Electric Scooter Laws in Michigan – Complete Guide 2025
Summary Michigan Electric Scooter Law
- Classification: Electric skateboard with handlebars (MCL 257.13f)
- Min age: 12+ (under 12 prohibited on public roads)
- Helmet required?: Yes, under 19 years old
- Max legal speed: 25 mph maximum
- License/registration required?: No
- Sidewalk riding allowed?: Yes, with pedestrian right-of-way
- Bike lane access?: Yes (same rights as bicycles)
- Scooter sharing present?: Yes (Detroit, Ann Arbor, others)
- Last checked: September 11, 2025
What Michigan riders need to know
Michigan has one of the more comprehensive electric scooter frameworks in the country, though it comes with a quirky legislative twist. The state officially regulates electric scooters under the “electric skateboard” definition in MCL 257.13f, which defines them as wheeled devices that “may have handlebars.” While this might sound odd, it actually creates a robust set of rules and it covers multiple types of electric mobility vehicles.
The key point for riders is that Michigan treats scooters more like enhanced bicycles than motor vehicles, giving you significant freedom to ride on roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks while maintaining reasonable safety requirements.
Official legal framework
Michigan’s electric scooter regulations fall under the “electric skateboard” provisions of MCL 257.13f, which defines these devices as wheeled devices no more than 60 inches long and 18 inches wide, designed for one person, with electrical propulsion up to 2,500 watts and maximum speeds of 25 mph. The definition specifically allows for handlebars and notes that devices “may be designed to also be powered by human propulsion.”
Once classified as electric skateboards, scooters follow the operational rules in MCL 257.657, which states that riders “have all of the rights and are subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle.” This creates a clear legal framework that treats scooter riders like vehicle operators while simultaneously allowing them to use bicycle infrastructure.
Where you can ride
Roadways: Electric scooters can operate on public roads, but scooters with handlebars cannot be operated on roads with speed limits of 45 mph or more, except to cross. When riding on roads you are obligated to stay close to the right side.
Bike lanes: Full access to bike lanes throughout Michigan, following the same rules as bicycles.
Sidewalks: Legal on sidewalks, but you must “yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian” and “give an audible signal before overtaking and passing the pedestrian.” This gives you flexibility while protecting pedestrian safety.
Trails & parks: Generally permitted where bicycles are allowed, though individual parks may have specific restrictions.
Equipment & vehicle requirements
Michigan sets specific technical requirements that affect which scooters qualify for legal operation.
Size limits: Maximum 60 inches long and 18 inches wide, designed for single person transport.
Power limits: Electric propulsion system cannot exceed 2,500 watts.
Speed capability: Maximum speed of 25 mph on level pavement.
Lighting requirements: For night riding between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise, you need a white front lamp visible from 500 feet away, and a rear red reflector or red lamp visible from the same distance.
Rider requirements
Age restrictions: Children under 12 cannot ride electric scooters “on a public highway or street.”
Helmet requirements: Riders under 19 years old must wear a helmet.
License: No driver’s license required for any age group.
Passenger restrictions: Only solo riding allowed.
Traffic compliance: Full compliance with traffic laws required, including signals, right-of-way rules, and speed limits.
Parking, storage & riding etiquette
Michigan provides detailed parking rules depending on location:
Sidewalk parking: You can park electric scooters on sidewalks as long as they don’t impede pedestrians movement.
Street parking: Electric scooters can park “wherever cars and trucks can park” and “can also park at an angle to the curb or edge of the highway” and “abreast of another scooter.” However, you cannot park in such a manner as to obstruct the movement of a parked motor vehicle.
Enforcement & penalties
Michigan hasn’t specified unique penalty structures for electric scooter violations, which means they typically fall under general traffic violation categories.
Common enforcement areas: Helmet violations for minors, improper road usage (riding on 45+ mph roads), and parking violations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians.
No-fault implications: Electric scooter riders who are injured in crashes with motor vehicles can collect No-Fault insurance benefits and “will be treated as a non-occupant or a pedestrian under the No-Fault priority rules.”
Insurance & liability
Michigan law states that “only vehicles that qualify as a motor vehicle” require car insurance, and electric scooters “do not meet the definition of a motor vehicle.” However, standard liability principles still apply in accident situations.
Coverage considerations: While not required to carry insurance, check with your provider about liability coverage options, particularly given Michigan’s no-fault insurance system.
Local exceptions to state law
Detroit has been actively managing electric scooter deployment:
- Age requirements: Generally 18+ for shared scooters due to company policies
- Parking: Designated scooter parking areas in downtown core
- Time restrictions: Some companies implement evening curfews
- Geographic limits: Geofencing restricts some shared scooters to downtown areas
Ann Arbor (University of Michigan):
- Campus rules: Additional restrictions during certain university events
- Parking: Designated areas near academic buildings and dormitories
- Speed zones: Reduced speed areas during high pedestrian traffic periods
Grand Rapids follows state guidelines closely:
- Basic compliance: Standard traffic law enforcement
- Parking: ADA compliance and pedestrian access priority
- Seasonal considerations: Reduced enforcement during winter months when usage drops
Special circumstances
University towns: Communities like East Lansing (Michigan State) and Ann Arbor often have additional campus-specific regulations and designated parking areas near academic buildings.
Winter conditions: Michigan winters effectively end the riding season for most people. Snow and ice make scooter operation dangerous, and many shared scooter companies suspend service during winter months.
Tourist areas: Communities along Lake Michigan and other recreational areas may have seasonal restrictions during peak summer periods.
FAQs
Can my 10-year-old ride? Not on public roads or streets. The minimum age is 12 for public road operation.
Can I ride on all roads? No, roads with speed limits of 45 mph or higher are prohibited except for crossing.
What about riding in winter? Legal but presents unique challenges.
Resources & citations
- Michigan Compiled Laws 257.13f: Electric skateboard definition (includes scooters)
- Michigan Compiled Laws 257.657-662: Operational requirements for electric skateboards/scooters
- Michigan Department of Transportation: Traffic safety resources and bicycle law information
- Detroit Department of Public Works: Shared mobility device permits and regulations
Stay Up To Date
Michigan’s scooter laws are well-established but local ordinances continue evolving. If you’ve spotted changes or errors, particularly in city regulations, let us know so we can keep this guide accurate.
Sign Up For Our Newsletter: Get updates when laws change in your state, or come back to our e-scooter legal page regularly to catch any updates.
Toby’s Final Words Of Non-Legal Wisdom
Michigan’s approach to electric scooter regulation is actually quite practical once you get past the “electric skateboard” terminology. The state created a comprehensive framework that gives riders significant freedom while maintaining reasonable safety requirements and covering more than just one device. The ability to ride on roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks makes scooters genuinely useful no matter age or experience.
One thing that stands out about Michigan’s regulatory approach is how it handles the insurance question. By clearly stating that scooters don’t qualify as motor vehicles for insurance purposes while still ensuring no-fault coverage for accident victims, the state avoided the insurance confusion you see in some other states.
Overall a pretty great and well thought through regulation.
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 local authorities or legal counsel familiar with Michigan transportation law.
