Electric scooter laws in Louisiana – Complete Guide 2025

Summary Electric Scooter Law Louisiana

  • Classification: Electric low-speed scooter (RS 32:300.1.1)
  • Min age: No state minimum specified
  • Helmet required: No state requirement
  • Max legal speed: 20 mph maximum
  • License/registration required: No
  • Sidewalk riding allowed: Yes (unless locally prohibited)
  • Bike lane access: Yes
  • Scooter sharing present: Yes (New Orleans, Baton Rouge)
  • Last checked: September 8, 2025

Summary

Louisiana has specific state laws for electric scooters under RS 32:300.1.1, classifying them as electric low-speed scooters with clear equipment and operational standards. The state requires scooters to weigh less than 100 pounds and not exceed 20 mph, with mandatory brake systems and lighting for low visibility conditions. Local parishes can add restrictions beyond state requirements.

Louisiana Revised Statutes § 32:300.1.1 governs electric low-speed scooters as a distinct vehicle category. The statute establishes comprehensive equipment requirements, operational standards, and safety specifications that separate these devices from motorcycles, mopeds, or standard bicycles. This creates a clear legal framework where electric scooters have legitimate standing as transportation devices while maintaining appropriate safety standards for their speed and weight characteristics.

Where You Can Ride

Roadways: Electric scooters are permitted on public roads under Louisiana state law, following standard traffic regulations.

Bike lanes: Your best and safest option where available, and most Louisiana jurisdictions treat scooters like bicycles for lane usage. Bike lanes give you the space and visibility you need without putting you directly in traffic flow.

Sidewalks: State law doesn’t prohibit sidewalk riding, though many municipalities have implemented local restrictions. New Orleans sets a good standard that works across Louisiana, no sidewalk riding in business districts. For residential areas, it’s more acceptable, but pedestrian safety should always come first.

Trails & parks: Multi-use trails and bike paths are generally open to electric scooters unless specifically posted otherwise. Individual state parks set their own policies, and there’s no unified approach that I’ve found.

Geofencing / reduced-speed zones: Tourist areas like the French Quarter often have geofenced restrictions for shared scooter services, with some areas completely off-limits during major events.

Equipment & Vehicle Requirements

Max power, max speed definitions: Electric scooters must weigh less than 100 pounds and not exceed a speed of 20 mph under Louisiana law.

Required lights, reflectors, bell/horn, brakes: An “electric low-speed scooter” shall be equipped with a brake which can cause the vehicle to skid on dry, leveled pavement. When in use during low visibility conditions, scooters must be equipped with appropriate lights, typically meaning a white front light and red rear light.

Required labeling/serial/registration: Louisiana doesn’t require specific labeling, serial number registration, or vehicle registration for electric scooters that meet the state’s definition.

Rider Requirements

Minimum age: Louisiana doesn’t establish a minimum age for electric scooter operation at the state level, leaving this decision to local jurisdictions. Many cities have implemented their own age requirements, particularly for shared scooter services.

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

Helmet laws: No statewide helmet requirement exists for electric scooter riders of any age. However, safety should always be a priority regardless of legal mandates.

Alcohol/drug rules: Standard DUI provisions apply to electric scooter operation. Operating under the influence can result in the same penalties as drunk driving, since scooters are considered vehicles under Louisiana traffic law.

Parking, Storage & Riding Etiquette

Where to park: Louisiana state law doesn’t specify parking regulations for electric scooters, leaving these rules to local ordinances. Best practices include avoiding blocking pedestrian access, ADA ramps, building entrances, or vehicle parking spaces.

Towing or impound rules: In cities with shared scooter programs, improperly parked scooters can be impounded by local authorities. That goes for shared and private scooters alike that violate local parking ordinances.

Best practices to avoid fines: Look for designated scooter parking in cities that have it, use bike racks when appropriate, or park in furniture zones between sidewalks and curbs. Keep it out of the way and use common sense.

