A motorized foot scooter may be operated at a speed of up to fifteen miles per hour on a roadway or bicycle lane, and may be operated on a sidewalk or on pedestrian or bicycle trails if authorized by a local jurisdiction, which shall specify the maximum speed of such sidewalk operation. ADA Requirements: Wheelchairs, Mobility Aids, and Other Power-Driven Electric scooters are also street-legal in Arkansas. E-scooter users in Texas observe the same laws as bicycle riders. You can ride your e-scooter anywhere just like your bicycle. The state laws of Indiana outlines that the electric scooter should not exceed the maximum weight limit of 100 pounds. New Mexico is also a state where electric scooter regulations are left to local municipalities. Riders must not exceed 5 mph over the designated speed limit. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. They are environmentally friendly. Where permissible, scooters can be driven up to 10 to 20mph. In this state, scooters cannot travel faster than 20 mph or weigh over 100 lbs. Currently, Vancouver has not enacted any specific rules or regulations for motorized foot scooters. Unagi recommends that all electric scooter users consider the rights of pedestrians, other riders (such as bicycle riders), and cars who are unlikely to expect to see an electric scooter on the road. Scooter laws in Alabama are still slowly developing. While they have been designated as their own specific class of vehicle, the laws pertaining to electric scooters are essentially the same as those that apply to bicycles. If the road, trail, or sidewalk has debris on it, or if there is a pothole or uneven section of pavement, the risk of a fall may be imminent. These laws must be enforced in legally grey areas. Residents of Georgia states can ride e-scooters on bike paths and lanes. . 16 years or older can only ride on it in Kentucky. You must wear eye protection if your moped doesn't have a windshield. Mississippi doesnt have any regulations concerning electric kick scooters. Generally, you cannot drive an electric scooter on any highway. But are electric scooters street-legal everywhere A helmet is mandatory for riders along with a valid drivers license. PMDs are defined to exclude battery-operated wheelchairs. In that case, you should contact a local law enforcement officer for an explanation of the applicable regulations. Also, the ability to drive scooters on sidewalks is determined individually by each city. Local regulation of the operation of class 3 electric-assisted bicycles, upon a shared use path designated for the use of bicycles that crosses jurisdictional boundaries of two or more local jurisdictions, must be consistent for the entire shared use path in order for the local regulation to be enforceable; however, this does not apply to local regulations of a shared use path in effect as of January 1, 2018. Concerns about the safety of electric scooters have risen along with their increased popularity. However, when traveling on sidewalks, these vehicles cannot be driven faster than 6 mph. For instance, in Boise, electric scooters may be driven on the Greenbelt, on sidewalks, and streets. Riders must be 16 years old to ride the kick scooter in Nevada. "acceptedAnswer": { The legislature defines e-scooters as: Weighing less than 100 lbs (45.35 kg) Travels on no more than three wheels Uses handlebars and floorboards that the rider stands on Powered by an electric motor no faster than 20 mph (32 km/h) Are not motor-driven cycles, motor vehicle, or motorcycle However, to legally operate a moped in Washington: Access to DOL Services | Privacy | Conditions of Use | Copyright 2023. As motor scooters became more common, they gained popularity not only as a fad, but for their utility in traveling within the intercity environment. Electric scooter laws and regulations in the US will mostly depend on the state. Out of which M1 or M3 is for those riders who are 16 plus whereas M2 is for riders ages 14 and 15 years. Most states and many cities either have, or are considering, regulations to control the types of scooters that can be used, who can use them, and where they can be used. The Washington Department of Licensing has laws and regulations in place that are specific to mopeds, motorized scooters, and other types of vehicles apart from motorcycles. There are constant new innovations in the latest models. Washington state also does not require that users wear a helmet. Washington, D.C. Electric Scooter Laws However, further development of specific laws has been left to local municipalities. Contact a Seattle personal injury lawyer today if you have been injured on an electric scooter. They are even allowed to ride on roads but with a maximum speed of 35 mph. Accordingly, regulations are left to individual cities. In Portland, Oregon, a four-month pilot program revealed electric scooters made up five percent of all traffic incidents. Starting in 2019, all-electric scooters must be registered with the state and have a license plate. Has an electric OR a liquid fuel motor of up to 50 CC. Two main reasons are cause for the growing popularity of