Electric Scooter Laws in Maryland – Complete Guide 2025

Summary Electric Scooter Law Maryland

• Classification: Electric low speed scooter (Maryland State Code 11-117.2a)
• Min age: No state minimum specified
• Helmet required?: Yes, under 16 years old
• Max legal speed: 20 mph maximum capability
• License/registration required?: No
• Sidewalk riding allowed?: Yes (unless locally prohibited)
• Bike lane access?: Yes (same rights as bicycles)
• Scooter sharing present?: Yes (Baltimore, some counties)
• Last checked: September 11, 2025

What Maryland riders need to know

Maryland goes the quite common route of regulating electric scooters like bicycles. The state defines electric scooters specifically as “electric low speed scooters” under Maryland State Code 11-117.2a, then treats them exactly like bicycles for traffic purposes under Code 11-104. This approach eliminates the regulatory confusion you see in states where they set up complex and unnecessary strict regulation particularly for e-scooters.

The key insight here is understanding Maryland’s technical definition, your scooter must weigh less than 100 pounds, max out at 20 mph, and be designed for a single rider. Most consumer scooters fit this definition perfectly, apart from many being faster than acceptable.

Official legal framework

Maryland’s electric scooter regulations are found in Maryland State Code 11-117.2a for definitions and Maryland State Code 11-104 for operational rules. The law defines an “Electric low speed scooter” as a vehicle that weighs less than 100 pounds, has single wheels in tandem or combination front/rear configurations, is equipped with handlebars and standing platform, is powered solely by electric motor and human power, and can operate at speeds up to 20 mph.

Once defined, these scooters are included in the bicycle definition under Code 11-104, meaning “all the same rules and regulations that apply to bicycles also apply to electric low speed scooters.” This is actually a brilliant regulatory approach because it leverages existing, proven traffic laws rather than creating separate rules.

Where you can ride

Roadways: Electric scooters can operate on all public roads where bicycles are permitted. However, expressways and streets with posted speed limits above 50 mph are prohibited. Experience have me staying away from 35+ mph roads regardless of legal technicalities.

Bike lanes: Full access to bike lanes throughout Maryland, following the same right of way rules as bicycles. This is typically your safest option in urban areas.

Sidewalks: Legal on public sidewalks throughout Maryland unless specifically posted as prohibited. The law treats scooters like bicycles for sidewalk access, though you must always yield to pedestrians and ride at an appropriate speed.

Trails & parks: Permitted on pathways and trails where bicycles are allowed, though individual parks and trail systems may have specific restrictions. Always check local signage before riding.

Equipment & vehicle requirements

Maryland have simple and specific technical specifications for what is deemed an electric low-speed scooter:

Weight limit: Your scooter must weigh less than 100 pounds. Most consumer scooters fall well under this limit, but some really heavy-duty units or cargo scooters might exceed it.

Speed capability: Maximum speed capability of 20 mph. This applies to the scooter’s technical capability, not just your riding speed. Excluding quite a large number of scooters. But we do have speed modes for a reason, I don’t think that’s enough though.

Design requirements: Must have handlebars, a standing platform, and be designed to transport only the operator. Single wheels in tandem or combination wheel configurations are specified.

Power source: Must be “solely powered by an electric motor and human power,” which allows for both kick-start mechanisms and human propulsion assistance.

Rider requirements

Age: No statewide minimum age requirement for operating electric scooters, though local jurisdictions may set their own limits.

Helmet: Required for riders under 16 years old throughout Maryland. This applies to both shared and privately owned scooters.

License: No driver’s license required for electric scooter operation at any age.

Traffic law compliance: Since scooters follow bicycle rules, riders must obey all traffic control devices, signal turns when required, and follow the same right of way rules as cyclists.

Alcohol and drugs: Maryland’s DUI laws apply to electric scooters. Operating any vehicle while impaired carries serious penalties, and the state interprets vehicle operation broadly for enforcement purposes.

Parking, storage & riding etiquette

Maryland law doesn’t provide specific parking guidance beyond general traffic regulations, which means standard bicycle parking principles apply.

Best practices: Use designated bike parking when available, avoid blocking pedestrian access or ADA compliance areas, and stay out of vehicle travel lanes. Many Maryland municipalities are developing designated scooter parking areas in high-populated zones.

