Electric Scooter Laws in Nebraska – Complete Guide 2025

Summary Nebraska Electric Scooter Law

• Classification: Electric personal assistive mobility device (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,376)
• Min age: No state minimum, local regulations vary
• Helmet required: Not at state level, check local laws
• Max speed: No statewide limit specified
• License: Not required Registration: Not required
• Sidewalk riding: Allowed unless prohibited locally
• Bike lane access: Generally allowed
• Scooter sharing present: Yes in Lincoln, limited in Omaha
• Last checked: September 14, 2025

What Nebraska riders need to know

Nebraska keeps electric scooter regulations simple at the state level. The state classifies e-scooters as “electric personal assistive mobility devices” and gives them broad rights to use roads, sidewalks, and bike paths. However, cities and counties can add their own restrictions, so you need to keep tabs on the local rules wherever you’re riding.

The state approach is refreshingly straightforward compared to the complex frameworks you’ll find in states like California or New York. Nebraska essentially says scooters are legal transportation devices and leaves any detailed regulation to local governments who understand their specific traffic patterns and infrastructure needs.

Official legal framework

Nebraska Revised Statute 60-6,376 governs electric personal assistive mobility device operation. This statute gives e-scooter operators the same rights and duties as vehicle operators under the Nebraska Rules of the Road, with some specific exceptions.

The law is quite broad in scope. Electric personal assistive mobility devices “may be operated on any highway, alley, sidewalk, bike trail, path, or any other area where persons travel, except as provided by the Department of Transportation or local authority.”

This framework puts Nebraska among the more permissive states for e-scooter use, though local authorities retain significant power to restrict where and how scooters can be used within their jurisdictions.

Where you can ride

Roadways: Allowed on all public roads unless specifically prohibited by local ordinance or the Department of Transportation. You’ll follow standard vehicle rules, including riding as close to the right side as practical and obeying traffic signals.

Bike lanes: Generally permitted throughout the state where they exist. Most cities haven’t created specific restrictions on bike lane access for e-scooters.

Sidewalks: This is where Nebraska differs from many states. State law explicitly allows sidewalk riding, but individual cities can prohibit it. Always check local ordinances, especially in downtown areas where pedestrian traffic is heavy.

Trails and parks: State law allows e-scooter use on bike trails and paths unless local authorities restrict access. State parks generally follow the statewide framework, but individual facilities may have their own rules.

Equipment & vehicle requirements

Nebraska doesn’t set specific technical requirements for e-scooters at the state level. E-scooters are exempt from registration by the Nebraska DMV, which means most standard consumer scooters fall within the legal framework without additional modifications.

The state focuses on operational requirements rather than equipment specifications. You won’t find detailed rules about motor power limits, maximum speeds, or required safety equipment in the state statutes.

Rider requirements

Age and licensing: No driver’s license required for e-scooter operation, and there is no minimum age at the state level. Cities typically set age restrictions ranging from 14 to 16 years old for their specific jurisdictions.

Helmet laws: Not mandated at the state level. Some municipalities require helmets for shared scooter riders under 18.

Traffic rules: When riding on roads, operators have “all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the operator of a vehicle under the Nebraska Rules of the Road”. This includes stopping at signals, yielding right of way appropriately, and following directional traffic flow.

Yielding requirements: Quite funny, e-scooter riders are obligated to yield to pedestrian traffic and any human-powered or animal-powered vehicle at all times, and you must make an audible signal before overtaking.

Parking, storage & riding etiquette

Since most detailed regulations come from cities rather than the state, parking rules depend on your specific location. The general principle across Nebraska communities is maintaining pedestrian access and ADA compliance.

Common sense parking guidelines that work across most Nebraska cities:

• Keep scooters out of pedestrian walkways
• Avoid blocking building entrances or emergency access points
• Stay clear of bus stops and transit areas
• Don’t block accessibility routes or curb cuts

Winters are harsh in Nebraska, that means you can easily damage batteries by leaving your scooter in the cold for too long, melted snow presents another challenge

Enforcement & penalties

The state statute includes specific penalties for yielding violations. First-time violations of yielding requirements result in a $10 fine, while subsequent offenses can lead to scooter impoundment for up to 30 days.

Other violations typically fall under local ordinances with penalties varying depending on local governance. Most cities treat e-scooter violations as minor infractions with fines ranging from $25 to $200.

Cities with scooter sharing programs will tend to see a lot more enforcement than your rural counterpart without them.

Insurance & liability

Nebraska doesn’t require registration for e-scooters, and there’s no state mandate for liability insurance. However, riders remain financially responsible for any accidents or damage they cause.

Your home insurance may have coverage for accidents involving electric scooters. But we ALWAYS recommend that you reach out to your insurance company to make sure you’re covered. Otherwise an accident can become a very expensive incident.

Local exceptions to state law

Lincoln: Operates a formal scooter sharing program with specific operational zones and rules that don’t apply to private scooter riders. The program has designated parking areas and restricted operating hours during certain seasons.

Omaha: Has specific ordinances governing scooter sharing operations, including requirements for street-only operation and age restrictions. Private scooter regulations follow state framework.

Most smaller Nebraska communities haven’t developed specific e-scooter ordinances beyond the state framework, but this could change as scooter adoption are constantly increasing.

Special circumstances

University areas: Major Nebraska universities often have their own campus regulations that differ from city or state rules. The University of Nebraska system has varying policies across different campuses regarding where scooters can be ridden and parked.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to register my scooter in Nebraska?
No. E-scooters are exempt from registration requirements throughout the state.

Q: Can I ride on sidewalks?
Yes at the state level, but cities can prohibit sidewalk riding. Check your local ordinances, especially in downtown areas.

Q: What’s the speed limit for e-scooters?
The state doesn’t set specific speed limits for e-scooters. You’ll follow local traffic laws and any city-specific restrictions.

Q: Do I need a driver’s license?
No driver’s license required by state law, though some cities may have permit requirements for commercial operations.

Resources & citations

• Nebraska Revised Statute 60-6,376 – Electric personal assistive mobility device operations
• Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles – Electric Assistive Devices information
• Individual city ordinances (vary by municipality)

Trust & legal notes

We’re fellow riders and mechanics, not lawyers. This guide summarizes Nebraska law for informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal advice. Electric scooter regulations can change at the municipal level without statewide notice, and enforcement varies between communities.

For specific legal questions or if you’re facing violations, consult with a local attorney familiar with Nebraska traffic regulations. To stay up to date with regulatory changes in Nebraska sign up to our newsletter, or check back to our electric scooter legal page ever so often.

Ride Junkie’s final words of non-legal wisdom

Nebraska takes a refreshingly practical approach to e-scooter regulation. While many states have created complex regulatory frameworks that can be confusing for riders, Nebraska is among the states that makes riding simple for its population.

This approach works well for a state with diverse transportation needs, from urban areas like Omaha and Lincoln to more rural communities where scooter regulations aren’t as necessary.