electric scooters. Electric Scooter and Skateboard Laws in America (All States) Over the past year, as outdoor dining took up more and more space on sidewalks, it was difficult enough to move around. This is valuable when comparing the environmental impact that e-scooters have versus other modes of travel. The maximum operated speed should not exceed 30 mph. Riders must adhere to permanent speed-limited zones. Every scooter must have a muffler that does not create excess noise or possess a noise-suppressing device. However, the state laws stipulate that electric scooter must not exceed 100lbs and can travel at a maximum speed limit of 20 mph. Persons operating electric-assisted bicycles and motorized foot scooters shall comply with all laws and regulations related to the use of bicycle helmets; (d) For any person to transport a child under the age of five on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle; Riders must not be younger than 12 years old to ride kick scooters and should wear a helmet. In general, they are treated the same as bicycles. Electric scooters in Alaska must not produce more than 750W of power. However, electric scooters are permitted where local governments allow them. In May 2019, electric scooters were legalized (Washington Rev. Scooters in the state can be ridden on the paths set aside for bicycles as well as on streets and sidewalks with a speed limit of below 35 mph. In Iowa, electric scooters may be driven on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or slower. Electric scooters can be operated on public roads, but their operators must obey traffic lights and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. Since they are considered as motor-driven cycle therefore riders need to have a Class M licensed for it. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW. The Electric Scooter Laws by State Electric scooters have been growing in popularity and are becoming more of a common sight on our streets. Mar 14, 2019 While the bill maintains a state law that prohibits electric scooters (and, a throwback to last year's session . Find out how much your case could be worth. Can't travel faster than 30 miles per hour. Generally, in Colorado, those who operate electric scooters must obey many of the same laws as bicyclists. An e-scooter is allowed as long as its motor is under 900W. The researchers calculated the average injury rate for e-scooter use was 2.2 accidents for every 10,000 miles traveled. The laws provisions that apply to electric scooters called motorized foot scooters are: No drivers license is required. Like Missouri, electric scooters are treated the same as motorized bicycles in Montana. According to state law; the maximum weight of the scooter should not be more than 100lbs excluding the weight of the rider. Electric Scooter vs Hoverboard 2023 Which is Better and Why? Seattle is introducing a two-month pilot program that allows residents to rent electric scooters available throughout the city. In addition to the increased likelihood of being knocked over and falling from a scooter accident, pedestrians complain that the scooters increase sidewalk congestion and that vandalization of the shared scooters is creating health concerns and beautification concerns. He really fights for his clients. But in Arkansas riders are not allowed to ride faster than 15 mph. Safety should be your utmost priority while riding an electric scooter. In class M, three subcategories are M1, M2, and M3. Last Updated: October 31, 2022 by Sam John. In these congested urban cities, electric scooters have value because they leave small a physical footprint and dont leave a carbon footprint at all. A scooter should ride at a maximum speed of 20 mph. Individuals under 16 cannot operate a motorized scooter. Still, these vehicles are bound by existing legislation that applies to mopeds. To operate shared scooters in Illinois, such as those provided by Bird and Lime, operators do not require special licensing. The motorized foot scooter should travel at a speed of 15 mph or less. ", "mainEntity": [ Riders must also be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license. In Massachusetts, electric scooters may be driven on public streets. A person moving at 20mph on a scooter lacks any type of protection in the event of a fall, and could easily break a bone, suffer head or brain trauma, sustain road rash, or cause him or herself permanent harm to the neck, back, or shoulders. Contact our experienced personal injury lawyers at Wruck Paupore by calling (219) 322-1166. More importantly, Don understands representing personal injury victims is about more than recovering the best settlement: its about helping clients get back on their feet and supporting them in every aspect of their recovery. The maximum operated speed should not exceed 20mph. However, local municipalities have the ability to extend or override state laws pertaining to electric scooter usage. While scooters are attractive because they are cheap and have a low-carbon output, they have generated complaints worldwide, especially in metropolitan areas, from pedestrians. These