Electric Scooter Laws in Wyoming – Complete Guide 2025

Quick facts

  • Classification: Undefined at state level (treated as bicycles by default)
  • Min age: No state minimum
  • Helmet required: No state requirement
  • Max speed: No state limit defined
  • Max power: No state limit defined
  • Max weight: No state limit defined
  • License: Not required
  • Registration: Not required
  • Sidewalk riding: Prohibited in downtown areas of major cities
  • Bike lane access: Generally yes
  • Scooter sharing: Permit-based in major cities
  • Last updated: September 28, 2025

What Wyoming riders need to know

Wyoming has zero state legislation for electric scooters, which puts them in a legal gray zone where local governments have to step in and make the rules. Local governments have mostly chosen to lump them up with bicycles so you won’t need a license, registration, or helmet at the state level, but you’re navigating a patchwork of city ordinances that can vary between them. Cheyenne, Casper, and Laramie have each crafted their own regulations, primarily to accommodate shared scooter programs. The lack of statewide rules means freedom for private scooter owners but also means you need to know your specific city’s regulations before rolling out.

Wyoming hasn’t passed any dedicated electric scooter legislation. The closest reference is Senate File 81 (2019), which established a three-class system for electric bicycles under Wyoming Statutes Title 31, Chapter 5, Article 7 (specifically §31-5-707). That law explicitly covers e-bikes and doesn’t mention electric scooters even once, so that’s not a great fit.

Without specific state statutes defining electric scooters, they fall under general vehicle codes in Wyoming Statutes Title 31 (Motor Vehicles). The practical interpretation from local governance is that electric scooters follow bicycle traffic rules found in §31-5-702, meaning you obey traffic signals, ride as far right as practicable, and follow standard right-of-way rules.

Cities have filled the regulatory vacuum themselves. Cheyenne passed emergency ordinances in June 2019 specifically addressing shared electric scooters downtown. In April 2025, Cheyenne approved a more comprehensive dockless vehicle ordinance establishing a formal RFP process for scooter companies wanting to operate in the city.

Where You Can Ride

Roadways: Electric scooters can use public roadways following bicycle rules. You’re subject to all traffic signals, stop signs, and right-of-way requirements. Wyoming law requires cyclists to ride as far right as practicable except when passing, preparing for left turns, or when the lane is too narrow to share safely.

Bike Lanes: Bike lanes are generally accessible to electric scooter riders throughout Wyoming. When a bike lane exists, use it rather than riding in vehicle traffic lanes.

Sidewalks: This is where city ordinances matter most. In Cheyenne, sidewalk riding is prohibited in the Central Business District (between 15th Street and 24th Street, and between Bent Avenue and House Avenue). Casper’s city ordinance prohibits riding bicycles and e-scooters on sidewalks in the downtown area. Laramie has similar restrictions in core downtown districts and where posted, with the city code specifically prohibiting “motor scooters or similar vehicles” on sidewalks citywide. For other Wyoming cities without specific ordinances, sidewalk riding technically isn’t prohibited, but pedestrian safety and local enforcement should guide your decisions.

Trails & Parks: State parks generally follow bicycle rules for electric scooters, but trail access depends on individual park management.

Equipment & Vehicle Requirements

Wyoming doesn’t define equipment requirements for electric scooters at the state level. There’s no maximum power limit, no speed cap definition, and no mandatory equipment list in state statute.

For practical safety and to avoid unwanted attention from law enforcement, follow basic bicycle equipment standards like working brakes, a white front light for night riding, a red rear reflector or light, and a bell or horn for signaling.

Cities with shared scooter programs require companies to provide scooters with functional brakes, lights, and bells. If you’re riding privately owned scooters in these cities, matching those equipment standards makes sense even if not legally mandatory.

Rider Requirements

Minimum Age: No state minimum age exists for electric scooter riders. Cities may set their own requirements, particularly for shared scooter programs. Shared scooter companies operating in Wyoming typically require riders to be 18 or older, but that’s company policy rather than legal requirement. Private scooter owners face no age restrictions under state law.

Licensing: No license required.

Helmet Laws: No statewide helmet mandate exists for bicycle riders, which means electric scooter riders are also not obligated by state law. This puts Wyoming in the minority of states, and while I appreciate the freedom, I’ve spent enough time with crashed electric rides to know it’s worth its weight in gold.

Alcohol Rules: Always assume the worst from a legal standpoint. Don’t ride under the influence and you’ve completely eliminated any risk to you or your surrounding.

Parking, Storage & Riding Etiquette

Parking regulations vary by city, with the most detailed rules being found in cities with shared electric scooter programs.

Best practices for all Wyoming cities include parking your scooter upright in a stable position, keeping at least 4 feet of clear sidewalk width for pedestrians, not blocking building entrances or crosswalks, respecting private property boundaries, and using bike racks when possible. Improperly parked scooters can be impounded in cities with specific ordinances, with retrieval fees typically ranging from $50 to $100. Not worth the annoyance.

