Electric Scooter Laws in Wisconsin – Complete Guide 2025

Quick Facts

  • Classification: “Electric scooter” with specific statutory definition
  • Min age: No statewide minimum age requirement
  • Helmet required: No statewide requirement
  • Max speed: 20 mph maximum capability
  • License/registration: Not required statewide
  • Sidewalk riding: Allowed unless locally prohibited
  • Bike lane access: Yes, same rules as bicycles
  • Scooter sharing: Present in Madison, Milwaukee with permits
  • Last checked: September 28, 2025

What Wisconsin riders need to know

Wisconsin actually took the time to properly define electric scooters in their statutes, something many states have failed to do clearly. “Electric scooter” is according to Wisconsin a device weighing less than 100 pounds that has handlebars and an electric motor, is powered solely by the electric motor and human power, and has a maximum speed of not more than 20 miles per hour.

As per usual I don’t see why they have to use the 20 mph speed hard cap, enforcing it as a capability limit rather than an operational restriction makes little sense when most commuter scooters have a 20 mph and above top speed. So using the appropriate speed mode is the way to go, but there is no 100% guarantee that is going to be acceptable by law enforcement standards.

What sets Wisconsin apart is their approach to OWI (Operating While Intoxicated). Wisconsin Act 11 modified the definition of a motor vehicle to include electric scooters, meaning impaired riding can result in the same DUI charges as drunk driving. That’s more serious than your typical bicycle law.

Wisconsin Statute 340.01(15ps) defines electric scooters, and Wisconsin Statute 346.80 covers operation on roadways. The state treats scooters similarly to bicycles for most traffic purposes while maintaining their motor vehicle status for certain violations.

Electric scooters are explicitly included in motor vehicle definitions for OWI purposes but exempt from licensing and registration requirements. That means you get the bicycle-like access but with harsh consequences for riding under the influence.

Local municipalities are allowed to govern certain aspects of electric scooters in order to make sure it fits in with the city’s traffic pattern.

Where you can ride

Roadways: You can ride on roads following the same rules as for bicycles. You ride as far right as practical, yield to faster traffic, and follow standard traffic signals and signs.

The state allows bicycle, electric scooter, or electric personal assistive mobility device operators riding 2 abreast on a 2-lane or more roadway within a single lane, giving scooters the same group riding rights as cyclists.

Bike lanes and paths: You’ll have full access to bike lanes and paths throughout Wisconsin. This includes shared-use paths, dedicated bike lanes, and multi-use trails where bicycles are permitted.

Sidewalks: Wisconsin allows sidewalk riding unless locally prohibited. Most commonly sidewalk restrictions are seen in downtown business districts with heavy pedestrian traffic.

Trails and parks: State parks generally allow electric scooters on paved trails following bicycle rules, but may restrict them on natural surface trails to prevent erosion and protect wildlife habitats.

Equipment and vehicle requirements

Weight and speed specifications: Devices must weigh less than 100 pounds and have a maximum speed of not more than 20 mph when powered solely by the electric motor.

That weight limit is stricter than most states but doesn’t rule out many high-performing scooters. The 20 mph speed limit however definitely removes a large amount of the most common commuter scooters, unless you are allowed to use the soft-cap speed modes.

Required safety equipment: Due to the bicycle standards you need proper lighting for night operation and working brakes. Reflectors are required during hours of darkness, and scooters must be able to make a controlled stop.

Rider requirements

Age restrictions: Wisconsin doesn’t set a statewide minimum age for electric scooter operation. Cities can implement their own age requirements, and most shared scooter services require riders to be 18 or older for liability reasons.

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

Helmet requirement: There is no state law requiring helmets for electric scooter riders. Local ordinances may require helmets for minors or in specific high-risk areas.

Alcohol and drug rules: No drunk riding, Wisconsin treats DUI’s on electric scooters the same way they do for any other motorized vehicle. This includes license suspension, fines, potential jail time, and ignition interlock requirements for repeat offenses. Wisconsin doesn’t mess around with impaired operation regardless of the vehicle type.

Parking, storage, and riding etiquette

There are no set specific statewide parking requirements for electric scooters, leaving this to local municipalities. Standard practices include:

  • Park in designated scooter or bike areas where available
  • Don’t block pedestrian access or ADA pathways
  • Avoid parking near building entrances or emergency access points
  • Secure properly to prevent theft

When sharing bike lanes or paths, maintain appropriate speeds and use discretion when passing pedestrians or slower cyclists.