Enforcement & Penalties

Typical fines, misdemeanor/felony triggers: Enforcement varies across Louisiana’s parishes, with more active monitoring in tourist areas like New Orleans and college towns like Baton Rouge. Violations typically result in traffic citations with fines varying by jurisdiction.

Points on license: Since no license is required for electric scooter operation, violations don’t typically affect driving records unless combined with other motor vehicle offenses.

Examples of enforcement: Common violations include exceeding speed limits, improper parking, riding in prohibited areas, and operating under the influence. In New Orleans, I’ve seen active enforcement during major events like Mardi Gras with immediate impoundment of improperly parked scooters.

Insurance & Liability

Louisiana doesn’t require specific insurance coverage for electric scooters. Liability in accidents follows the state’s comparative fault system, where responsibility is assigned based on each party’s contribution to the incident. Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies may provide some liability coverage, but riders should verify their specific policy terms with their insurance provider.

Local Exceptions to State Law

New Orleans (Orleans Parish Municipal Code): Age restrictions for shared scooter services, designated parking zones in tourist areas, sidewalk riding prohibitions in the French Quarter and CBD, operational hour restrictions during major events, and geofencing requirements for shared scooter operators.

Baton Rouge (East Baton Rouge Parish): Speed limits may be lower than state maximum in certain zones, parking restrictions in downtown business district, and University campus has separate regulations for LSU area.

Lafayette and Lake Charles: Most follow general state guidelines with minimal additional restrictions, though business districts may have specific parking requirements.

Special Circumstances

School zones: No specific state restrictions for school zones, but many school districts have their own policies about scooter use on campus or in school zones. Reduced speed and extra caution are appropriate near schools.

Sidewalks for ADA users: While state law doesn’t prohibit sidewalk riding, federal ADA requirements mean scooters can’t block accessible pathways or create barriers for disabled pedestrians.

Construction zones: Standard traffic laws apply in construction zones. Exercise extra caution and reduce speed significantly when riding through active construction areas.

Rules for renters vs private owners: Shared scooters in major cities operate under additional commercial licensing requirements, while privately owned scooters only need to comply with traffic laws and general local ordinances.

Cargo, two-up riding, trailers: Louisiana law doesn’t specifically address passengers, cargo, or trailers on electric scooters.

FAQs

Can my kid ride? There’s no state minimum age, but check your local parish or city ordinances. I always recommend adult supervision for younger riders.

Do I need a license? No driver’s license or registration is required anywhere in Louisiana for electric scooter operation.

Can I ride at night? Yes, but you must have proper lighting during low visibility conditions as required by state law.

What about insurance? Not required by the state, but liability in accidents can be significant. Check with your insurance provider about coverage options.

Can I ride during Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest? Special event restrictions often apply in New Orleans. Shared scooter companies typically implement temporary geofencing during major events.

Are throttle scooters legal? Louisiana doesn’t distinguish between different accelerator methods.

Resources & Citations

Stay Up To Date

Get updates when Louisiana scooter laws change, sign up for our newsletter to stay current on regulatory changes across the Gulf Coast, or do yourself the favor of keeping up with it through our states e-scooter legal page.

I can appreciate that the state created specific legislation rather than leaving everything to local interpretation. The 20 mph speed limit and 100-pound weight restriction create reasonable boundaries that work well for urban transportation. Making sure your electric scooter isn’t legal in one city but illegal in another.

New Orleans presents unique riding challenges with narrow streets, heavy pedestrian traffic, and frequent special events that change traffic patterns. The French Quarter restrictions make sense from a safety perspective, but they can be frustrating if you’re not familiar with the boundaries.

My practical advice is to start with the state requirements as your baseline, then research local ordinances for wherever you plan to ride regularly.

Legal Disclaimer: We’re riders and mechanics, not attorneys. This information summarizes Louisiana law for educational purposes only and shouldn’t be considered legal advice. Louisiana’s local regulations vary significantly by parish and municipality, so consult with local authorities or qualified legal counsel for specific situations.

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