Electric Scooter Laws in Mississippi – Complete Guide 2025
Summary Mississippi Electric Scooter Law
- Classification: Standup electric scooter (Mississippi Code 63-3-103)
- Min age: Must be “sufficient to operate an automobile”
- Helmet required?: No state requirement
- Max legal speed: 20 mph maximum capability, 15 mph operational limit
- License/registration required?: No
- Sidewalk riding allowed?: Yes, with pedestrian right-of-way
- Bike lane access?: Yes (same rights as bicycles)
- Scooter sharing present?: Limited presence
- Last checked: September 12, 2025
What Mississippi riders need to know
Mississippi electric scooter legislation passed in 2020 created a framework for both individual riders and shared scooter programs alike. The state defines the devices as “standup electric scooters” in Mississippi Code 63-3-103 as scooters weighing less than 100 pounds with a maximum speed of 20 mph, then gives local governments significant authority to create additional regulations through Section 63-7-214.
The key is they have a good state law substituted by local governance to adhere to the communities varied need of regulation. This means you’ll need to understand both state law and local ordinances wherever you’re riding.
Official legal framework
Mississippi’s electric scooter regulations are found in several sections of the state code. Mississippi Code 63-3-103 defines “standup electric scooter” as a device weighing less than 100 pounds, with two or three wheels, handlebars and a floorboard, powered solely by electric motor and/or human power, with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
Mississippi Code 63-3-208 establishes operational rules, stating that scooter riders “have all the rights and duties of a person riding a bicycle” with specific exceptions. Mississippi Code 63-7-214 grants local authorities the power to regulate scooter operations within their jurisdictions, including speed restrictions, parking rules, and various penalties.
Where you can ride
Roadways: E-scooters may be used “on any street or road where bicycles are permitted,” which gives you access to most public roads throughout Mississippi.
Bike lanes and paths: Full access to “marked bicycle path or lane” throughout the state, following the same rules.
Sidewalks: Legal “on a sidewalk, if the person operating the device yields the right-of-way to pedestrians and gives an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.” That would be a lot of noise, but at least they do allow it.
Speed restrictions: While scooters can have a maximum capability of 20 mph, operational speed is limited to 15 mph under state law.
Equipment & vehicle requirements
Mississippi has set some specific technical limitations that determine which devices qualify for the current regulation:
Weight limit: Must weigh less than 100 pounds.
Speed capability: Maximum speed of 20 mph with or without human propulsion.
Design requirements: Must have handlebars, a floorboard for standing, and be designed for one single rider.
Power source: Must be “solely powered by an electric motor and/or human power.”
Lighting: Standard bicycle lighting requirements apply, white front light and red rear reflector or light when operating during low-light conditions.
Braking: Must be equipped with at least one brake, which may be operated by hand or foot.
Rider requirements
Age restrictions: They do note that no person under the age allowed for operating an automobile is allowed to ride. Which in layman’s terms would mean 15-16.
License: No driver’s license are required to ride.
Helmet: No state helmet requirement for any age group, though local jurisdictions may impose their own requirements.
Traffic compliance: Following bicycle rules, operators must obey all traffic control devices and follow right-of-way regulations.
Speed limit: Cannot operate “at a speed greater than fifteen (15) miles per hour” regardless of the scooter’s capability.
Parking, storage & riding etiquette
Mississippi allows electric scooters riders to park their rides on the sidewalk, as long as they do not impede pedestrians.
Local authority: Cities and counties can regulate parking through local ordinances and may require designated parking areas (especially for shared programs).
Enforcement & penalties
Local authorities have significant power to establish penalties under Mississippi Code 63-7-214, but these penalties “shall not exceed penalties assessed to riders of bicycles.”
Common enforcement areas: Improper parking, and failure to yield to pedestrians on sidewalks tend to be the primary focus of law enforcement. Not light speed infractions.
Insurance & liability
Mississippi doesn’t require specific insurance for individually owned electric scooters, but the 2020 legislation does establish insurance requirements for shared scooter companies, including $1 million in general liability coverage.
Coverage considerations: Check with your insurance provider about liability coverage, particularly given the mixed-traffic operation environment in Mississippi.
Local exceptions to state law
Mississippi’s 2020 legislation specifically provides local governments with the power to regulate how, where, and what you can ride, but most cities haven’t implemented comprehensive ordinances yet.
Jackson: As of September 2025, Jackson hasn’t enacted specific electric scooter ordinances beyond state requirements. Riders should follow state law and general traffic regulations.
Gulf Coast communities: Biloxi and Gulfport currently follow state regulations without additional local restrictions, though this could change during tourist season planning.
University towns: Mississippi State University updated their campus policy in February 2025 due to increased pedestrian and vehicular conflicts with scooters and bikes. The policy now includes specific guidelines for campus use under University Policy OP 95.501.
Special circumstances
University campuses: Mississippi State University has implemented stricter policies for scooters, bikes, and personal transportation devices following safety concerns. Check with individual campuses for current policies, as these are evolving rapidly.
Tourism areas: Coastal communities haven’t implemented seasonal restrictions yet, but riders should expect potential changes during peak summer seasons.
Shared scooter programs: While the 2020 legislation created a framework for shared scooter operations requiring insurance coverage and allowing local data sharing agreements, no major shared scooter companies are currently operating in Mississippi cities.
FAQs
Can my teenager ride? They need to be old enough to “operate an automobile,” which typically means 15-16 years old, though the exact age isn’t specified in state law.
Do I need insurance? Not required for individual riders, though shared scooter companies must carry extensive coverage.
Can I ride on all sidewalks? Yes at the state level, but local governments are allowed to restrict sidewalk riding in specific areas.
What about night riding? Legal with proper bicycle lighting – white front light and red rear reflector or light.
Are there speed limits? Yes, 15 mph maximum operational speed regardless of your scooter’s capability.
Resources & citations
- Mississippi Code 63-3-103: Standup electric scooter definitions
- Mississippi Code 63-3-208: Operational rules for electric scooters
- Mississippi Code 63-7-214: Local authority to regulate scooter operations
- Mississippi Code 63-7-51: Braking requirements
- Mississippi Code 63-7-13: Lighting requirements
Stay Up To Date
Mississippi’s scooter laws are relatively new (2020) but well-established. Local ordinances overall have chosen to follow state framework without implementing any larger overriding rules. but that doesn’t mean they won’t in the future.
Sign Up To The Newsletter: Get updates when laws change in your state, tips and tricks or just regularly check the Ride Junkie’s state by state law page.
Toby’s Final Words Of Non-Legal Wisdom
Mississippi’s approach is what most riders approach, sure the 15 mph speed limit is a bit low for my own take. But in comparison to the comprehensive complexity of many other states, I take it any day of the week.
What works well about Mississippi’s system is the clear technical definition of what qualifies as a “standup” ” electric scooter. The 100-pound weight limit and 20 mph capability limit keep scooters in a reasonable performance category, while the 15 mph operational speed limit acknowledges that capability and safe operation aren’t the same thing. I don’t really see why they can’t do as with cars. Cars can drive 150 mph, but that doesn’t mean you’re allowed to do that on the streets. Just let people have a bit of extra power to tackle hills, difficult terrain or get out of a jam quickly to avoid accidents. Since power often correlates with speed capability.
The age requirement language is a bit vague with “sufficient to operate an automobile,” but in practice this seems to work out to around 15-16 years old. It’s just unnecessarily explained.
We are riders, not lawyers. This page summarizes law and is for informational purposes only, not legal advice. Given Mississippi’s framework of local regulatory authority, check with your specific city or county for additional requirements beyond state law.
