Electric Scooter Laws by State – All State’s Rules To Ride

Unsure about what laws regulate the electric scooter use in your home state? Better pump those brakes and have a read up. Because electric scooter laws have been changing faster than the weather in some places. But we are a few years into it now and not being up to date is no longer an acceptable excuse. (Although it still works sometimes, but don’t bank on it.)

Some states welcome electric scooters with open arms, others treat them like UFOs. And if you think local cops don’t care, try zipping through downtown on a performance scooter in the wrong city.

This guide gives you a high-level view of U.S. electric scooter regulations and links out to our well-researched and curated individual state pages so you can get the full details on what you need to know to ride an electric scooter lawfully in that state. No legalese, no fluff, just the info you need to ride smart (and to avoid getting a ticket).

What We Cover in Each State Page:

• Legal status: Are scooters even allowed?
• Classifications: e.g., “a motor vehicle / low-speed electric scooter / e-bike class 2”
• Speed limits: Any restrictions to max mph/power you can legally ride
• License/Registration: Do you need a license or register to ride?
• Where to ride: Sidewalks? Streets? Bike lanes?
• Helmet rules: Required or just recommended?
• Minimum age: Are there any age requirements?
• Exceptions: Are there City laws that overrule state law?

Knowing Your Rights Equals Power

I’ve been in quite a cities and countries at this point test riding various electric vehicles. Sometimes it’s smooth sailing. Other times? You’re getting into an argument with a cop because you didn’t know the current regulation, there are plenty of weird local bans, and “Karen” pedestrians yelling about your riding.

Knowing what’s on the books upfront saves you money, hassle, and best of all, good knowledge of the legal landscape lets shut those Karens down with ease.

Check The Local Electric Scooter Law In Your State

Click below to find electric scooter laws for your specific state:

Each link takes you to a breakdown written for riders, by real riders.

Important Things to Watch For

• Local laws can sometimes override state laws.
• Helmet rules are about protecting your precious brain, not just the law.
• Speed limits might seem optional, until they’re not.
• Don’t assume rental scooter companies care more about you, than your wallet. Some apps even work in restricted zones.

Stay Up-To-Date With The Electric Scooter Legal Landscape

Before you hit the throttle, know your rights, and any restrictions to them. Electric scooters are still quite new (in law-maker standards). That means laws can be murky, vary heavily by city, and sometimes even change overnight. When in doubt, check your state’s page or local DOT ordinances.

This isn’t just about staying within the gray lines. It’s about riding safe, smart, and not having to worry about the long arm of the law cracking down on your commute.

Bookmark this hub. We have our volscribe-AI searching for new regulatory changes on a weekly basis and we do our best to keep our content up to date. 

BUT! We are not lawyers, we are speed demons so everything is strictly informational and shall not be taken as legal advice.

Remember, the police are out there to protect us. Sometimes that is from our own stupidity. If you stay respectful at all times, you’re likely to receive the same treatment back.