Electric Scooter Laws in Maine – Complete Guide 2025
Summary Electric Scooter Law Maine
- Classification: Included under “bicycle” definition (Title 29-A, §2063)
- Min age: No state minimum specified
- Helmet required?: No state requirement
- Max legal speed: 20 mph for motorized scooters
- License/registration required?: No
- Sidewalk riding allowed?: Not specified, follows bicycle rules
- Bike lane access?: Yes (same rights as bicycles)
- Scooter sharing present?: Limited presence
- Last checked: September 9, 2025
What Maine riders need to know
Maine takes a practical approach to electric scooter regulation by incorporating them into existing bicycle law under Title 29-A, §2063. The law specifically states that “bicycle” includes motorized scooters, which means scooter riders have the same rights and duties as cyclists. I find this approach to be the best, it builds on established infrastructure rules rather than creating entirely separate frameworks.
The state has a maximum speed limit for electric scooters at 20 mph, putting it alongside the majority of states.
Official legal framework
Maine’s electric scooter regulations are found in Title 29-A, §2063, which covers “Bicycles, roller skis, toy vehicles and scooters.” The law explicitly includes motorized scooters in its definition of bicycles, stating that riders have “the rights and is subject to the duties applicable to the operator of a vehicle, except as to special regulations and provisions in this Title that by their nature can have no application.”
This is one of my favorite type of adaptions from a regulatory standpoint. Instead of creating separate rules that might contradict existing traffic law, Maine extended proven bicycle regulations to cover similar vehicles. The state also includes specific equipment requirements and operational limits that address safety concerns without them being overly restrictive
Where you can ride
Roadways: Electric scooters can operate on public roads with the same rights as bicycles. You must “operate on the right portion of the way as far as practicable” unless it’s unsafe.
Shoulders: Maine specifically allows bicycle and scooter operation on paved shoulders, which is helpful for rural areas where dedicated bike infrastructure might not exist.
Bike lanes: Full access to bike lanes where they exist, following standard bicycle right of way rules.
Sidewalks: The law doesn’t specifically address sidewalk riding for scooters, which means local municipalities are given the freedom to set their own policies. In my experience, this usually means sidewalk riding defaults to being permitted unless locally prohibited, but always yield to pedestrians.
Trails & parks: State law doesn’t specify restrictions. Individual parks and trail systems may have their own policies. Always check before riding.
Equipment & vehicle requirements
Speed limits: Motorized scooters “may not be operated in excess of 20 miles per hour.” This applies to the scooter’s maximum capability, not just your riding speed. Which is a bummer since a lot of scooters able to tackle hills are often stronger.
Braking requirements: Under Title 29-A, §2084, your scooter must be “equipped with a brake sufficient to enable the operator to stop the vehicle or device within a reasonable distance.” This is practical language that ensures stopping power without getting into specific technical requirements.
Lighting: While not explicitly required for scooters in the main statute, standard vehicle lighting requirements would apply during low visibility conditions. All scooters we test have adequate lighting for night time riding, so I don’t see how this is ever an issue.
Rider requirements
Age: No statewide minimum age requirement, though local jurisdictions are allowed to set their own limits.
License: No driver’s license required for electric scooter operation at any age.
Helmet: No state helmet requirement for any age group, though individual municipalities may have their own rules.
Traffic law compliance: Scooter riders must obey all traffic control devices, stop at stop signs, yield right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks, and follow one-way street designations.
Alcohol and drugs: Standard DUI laws apply to electric scooters. Maine treats impaired operation of any vehicle seriously, and scooters are specifically included under vehicle operation statutes.
Parking, storage & riding etiquette
Maine law doesn’t provide specific parking guidance for scooters beyond general traffic regulations, which means common sense and local ordinances apply.
Best practices: Park in areas that don’t obstruct pedestrian traffic, avoid blocking ADA access points, and stay out of vehicle travel lanes. If your community has designated bike parking, scooters are typically allowed to use the same spaces.
