australian Road Rules (ARR), electric skateboards are not classified as motor vehicles. However, the laws regarding their use on public roads and paths differ across the country.
In Queensland, electric skateboards are permitted on public roads and paths, but with strict limitations. Riders must wear an approved helmet and are restricted from riding on main roads or streets in the Brisbane CBD.
In New South Wales, electric skateboards are prohibited on public roads and paths and can only be used on private land. A similar restriction is in place for South Australia, where electric skateboards are considered motor vehicles, requiring a driver's license, registration, and insurance, which they do not meet the requirements for.
In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), electric skateboards are legal and classified as Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs), which include electric scooters and segway-type devices. They are permitted on footpaths, shared paths, and bicycle paths but are not allowed on roads or bicycle lanes. Riders must adhere to a speed limit of 10 km/h when approaching and crossing roads.
The laws regarding electric skateboards in the Northern Territory are unclear, and they are not specifically classified in Tasmania. It is advisable to assume that they are not permitted on public roads and footpaths in these regions.
It is important to note that electric skateboard laws in Australia are still evolving, and specific regulations may change over time. Riders should always refer to the latest information provided by their state or territory's transport regulatory authority.
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Electric skateboard laws in the United Kingdom
Electric skateboards are not legal to ride on public roads and pavements in the United Kingdom. They are considered motor vehicles and therefore require registration, insurance, and a license to ride. The Highway Act of 1835 states that a "carriage of any description" is not allowed on footpaths intended for pedestrians, and this includes electric skateboards.
While it is possible to purchase an electric skateboard in the UK, you cannot currently register one for road use. This means that if you are caught riding on a highway, you could face a fixed penalty of £300 and 6 points on your driving license. If the case goes to court, you may have to pay unlimited fines and face disqualification from driving. Your electric skateboard could also be seized by the police.
However, there are no specific rules for electric skateboard laws in Europe, and each country governs the use of electric skateboards independently. While some countries permit the use of electric skateboards on public roads, others prohibit it. There have been reports that new laws or regulations regarding electric skateboards may be announced in the UK, but as of November 2023, there is no indication that the long-term electric skateboard laws will be updated.
In the meantime, it is important to stay informed about the laws in your area and to ride responsibly. Some sources suggest that if riders adopt a respectful attitude towards other people and follow current road rules, this may increase the chances of electric skateboards being legalised in the future.
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Electric skateboard safety
Electric skateboarding is illegal in many places, and even where it is legal, there are often specific rules and regulations that must be followed. For example, in California, you must wear a helmet, be at least 16 years old, and not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In Arizona, you must be 14 or older, and if you are, you must carry a consent form signed by your parent or guardian.
Beyond legal requirements, there are several safety precautions you should take when riding an electric skateboard. Firstly, always wear a helmet and other protective gear, such as knee and elbow pads. It is also important to be aware of your surroundings and stay vigilant, especially when riding at night or in crowded areas. Keep your board dry and ride on smooth surfaces to reduce the risk of accidents caused by electronics malfunctions or slippery roads.
Another crucial aspect of electric skateboard safety is mastering the art of balancing. This requires a combination of skill, practice, and focus. Keep your weight centred over the board and your knees slightly bent to maintain balance. Start on a flat, enclosed surface and gradually increase your speed and experiment with different riding styles as you become more comfortable.
It is also important to know your limits and not ride beyond your skill level. Electric skateboards can reach high speeds, and it is easy for novice riders to lose control. Always be considerate of others and follow the rules of the road, giving vehicles the right of way and staying in your lane. Remember that electric skateboarding can be dangerous, and accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. By taking the necessary precautions and staying vigilant, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric skateboards are not universally legal in the United States. The laws vary by state and even by city. Some states have no clear regulations, so it's best to refer to the bike or electric scooter regulations.
Electric skateboards are legal in some states, including California, Michigan, and Texas. They are illegal in Florida, New York, and Delaware.
Yes, there are age restrictions in certain states. For example, in Arizona, people under 14 are forbidden to operate electric skateboards, and those aged 14 to 18 are required to carry consent forms signed by their parents.
Yes, speed restrictions vary by location. For example, in Michigan, electric skateboards are limited to 25 mph, while in California, they cannot exceed road speed limits of 35 mph.