Enforcement & penalties

Enforcement varies significantly across Maryland’s jurisdictions. In Baltimore and other urban areas, you’ll see more active enforcement of scooter regulations. Suburban and rural areas typically have minimal enforcement unless there are specific safety concerns.

Common violations: Riding without proper helmets for minors, operating on prohibited roadways, and improper parking tend to be the main issues that result in citations.

Typical penalties: Since scooters follow bicycle regulations, most violations carry similar penalties to bicycle infractions, typically ranging from warnings to moderate fines depending on severity.

Insurance & liability

Maryland doesn’t require specific insurance for electric scooters, but standard liability principles apply in accident situations. Maryland follows a contributory negligence system, which means if you contribute to an accident in any way, you might be barred from recovering damages.

Coverage considerations: Check with your insurance provider about liability coverage options. Some homeowner’s or renter’s policies provide coverage for personal electric vehicles, but confirm directly rather than assuming protection.

Local exceptions to state law

Baltimore has developed comprehensive scooter regulations that work well as a baseline for other Maryland areas:

• Age requirement: 18+ for shared scooters, helmet required under 16 for all scooters
• Where to ride: Follow bicycle rules, sidewalks permitted with pedestrian priority
• Parking: Designated areas in downtown core, must not block pedestrian access
• Shared scooter permits: Companies must obtain city permits and follow operational requirements

Montgomery County has specific regulations:

• Sidewalk riding: Permitted but must yield to pedestrians and use reasonable speeds
• Trail access: Allowed on county trails where bicycles are permitted
• Parking: Standard ADA compliance requirements

Howard County sets good operational standards:

• Speed limits: 20 mph maximum, appropriate speeds for conditions
• Helmet requirements: Under 16 years old must wear helmets
• Prohibited areas: Expressways and streets over 50 mph speed limits

Special circumstances

DC metro area: Many Maryland communities near Washington DC coordinate with regional transportation authorities on scooter policies. Expect more structured regulations in these areas.

University areas: Communities with colleges like College Park (University of Maryland) often have additional campus restrictions and designated scooter parking near academic buildings.

Tourist zones: Areas like Annapolis and Ocean City may implement seasonal restrictions during peak periods, particularly around historic districts or beach access areas.

FAQs

Can my teenager ride? Yes, but helmet required under 16. No minimum age set by state law, though shared scooter companies typically require 18+ with credit card.

Do I need insurance? Not required by law, but liability in accidents can be significant due to Maryland’s contributory negligence system. Check with your provider about coverage options.

Can I ride on all sidewalks? Yes, unless specifically posted as prohibited. Always yield to pedestrians and ride at appropriate speeds.

What about riding at night? Legal, but Maryland bicycle lighting requirements would apply. I recommend front white light and rear red light for visibility.

Resources & citations

• Maryland State Code 11-117.2a: Electric low speed scooter definitions
• Maryland State Code 11-104: Bicycle regulations (applied to electric scooters)
• Maryland Department of Transportation: Bicycle and pedestrian safety resources
• Baltimore Department of Transportation: Shared mobility device permits and regulations
• Montgomery County Department of Transportation: Local scooter regulations

Stay Up To Date

Maryland’s scooter laws are relatively stable, but local ordinances continue evolving. If you’ve spotted changes or errors, particularly in county or city regulations, let us know so we can keep this guide accurate for other riders.

Newsletter signup: Get updates when laws change in your state per email, or check our legal hub frequently.

Toby’s Final Words Of Non-Legal Wisdom

Maryland’s regulatory approach to electric scooters is aligned with the states with clear and non-restrictive frameworks. By clearly defining what constitutes an electric scooter and then applying existing bicycle law, the state created rules that riders will have no problem understanding and following regardless of age.

The 100-pound weight limit and 20 mph speed cap make practical sense for most riding situations. These limits keep scooters in a reasonable performance category that matches existing bicycle infrastructure and traffic patterns.

From a technical standpoint, a lot of commuter scooters meet Maryland’s definition requirements easily. The weight and speed limits eliminate some high-performance models, but these restrictions also ensure that electric scooters remain compatible with existing infrastructure that it will share with bikes.

Legal Disclaimer: We are riders, mechanics and adrenaline junkies, not lawyers. This page summarizes law and is for educational purposes only, not legal advice. Given Maryland’s contributory negligence system, consider consulting with a local attorney familiar with Maryland transportation law for specific accident or liability questions.