Electric Scooter Laws in Alabama – Rules, Helmet, Age, Where to Ride

  • Classification: Motor-driven cycle (Alabama Code § 32-12-22)
  • Min age: 16 years (Class M license required, 14 with B restricted)
  • Helmet required: Yes, all riders
  • Max speed: 20 mph
  • Max power: 750W motor limit
  • Max weight: Under 100 lbs
  • License: Class M or “B restricted” motorcycle endorsement required
  • Registration: Yes, required
  • Sidewalk riding: No, prohibited statewide
  • Bike lane access: No specific allowance
  • Scooter sharing: Registration done by company, you follow same rules as above
  • Last updated: August 26, 2025

The Reality Check for Alabama Riders

Alabama treats electric scooters as motor-driven cycles, which means more paperwork than most states but clearer rules once you understand them. You need a Class M motorcycle license, registration, and helmet regardless of age. The state doesn’t mess around with gray areas, every electric scooter with a motor gets the full motorcycle treatment minus the insurance requirement. All scooters must be under 750W, weigh less than 100 pounds, and while they are allowed to reach 20 mph, standard traffic laws apply for actual riding speeds.

Under Alabama Code Title 32, Chapter 12 the state lumps electric scooters into the motor-driven cycle category. The statute covers scooters, mopeds, and motorized bicycles.

The key statute is Alabama Code § 32-12-22. It sets license requirements for anyone operating these type of vehicles. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), you must be at least 16 years old to obtain a Class M motorcycle endorsement. Meaning no rider under the age of 16 can operate an electric scooter outside private property.

You can find and fill in the necessary forms at ALEA’s driver services section.

Where You Can Ride

Roadways: Electric scooters are allowed on public roads where motorcycles can legally operate. Stick to roads with speed limits that make sense for a 20 mph vehicle, avoid highways and interstates.

Bike Lanes: No specific legal allowance exists, but since you’re classified as a motor vehicle, bike lanes become a gray area. Most riders treat it like a motorcycle, stick to the regular traffic lanes.

Sidewalks: No riding on sidewalks or bike paths anywhere in Alabama. This is a hard rule across the entire state.

Trails & Parks: State parks follow their own rules, but generally prohibit motor vehicles (yes, even electric) on walking trails. Check with individual park offices before riding.

Equipment & Vehicle Requirements

Alabama defines electric scooters as motor-driven cycles, allowed to have a maximum motor power of 750W and top speed capability of 20 mph. Here’s what trips up most riders, Alabama didn’t go the route of creating separate categories for different power levels like you see in European markets. Every electric scooter with a motor gets the same treatment, whether it’s running a 250W hub motor or pushing the full 750W limit.

The scooter must weigh less than 100 pounds and have wheels no larger than 10 inches in diameter. These specs cover most standard commuter scooters, but rule out heavier performance models and those massive off-road scooters with 11-inch tires.

For night riding, you need a white front light and red tail-light, plus reflectors. The braking system must meet standard motor vehicle requirements, which means reliable stopping power, not just a simple foot brake. Registration plates are mandatory due to their treatment as any other motor vehicle.

Rider Requirements

Minimum Age: 14-16 years old, same as the Class M or B restricted motorcycle license requirement

Licensing: You must apply for a “B” restricted motorcycle license with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) or get a Class M endorsement on your existing driver’s license.

Helmet Laws: Helmet use is mandated for all riders, regardless of age. Alabama doesn’t do the over-18 exemption that some states offer.

Alcohol Rules: Standard DUI laws apply since you’re operating a motor vehicle. Don’t ride impaired.

Parking, Storage & Riding Etiquette

Park like any other motor vehicle in designated parking spaces or legal street parking. Blocking sidewalks or ADA access points will get you towed just like a car would.

Since sidewalk riding is prohibited, you won’t deal with pedestrian conflicts, but you’ll need to be extra careful sharing road space with cars that might not expect a 20 mph vehicle in traffic.

Enforcement & Penalties

Despite the existence of these safety requirements, rider inexperience, scooter misuse, and failure to use proper safety equipment contribute to scooter accidents and injuries every year.

Common violations include riding without a license, missing helmet, and unregistered vehicles. Penalties follow standard motor vehicle violation schedules, which can mean real money and points on your license. The honeymoon period is definitely starting to pass for electric scooters.

Enforcement varies by city, with Birmingham and Montgomery being more active since they have scooter sharing programs to monitor.

Insurance & Liability

Alabama doesn’t require specific insurance for motor-driven cycles under 50cc equivalent, but you’re still liable for any damage or injuries you cause. Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance might provide some coverage, but check before assuming you’re protected.

In accidents, standard traffic law applies. You’ll be treated like any other motor vehicle operator in terms of fault determination.

Local Exceptions to State Law

Birmingham: The city has partnered with Veo and Lime for shared scooter programs. Scooters are capped at 20 mph and require brakes and lights. Adults 19+ can rent them (18-year-olds can use them with parental consent).

Montgomery: Similar shared scooter setup with slight variations in vendor partnerships and deployment zones.

Tuscaloosa: Tuscaloosa County requires scooters to be titled, adding an extra registration step beyond state requirements.

Most other cities don’t have specific ordinances beyond enforcing state law.

Special Circumstances

School Zones: Follow posted speed limits and extra caution requirements just like any motor vehicle.

Renters vs Owners: Shared scooter programs operate under special city permits with different rules than private ownership. The company handles registration, but you still need the license and helmet.

Cargo & Passengers: No specific restrictions exist, but standard motorcycle safety principles apply. Don’t overload beyond manufacturer specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my 15-year-old ride an electric scooter? Yes, with a restricted B-motorcycle license. Otherwise they need to be 16 and have a Class M license.

Do I need registration for a 15 mph scooter? Yes.

Can I ride at night? Yes, with proper lighting equipment like any motor vehicle.

What about those rental scooters downtown? They operate under special permits. Check individual company’s website for current requirements.

Resources & Citations

  • Alabama Code Title 32 – Motor vehicle statutes
  • Alabama Law Enforcement Agency – License applications and requirements
  • Birmingham City Permits Office – Shared scooter regulations
  • Montgomery Transportation Department – Local scooter ordinances
  • University of Alabama Police – Campus and county-specific rules

We’re riders, mechanics, and adrenaline junkies, not lawyers. This information summarizes Alabama law for educational purposes and shouldn’t replace legal advice. For criminal violations or serious accidents, consult a local attorney who deals with motor vehicle law.

Get Updates On Changes to Alabama Electric Scooter Law

Want updates when Alabama’s electric scooter laws change? Join our newsletter to stay current with regulations across the South. Or just check our electric scooter state law hub page regularly to stay up to snuff with all the legal webwork.

Alabama is strict but straightforward, treat your electric scooter like a small motorcycle and you’ll stay out of trouble. The licensing requirement might seem heavy compared to other states, and it is, but it leaves less room for errors and means there are clearer rules and better road-educated electric scooter riders out there. Plus, having that Class M endorsement opens up more riding options if you ever want to upgrade to a motorcycle or a powerful e-bike in the future.

The helmet requirement makes sense from a safety standpoint, even if it’s inconvenient for short trips. I personally rarely ride anything that is slower than 20 mph so a helmet is a no-brainer(no pun intended).

Remember that 20 mph in traffic feels very different than 20 mph in a bike lane. Alabama puts you in with the cars, so ride defensively and make yourself visible.

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