vehicles are permitted on sidewalks but cannot be capable of reaching speeds greater than 15 mph. They cannot exceed speeds of 20 mph and must be equipped with breaks, front lights, and rear lights. Several rules and regulations surround Seattles speed-limit zones: Electric scooters offer fantastic benefits in urban areas where residents travel often. Operation of a personal delivery device on any part of a highway other than a sidewalk or crosswalk is unlawful, except as provided in RCW 46.61.240 (2) and 46.61.250 (2). Under D.C. law, electric scooters are defined as a type of " Personal Mobility Device " ("PMD"). Riders can use kick scooters on streets with a speed of less than 25mph. The rider must wear a proper helmet especially if he is under 18. Those who do not abide by traffic laws are subject to the same penalties that apply to violations committed while driving a Segway. instructions to enable JavaScript in your web browser. The electric scooter must have proper reflectors if it is used when it is dark. In May 2019, Washington passed a scooter law that also applies to motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, mopeds, electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes), and other mobility devices. New Hampshire is another state where statewide electric scooter regulations have not been established. Don is a founding partner and one of the nations top-ranked personal injury litigators. No matter if your state requires it or not, wearing a proper riders helmet with bright and visible front and rear headlights is the better approach to remain safe and sound. His knowledge and experience specific to semi-truck accidents made all of the difference in the outcome of my case; the settlement exceeded my expectations! In Nebraska, registration for electric scooters is not mandatory. And again, the rules differ from state to state. In order to operate such a vehicle, riders must obtain valid drivers licenses. Washington is one of 11 states where riding an electric scooter on a sidewalk is not legal. State scooter laws in Mississippi are largely undeveloped. Outside of these regulations, issues pertaining to the statewide use of electric scooters are left unaddressed. Still, it is important to be aware of the applicable rules before driving an electric scooter in your state. Unagi asserts that electric scooter usage, called micromobility, is expanding. However, to legally operate a moped in Washington: You must have a valid driver license. (3) Operation of a moped, electric personal assistive mobility device, or motorized foot scooter on a fully controlled limited access highway is unlawful. From his childhood in Gary, Indiana during the 1960s and working his way through law school, Keith has risen to become one of the Midwests most respected trial lawyers. Code 46.20.500) As long as it is controlled by throttle and weighs less than 75 lbs then it comes under the regular bicycle category. North Dakota is also a state where the use of electric scooters is not specifically regulated at a statewide level. You cannot go beyond that. Operation of a personal delivery device on any part of a highway other than a sidewalk or crosswalk is unlawful, except as provided in RCW. ", "From start to finish, Wruck Paupore PC Law were the best! Though collecting and reading all available and enacted laws is a bit tricky task but we have made it easy for you in the form of an ultimate guide about electric scooter laws by state. There arent any rules and regulations about kick scooters in Hawaii currently. The maximum speed should not be more than 20 mph. Still, they are permitted on trails and bike paths that have not been reserved for non-motorized traffic. State agencies or local jurisdictions may regulate the use of class 3 electric-assisted bicycles on facilities and properties under their jurisdiction and control. Virginia has got electric kick scooters laws which are strictly followed by all the riders. The folks at Wruck and Paupore were always pleasant and helpful in all their phone calls and letters. However, a bill has been introduced in the state legislature that serves to govern the use of such vehicles statewide. Every other day new company steps into the field with the latest technology at pocket-friendly prices. Electric scooters cannot be driven any time from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise without reflectors of a type approved by the state patrol. Basically, you cannot ride an electric scooter when it is dark. Alabama. Electric scooters can be operated on streets and roads but not on sidewalks in Vermont. In Kentucky, electric scooters are treated similarly to bicycles. The laws provisions that apply to electric scooters called motorized foot scooters are: Another Washington state law, RCW 46.61.710, also regulates the use of motorized foot scooters (electric scooters). Electric scooter legality - a complete guide to laws and regulations Electric scooters have also been deemed street-legal in Maryland. We represent accident claims on a contingency fee basis. However, the rider must wear a helmet especially if they