Enforcement & penalties
Maine’s enforcement structure is straightforward. Violations by people 17 and older result in traffic infractions with fines between $25 and $250. People under 17 aren’t subject to fines, but their scooters can be impounded for 5 days for a first offense, 10 days for a second offense, and 30 days for subsequent offenses.
Common violations: Not staying to the right when required, failing to stop at stop signs, not yielding to pedestrians, and exceeding the 20 mph speed limit tend to be the most common infractions.
Impoundment authority: Local police chiefs or legislative body chairs can impound scooters operated by minors in violation of the law.
Insurance & liability
Maine doesn’t require specific insurance for electric scooters, but standard liability principles apply in accident situations. Maine follows comparative negligence rules, which means fault gets assigned based on each party’s contribution to an accident.
Coverage considerations: Check with your insurance provider about coverage options. Some homeowner’s or renter’s policies provide liability coverage for personal electric vehicles, but confirm directly rather than assuming coverage.
Local exceptions to state law
Portland and other larger cities may have additional regulations, though Maine’s state law is comprehensive enough that most municipalities work within the existing framework rather than creating entirely separate rules.
University towns: Communities with colleges like Orono (University of Maine) may have campus-specific restrictions during certain periods or in high-traffic areas.
Tourist areas: Coastal communities might implement seasonal restrictions during peak summer months, particularly around harbor areas or historic districts.
Special circumstances
Weather considerations: Maine winters can be brutal on both batteries and riders. Most electric scooters don’t perform well in snow or ice, and battery range drops significantly in cold temperatures. I’ve found that lithium batteries lose about 20-30% of their capacity when temperatures drop below freezing.
School zones: Standard school zone speed limits apply, and remember that you must stop for school buses with flashing red lights just like any other vehicle operator.
FAQs
Can teenagers ride? No state age minimum exists, but shared scooter companies typically require riders to be 18+. For private scooters, parents need to ensure kids can handle the responsibility.
Do I need insurance? Not required by law, but liability in accidents can be significant. Check with your insurance provider about coverage options.
Can I ride faster than 20 mph? No, Maine law specifically limits motorized scooters to 20 mph maximum operation.
What about riding in winter? Legal but not practical. Most scooters aren’t designed for snow or ice conditions, and battery performance drops significantly in cold weather.
Are there restrictions on trails? State law doesn’t specifically restrict trail access, but individual trail systems may have their own policies.
Resources & citations
- Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A, §2063: Bicycles, roller skis, toy vehicles and scooters
- Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A, §2084: Equipment requirements for bicycles and scooters
- Maine Department of Transportation: Bicycle and pedestrian program resources
- Local municipal codes: For city-specific regulations and parking requirements
Stay Ahead On Maine E-scooter Regulation
Maine’s scooter laws are relatively stable, but local ordinances do get adjusted from time to time. If you’ve spotted changes or errors, particularly in city regulations, let us know so we can keep this guide accurate for other riders.
Sign Up For Continuous Updates: Get updates when laws change in your state by signing up to our newsletter, or check back to our e-scooter state law page on a regular basis.
Toby’s Final Words Of Non-Legal Wisdom
Maine’s approach to electric scooter regulation is refreshingly practical. By including scooters under existing bicycle law, the state avoided the regulatory confusion I’ve seen in states where scooters operate in a legal gray area. The 20 mph speed limit is what most states with current regulation are going for and it makes sense for most riding situations.
At Aridejunkie we love non-restrictive regulations and Main strikes a good balance.. The braking requirements ensure stopping power, the traffic law compliance keeps everyone predictable on the road, and the enforcement structure has reasonable penalties that escalate appropriately.
From a practical standpoint, Maine riders have clear and easy rules to follow and reasonable freedom to operate. One thing to keep in mind is that Maine’s rural character means infrastructure can vary significantly between urban and rural areas. The law allowing shoulder riding acknowledges this reality, but always prioritize your safety over technical legality when infrastructure is limited.
Legal Disclaimer: We are riders, not lawyers. This page summarizes law and is for informational purposes only, not legal advice. For specific questions about accidents, liability, or complex regulatory situations, consider consulting with a local attorney familiar with Maine transportation law.