Enforcement & Penalties

Cheyenne and Casper, which have a lot of active scooter sharing companies tend to be more aware of scooter-related violations. With smaller towns being less keen on enforcing anything that isn’t a harsh traffic offense.

Without specific state penalties for electric scooter violations, enforcement falls under general traffic violation categories. Reckless operation is treated as a traffic misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months jail time and $750 in fines under general Wyoming traffic law. Sidewalk riding in prohibited areas typically results in city-specific fines of $25 to $100. Improper parking gets a warning for first offense, then $50+ fines for repeated violations in cities with scooter programs. DUI on a scooter carries full DUI penalties, including potential license suspension, fines up to $750 for first offense, and possible jail time.

Most violations result in warnings or small fines rather than serious penalties, but don’t assume leniency. Since scooter sharing is the key perpetrator in most accidents, giving us experienced riders a bad rep, enforcement usually are more common in areas with a higher amount of shared scooters.

Insurance & Liability

Wyoming doesn’t mandate specific insurance for electric scooters. Standard homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies may provide some personal liability coverage, but you should verify with your insurance company.

In accidents, liability follows general negligence principles. The person operating unsafely bears responsibility, whether that’s the scooter rider, vehicle driver, or pedestrian. Wyoming follows a comparative fault system, meaning liability can be split between parties based on their respective contributions to the accident.

Local Exceptions to State Law

Cheyenne: Cheyenne has the most developed electric scooter regulations in Wyoming, driven by their partnership with shared scooter companies. Sidewalk riding is prohibited in the Central Business District (15th to 24th Streets, Bent to House Avenues). Specific parking zones are designated for shared scooters. Companies must obtain permits through the city’s new RFP process.

Casper: Casper allows shared scooter operations under city permit. Sidewalk riding is prohibited in the downtown area. Riders follow bicycle traffic rules on roadways. Parking regulations are similar to Cheyenne’s approach.

Laramie: Laramie modified its ordinances to accommodate shared electric scooters but maintains restrictions. Motor scooters are prohibited on sidewalks citywide under Laramie Municipal Code Chapter 12.04.120. Riders follow bicycle rules on streets and bike lanes. Core district restrictions apply.

Special Circumstances

School Zones: No specific electric scooter rules apply to school zones beyond standard traffic law. Follow posted speed limits, yield to children crossing streets, and exercise extra caution during school hours.

Renters vs Private Owners: Cities distinguish between shared scooter programs (which require company permits) and private scooter ownership (which doesn’t). The operational rules generally apply equally, you follow the same traffic laws whether you’re renting or riding your own scooter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can kids ride electric scooters in Wyoming? Yes, no state age minimum exists. Parents should assess their child’s maturity and riding skills and check local regulations.

Q: Do I need a license to ride? No license required.

Q: Can I ride at night? Yes, but use proper lighting (white front light, red rear light or reflector) for visibility and safety.

Q: Are shared scooters different from private scooters legally? The traffic rules apply equally. The difference is that shared scooter companies need city permits to operate, while private owners don’t need any registration or permits.

Can I ride on the sidewalk? It depends on the city. Major cities prohibit sidewalk riding in downtown areas. Outside these zones, sidewalk riding exists in a legal gray area, default to common sense and pedestrian safety.

Resources & Citations

We’re riders, mechanics, and adrenaline enthusiasts, not lawyers. This information summarizes Wyoming law for educational purposes and shouldn’t replace legal advice. Laws change, cities update ordinances, and enforcement priorities shift. For legal questions, especially regarding DUI or serious violations, consult a local attorney who handles traffic law in Wyoming.

Get Updates On Changes to Wyoming Electric Scooter Law

Want updates when Wyoming’s electric scooter laws change? Join our newsletter to stay current with regulations across the mountain west. Or just check our electric scooter state law hub page regularly to stay up to snuff with all the legal webwork.

Wyoming’s hands-off approach to scooter regulation fits the state’s general philosophy, local control beats state mandates. I appreciate the flexibility, but it comes with responsibility. You’re essentially self-regulating in many Wyoming cities, which works great until it doesn’t.

The shared scooter programs in Cheyenne, Casper, and Laramie are proving grounds for future statewide policy. How riders behave now will determine whether Wyoming eventually creates comprehensive state laws or continues letting cities handle it themselves. Based on patterns I’ve seen in other states, expect more regulation if accident rates climb or if scooters create persistent problems with pedestrian access. Shared scooters are by far the biggest villain in the accident statistic and it is usually what makes regulators step in with an overarching ruleset.

One thing to note about Wyoming weather, if you’re riding year-round, winter conditions create hazards that no legislation can address. Ice, snow, and temperatures well below freezing test both your scooter’s performance and your riding skills. Know when to leave the scooter at home and find another way to get around.

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