Electric Scooter Laws in Kansas – Complete Guide 2025

Summary Electric Scooter Law Kansas

  • Classification: Electric-assisted scooter (K.S.A. § 8-15,113)
  • Min age: No minimum age specified in state law
  • Helmet required: Not specified in state law
  • Max speed: No state speed limit specified
  • License: No; Registration: No
  • Sidewalk riding allowed: Where municipalities allow
  • Bike lane access: Yes (follows bicycle regulations)
  • Scooter sharing present: Yes (varies by city)
  • Last checked: September 5, 2025′

Kansas Keeps It Simple

Kansas is one of the states with a refreshingly straightforward approach to electric scooter regulation, creating clear statewide rules that treat electric scooters the same as bicycles. These laws were implemented back in 2019 making Kansas one of few states that saw the writing on the wall.

The key insight is that traffic regulations applicable to bicycles apply to what Kansas call “electric-assisted scooters”, which creates a predictable legal framework that most riders are already familiar with.

Kansas electric scooter regulations are codified in K.S.A. § 8-15,113. The statute establishes clear operational parameters while also providing cities and counties authority to implement additional restrictions if they see a need for it.

The law defines electric-assisted scooters as subject to bicycle traffic regulations, which creates consistency with existing infrastructure and traffic patterns.

Where You Can Ride

Kansas’s riding rules follow the bicycle equivalency principle with specific highway restrictions:

Prohibited areas statewide:

  • Interstate highways
  • Federal highways
  • State highways (except for crossing)

Generally allowed locations:

  • Local roads where bicycles are permitted
  • Bike lanes and bicycle paths
  • City streets and county roads
  • Areas where local ordinances specifically allow

Local authority: Cities and counties can adopt ordinances that further restrict or prohibit electric scooter operation on any public highway, street, or sidewalk within their jurisdiction.

Equipment & Vehicle Requirements

Kansas state law doesn’t specify detailed equipment requirements for electric-assisted scooters. Since these devices follow bicycle regulations, they’re generally subject to the same equipment standards as bicycles, which typically include:

Basic safety equipment:

  • Functional brakes
  • Lights for nighttime operation (following bicycle lighting requirements)
  • Reflectors where required for bicycles

Note: Individual municipalities may impose additional equipment requirements as part of their local regulations.

Rider Requirements

Age restrictions: Kansas does not have any state age restrictions

Licensing: No driver’s license or special permit is required

Helmet laws: Kansas doesn’t mandate helmet use

Alcohol/drug rules: Standard impaired operation laws apply since electric scooters are treated as vehicles for traffic purposes

Traffic compliance: All bicycle traffic laws apply to electric scooter operation

Parking, Storage & Riding Etiquette

Most parking regulations have been left to local ordinance, but general principles include:

  • Follow local parking ordinances
  • Don’t block pedestrian access or ADA routes
  • Respect private property
  • Park in designated areas where available

Kansas weather presents seasonal challenges, with severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and winter conditions that can affect where you want to park your scooter during different seasons.

Enforcement & Penalties

Since electric scooters follow bicycle regulations, violations will typically follow suit:

  • Equipment violations: Fines typically ranging from $25-75
  • Traffic violations: Same penalties as bicycle violations
  • Local ordinance violations: Penalties vary by municipality
  • Highway operation violations: More significant fines due to safety concerns

Enforcement will vary significantly between urban and rural areas.

Insurance & Liability

Kansas doesn’t require specific insurance for electric scooter operation. Standard liability principles apply, meaning operators are responsible for damages they cause. Since electric scooters are treated as vehicles for traffic purposes, standard motor vehicle liability concepts may apply in accident situations.

Local Exceptions to State Law

Kansas’s framework gives cities and counties significant authority to modify state rules:

Wichita: Has implemented comprehensive electric scooter programs with detailed regulations covering shared scooter operations, parking requirements, and operational zones. The city has conducted pilot programs and maintains ongoing oversight of scooter renting companies.

Topeka: Has specific municipal code provisions (TMC 10.35.030 and 10.35.040) addressing electric-assisted scooters with operating requirements and prohibited areas within city limits. Requirements are: 16 years of age, rider under 18 must wear a helmet, no riding on roads with a speed limit higher than 35 mph.

Kansas City, Kansas: Coordinates with Kansas City, Missouri for regional scooter programs but maintains separate regulatory authority. Has specific downtown area restrictions and parking requirements.

Lawrence: Near the University of Kansas campus, has implemented specific regulations during game days and academic periods with designated parking areas and operational zones.

Manhattan: Near Kansas State University, has electric scooter regulations that account for campus proximity with specific restrictions during major university events.

Overland Park: Has implemented parking requirements and operational restrictions in certain commercial and residential areas.

Olathe: Generally follows state law with additional parking requirements in downtown areas and near public facilities.

Special Circumstances

University areas: University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and other campuses may have policies that differ from municipal regulations.

Severe weather: Kansas experiences significant severe weather including tornadoes and thunderstorms that can create dangerous conditions for electric scooter operation.

Agricultural areas: Rural Kansas roads may have specific considerations for electric scooter operation during planting and harvest seasons.

State parks: Kansas Department of Parks has separate rules for electric devices on state owned property.

FAQs

Are electric scooters legal in Kansas? Yes, statewide, but cities can impose additional restrictions or prohibitions.

Can I ride on Kansas highways? No, interstate, federal, and state highways are prohibited, though you can cross them.

Do I need a license or registration? No, there are no cities or state requirements.

Can I ride on sidewalks? Depends on local ordinances, as the state leaves sidewalk regulations to municipalities.

What about bike paths and trails? Generally allowed where bicycles are permitted, but check specific trail regulations.

Do I need insurance? Not required by law, but recommended for liability protection.

Resources & Citations

Keep Up With the Law

Get The Latest On Kansas Law Changes: While Kansas state law provides a solid foundation, local regulations tend to shift over time. Sign up to our newsletter in order to track updates as Kansas communities refine their electric scooter policies, or regularly check our electric scooter law page.

Kansas definitely did the right thing and created some sensible and easy to follow regulations out the gate. State sets a framework and the municipalities can adjust to their specific needs. The bicycle equivalency principle works because it builds on infrastructure already in place and traffic rules that most of us already now about. Instead of creating a separate, complex regulatory scheme, Kansas essentially said “treat these like bicycles” and lets move on to more pressing issues.

The highway restrictions make perfect sense from a safety perspective. Interstate and state highways aren’t appropriate for electric scooters, but the fact they added a provision allowing crossing means you’re not completely cut off from accessing areas separated by major roads.

Kansas is one of the easier states to ride in, that’s for sure.

Legal Disclaimer: We’re mere mortals here at ARideJunkie, and although we have a decade of working with with governments on electric scooter regulation (as advisors) we are not lawyers and our guide is purely educational. The purpose of this guide is purely to summarize and dissect legalize into mortal language.

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