are under 15. Supporting Pachecos reasoning, these younger crowds note that e-scooters would allow them to dress appropriately for events that require dresses and suits without the hassle of ruining their garment while riding a bike or moped. Explained every step and communicated very well. Drivers only need to be 18 years old or at least 16 years old with their guardians permission. In Oklahoma, governance of electric scooter usage is set forth by individual cities. For full functionality of our online services (like tab renewal, address change, renew your professional license, etc. You may be entitled to financial compensation if you have been injured because of an electric scooter accident in Illinois. This reflector must be visible within 600 feet of the e-scooter. instructions to enable JavaScript in your web browser. However, they cannot be driven in excess of 20 mph. Electric scooters may be taken anywhere that bicycles can in Utah. Washington. "@type": "Answer", A child under 16 can only operate an electric scooter/motorized foot scooter if a local jurisdiction approves the usage. Seattle Electric Scooters Laws: What You Need To Know - Colburn Law The firm was responsive to my inquiries, and very clear about what was required and what could be expected, during every step of the process. Jason -- and our entire team -- put this inside knowledge to work to force insurance companies to pay what is actually owed. Further, they cannot be taken on streets with speed limits higher than 25 mph, and drivers cannot go faster than 15 mph. South Dakota has legalized the usage of electric scooters on public roads. Electric Scooter Laws by U.S. State. (Unagi sells electric scooters.) Therefore, regulations have been left to local municipalities. at the best online prices at eBay! The rules governing scooter-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft have been left to local municipalities in Arkansas. ", "Don did a great job on my case! Founding Attorney Matthew Philbrook attended Clark College, Washington State University, and Gonzaga University School of Law. RCW 46.04.336: Motorized foot scooter. - Washington In order to operate a scooter in Washington, you must be at least 16 years old unless otherwise allowed by local municipalities. One of the biggest issues surrounding electric scooters is the lack of helmet regulation for dockless scooters. Scooter Laws in Minnesota | Morgan & Morgan Law Firm Lastly, vehicles cannot weigh over 75 pounds or be driven faster than 15 mph. Electric scooter regulations have not been enacted in Nebraska yet, at the state level. Private scooter owners must acquire a Class L or Class M license. Electric scooters and skateboards are not allowed in the state of Delaware. Top 10 Washington State Electric Scooter Laws | Drive SY The maximum speed should not exceed 25 mph. The laws and regulations that are being enacted are taking some cues from the laws and regulations that apply to the shared ride experience of Uber and Lyft for passenger vehicles and from laws and regulations on electric bikes. Usually, riders follow the rules set by local authorities to ride electric scooters. By Washington standards, a motorized foot scooter is a vehicle with: Since motorized foot scooters are NOT authorized for street use in Washington, a drivers license is NOT required. The process for becoming licensed to ride electric scooters is similar to the process of acquiring a motorcycle license. Electric scooters in Alaska as governed as motor driven cycles. Therefore, they are regulated by government agencies as other motor vehicles. In Texas, you dont need any license or insurance for riding an electric scooter. The rider is allowed to operate kick scooters only in the street and bike lanes. In Michigan, electric scooters fall under the same category as electric skateboards. ***Every case is unique and your results will differ. Therefore, this is another state where regulation is mostly left to individual cities. Electric Moped Laws in California. The motorized foot scooter must be equipped with the ability to disengage the drive motor. } Dockless vehicles, under the ordinance, also include bicycles and electric bicycles. Virginia has established state laws that regulate the usage of electric scooters. The majority of the residents of Hawaii have got privately owned electric scooters for commuting to nearby places. In Oklahoma City, e-scooters can go on roads with a speed limit exceeding 35 miles per hour, which is highly liberal compared to other states. Victims of electric scooter accidents in Indiana can call our law firm for help determining the appropriate course of action. . Furthermore, drivers of electric scooters cannot take their vehicles onto sidewalks and cannot travel over 20 mph. Still, they should be equipped with rear and front lights. Also, when riding on sidewalks the speed should not cross 6 mph. I was worried about bills and dealing with insurance people. Electric Scooter Law Guide In U.S. 2022- Varla Scooter Before forming Wruck Paupore, Jason worked for a prominent law firm representing some of the worlds largest insurers.