Enforcement and penalties

Enforcement varies between Wisconsin’s urban areas and smaller communities. Cities like Madison and Milwaukee have active scooter programs with regular enforcement, while rural areas may have limited experience with scooter violations.

Common violations and typical penalties include:

  • Exceeding weight or speed specifications: $75-200
  • Missing required lighting at night: $50-150
  • Improper parking in restricted areas: $25-100
  • Operating under the influence: Full OWI penalties (varies widely)
  • Riding in prohibited areas: $50-125

The OWI penalties are particularly severe and can include license suspension, thousands of dollars in fines, and potential jail time depending on blood alcohol level and prior offenses.

Insurance and liability

Wisconsin doesn’t require specific insurance for electric scooter operation, but you can still be found liable in an accident so check your coverage. Many auto insurance policies exclude coverage for two-wheeled motor vehicles.

Standard negligence principles apply in accidents, following comparative fault rules where liability can be shared between parties based on their actions.

Local exceptions to state law

Madison: Madison has implemented comprehensive scooter regulations that go beyond state requirements. The city requires permits for shared scooter operators and has established geofenced slow zones around the University of Wisconsin campus and State Capitol area.

Madison allows sidewalk riding in residential areas but prohibits it on State Street and the Capitol Square. The city has designated scooter parking corrals in high-traffic areas and actively enforces improper parking violations.

During major events like Badger football games, Madison often implements temporary restrictions on scooter operation in high-traffic areas.

Milwaukee: Milwaukee permits electric scooters throughout the city but has specific restrictions in the downtown area and near Summerfest grounds. The city has implemented seasonal restrictions during major festivals.

Milwaukee has coordinated with surrounding counties for regional scooter sharing programs, creating more consistent rules across the greater Milwaukee area.

Green Bay: Green Bay allows scooter operation following state guidelines but has added specific restrictions around Lambeau Field during Packers games.

Oshkosh: Home to the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, the city has campus-specific policies that extend into surrounding areas. Oshkosh requires slower speeds near dormitories and prohibits sidewalk riding in downtown business districts.

Wisconsin Dells: As a major tourist destination, Wisconsin Dells has seasonal restrictions during peak summer months. The city requires additional safety equipment and has designated no-ride zones in high-pedestrian areas near major attractions.

Special circumstances

University campuses: Wisconsin’s major universities (UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Oshkosh) have campus-specific policies that often differ from city/state regulations. Check with the local university office.

State fairgrounds and major events: During events like the Wisconsin State Fair or Summerfest, cities often implement temporary restrictions on scooter operation in high-traffic areas. These typically include speed limits and designated no-ride zones.

Lake access and tourist areas: Coastal areas along Lake Michigan and popular tourist destinations often have seasonal restrictions during peak periods to manage pedestrian traffic and safety concerns.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a license to ride an electric scooter? No driver’s license required for normal operation.

Q: What if my scooter weighs more than 100 pounds? It would not be classified as an electric scooter under state law.

Q: Can I ride on sidewalks throughout Wisconsin? State law allows it unless locally prohibited. Many cities restrict sidewalk riding in downtown business districts while allowing it in residential areas.

Q: What lighting do I need for night riding? You need reflectors and lights that meet bicycle equipment standards, including white front light and red rear light or reflector.

Resources and citations

Stay up to date

Want to make sure you’re in the know on the latest regulatory changes to electric scooter law in Wisconsin? Sign up to our newsletter to get current updates when the rules change, or keep an eye on our electric scooter legal hub for the latest news.

We’re riders, not lawyers. This information is intended for informational purposes only, not legal advice.

For specific legal questions, consult with a local attorney familiar with Wisconsin transportation law.

Wisconsins common sense approach puts it among the top states for simple, yet clear and effective, electric scooter framework. With a somewhat limited 20 mph top speed capacity that can be argued isn’t in the best interest of adoption, it still makes scooter commuting easy for its citizens. No major rule-changes between cities, most follow state regulation apart from slight changes to where you can utilize sidewalks.

Treat your scooter like a bicycle and follow the speed limit and you’ll have no issues riding lawfully and safely in Wisconsin.

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