Just because you decide to enjoy a camping trip with friends and family does not mean you cannot bring along your handy electric scooter.
Having one of the best electric scooters for camping is a great way to see everything you want and still have the energy to set up your tent at night.
Electric scooters are the newest transportation trend that might never leave! They provide a practical, ecological, and economical means of transportation for commuters and pleasure seekers.
However, the electric micro-mobility phenomenon also spurred a flood of complaints from pedestrians and metropolitan. So, after law enforcement evaluated the social implications, are electric scooters street legal?
Electric scooters are street legal, except in Pennsylvania and Delaware. In addition, electric scooters aren’t allowed on highways and high-speed roads (limit over 35 mph). Each state has different laws regarding sidewalks, minimum age, max speed, helmets and registration, license, and insurance.
While electric scooters are taking over the United States, it’s imperative to know (and follow) the strict laws of your state before hopping on and heading to the streets.
So, here’s a guide that will shed some light on whether electric scooters are legal and the federal legislation attached to them.
Electric scooters are street-legal in most states.
Only two states ban electric scooters entirely on the streets: Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Electric scooters are street legal
Although legal in most US states, the laws regarding where and how you’re allowed to ride electric scooters differ between states.
Electric scooters have caused explosive growth in micro-mobility, providing an array of transportation benefits. They are convenient, environmentally friendly (low-carbon), cheap, and efficient.
However, with the array of benefits comes counteractive effects – traffic obstruction, sidewalk congestion, potential accidents, and health concerns. The drawbacks have brought micro-mobility to the forefront of United States lawmakers’ attention.
Today, several laws and restrictions exist around electric scooters which aim to protect riders and the community. Some states have stricter laws than others.
Electric scooters aren’t allowed on highways and high-speed streets (streets with a speed limit over 35 mph).
However, some states limit electric scooters to even lower speed roads (see below).
Current Electric Scooter Laws
Riders need to follow general driving and traffic rules – driving on the right side of the road, yielding to pedestrians, and observing traffic signals.
In most states, the minimum age requirement to ride electric scooters is 16.
These states include Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Virginia (Arlington).
However, several states are more liberal.
For example:
Riding electric scooters on the sidewalk is only officially banned in 10 states. However, it is frowned upon in most urban areas.
Riding electric scooters on sidewalks
It is not surprising that some states have banned riding electric scooters on sidewalks.
The speeds are dangerous on sidewalks where there are plenty of pedestrians, bicyclists, and obstructions on the sidewalk that can cause accidents.
The specific laws for riding electric scooters on sidewalks are slightly complicated, as several states fail to mention sidewalk use in their regulations.
So, we recommend verifying the legality with your local Department of Motor Vehicles before riding your electric scooter on the sidewalk.
It is against the law to ride an electric scooter on sidewalks in the following ten states:
You can legally ride electric scooters on sidewalks in states: Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, Rhode Island, and Virginia.
Most US states have a 20-mph speed limit for electric scooters.
Maximum Speed For Riding Electric Scooters
Some states allow traveling up to 30 mph on electric scooters, while others limit the speed to 10 to 15 mph.
Here’s an overview of the maximum speed limits per state.
Speed | States |
|---|---|
Max of 10 to 15 mph | Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington (10 mph), Wyoming |
Max of 20 mph | Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey (19 mph), New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin |
Max of 30 mph | Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan (45 mph), Missouri (45 mph), North Carolina (15 mph in downtown destinations), North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas (35 mph) |
Most states require that minors under 18 years old wear a helmet.
However, other states have extended the law to wear helmets for all ages.
Helmet Requirements for Electric Scooters
For example:
Even if you aren’t legally obligated to wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter, it is highly recommended for your safety. An accident can cause severe head trauma irrespective of your travel speed.
Most states require DMV registration for motorcycles and mopeds.
However, electric scooters are subject to each state. Fewer restrictions exist as they are easier to use than motor vehicles.
North Carolina is the only state that requires DMV registration.
In nine states, electric scooter riders must have a valid driver or M license.
However, we doubt that driver’s licenses will become the new norm as micro-mobility gives affordable transportation access to those who cannot afford motor vehicles.
The following states require a license to ride an electric scooter:
In most states, local and federal transportation agencies don’t require electric scooter riders to carry insurance.
Illinois and Texas require riders to have electric scooter insurance if the motor surpasses 750 Watts.
There are no clear set laws for electric scooters. They are constantly updating, and your obligation is to verify the legality of electric scooters in your city.
Always follow your state and city’s regulations and enjoy the riding experience. Lastly, WEAR YOUR HELMET for safety regardless of the law regulations.
For many consumers, the main appeal of owning a scooter is being able to fly down roads and over trails at incredible speeds. We all want that rush of feeling the wind whip past as we recapture a sense of freedom.
That is why we have put together a guide to the fastest electric scooters out there in the market. We want to help you get the exhilaration of a high-speed machine while you explore the outside world.
Strong on the road, ruthless on your joints – Hiboy S2 PRO, with its robust construction, decent range, minimal maintenance requirements, and affordable price is without the doubt one of the most attractive electric scooters for beginners on the market.
Taking a long ride on an electric scooter is one of the most relaxing and freeing experiences many adults have come to embrace, especially since the pandemic.
Whether taking a ride for your morning office commute or quickly hitting up that coffee shop/bookstore local spot for your morning cup, you want to be comfortable and safe.
That is why I put together this comprehensive guide to the 6 best slip-resistant shoes for electric scooters.