Are Electric Scooters for Adults Street Legal in US? 5 Top Picks 2024

State	Age Restriction	License Required	Street Legality
Alabama	16+	Yes	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Alaska	None	No	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Arizona	None	No	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Arkansas	16+<	Yes	Roads ≤ 25 mph
California	16+	Yes (DL/Permit)	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Colorado	None	No	Roads ≤ 30 mph
Connecticut	16+	Yes (DL/Permit)	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Delaware	16+	Yes	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Florida	16+	Yes (DL/Permit)	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Georgia	16+	Yes	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Hawaii	15+	Yes (DL/Permit)	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Idaho	None	No	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Illinois	16+	Yes (DL/Permit)	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Indiana	None	No	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Iowa	14+	Yes (DL/Permit)	Roads ≤ 25 mph,
Kansas	None	No	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Kentucky	None	No	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Louisiana	16+	Yes (DL/Permit)	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Maine	None	No	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Maryland	16+	Yes (DL/Permit)	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Massachusetts	16+	Yes	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Michigan	12+	No	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Minnesota	16+	Yes (DL/Permit)	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Mississippi	16+	Yes	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Missouri	None	No	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Montana	None	No	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Nebraska	14+	Yes (DL/Permit)	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Nevada	None	No	Roads ≤ 25 mph
New Hampshire	16+	Yes (DL/Permit)	Roads ≤ 25 mph
New Jersey	16+	Yes	Roads ≤ 25 mph
New Mexico	None	No	Roads ≤ 25 mph
New York	16+	Yes (DL/Permit)	Roads ≤ 25 mph
North Carolina	16+	Yes (DL/Permit)	Roads ≤ 25 mph
North Dakota	None	No	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Ohio	16+	Yes (DL/Permit)	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Oklahoma	None	No	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Oregon	16+	Yes (DL/Permit)	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Pennsylvania	16+	Yes (DL/Permit)	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Rhode Island	16+	Yes (DL/Permit)	Roads ≤ 25 mph
South Carolina	16+	Yes (DL/Permit)	Roads ≤ 25 mph
South Dakota	None	No	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Tennessee	16+	Yes (DL/Permit)	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Texas	16+	Yes (DL/Permit)	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Utah	None	No	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Vermont	None	No	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Virginia	14+	Yes (DL/Permit)	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Washington	None	No	Roads ≤ 25 mph
West Virginia	None	No	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Wisconsin	16+	Yes (DL/Permit)	Roads ≤ 25 mph
Wyoming	None	No	Roads ≤ 25 mph

 

Alabama

Scooters are permitted in Alabama, but local municipalities determine specific regulations. The permissibility of scooter-sharing programs varies depending on the city.

 

Alaska

Electric scooters in Alaska fall under the category of "motor-driven cycles" and are subject to regulations akin to motorcycles, including licensing and power restrictions.

 

Arizona

Treated as bicycles, electric scooters in Arizona can be ridden wherever bikes are allowed. No insurance or registration is needed, but riders under 18 must wear helmets.

 

Arkansas

While scooters are street-legal in Arkansas, certain age and speed restrictions apply. Regulations for scooter-sharing programs are left to local municipalities.

 

California

California has detailed scooter laws requiring valid driver's licenses, no vehicle registration, speed and road restrictions, and mandatory helmets for riders under 18.

 

Colorado

Scooters in Colorado can be used on streets with speed limits of 30 mph or lower, and sometimes on sidewalks. They are subject to bicycle laws, with some aspects still undefined.

 

Connecticut

Electric scooter laws in Connecticut mirror bicycle laws, with helmet requirements for riders under 16, sidewalk restrictions, and a 20 mph speed limit.

 

Delaware

Treated as motorized skateboards, scooters are not allowed on streets, highways, or sidewalks in Delaware, although enforcement is inconsistent.

 

Washington D.C.

Classified as "personal mobility devices," scooters in D.C. have age and sidewalk restrictions. Shared scooter riders under 18 must wear helmets, and a 10 mph speed limit applies.

 

Florida

Scooters are legal statewide in Florida, subject to age restrictions and similar rules as bicycles. Scooter-sharing programs are regulated by local ordinances.

 

Georgia

Electric scooter laws in Georgia have weight, speed, and location restrictions, with additional regulations determined by local municipalities.

 

Hawaii

Comprehensive scooter laws in Hawaii cover age, helmet use, lighting, weight, and speed restrictions.

 

Idaho

Scooter laws in Idaho are still evolving, with local governments regulating their usage. Specific regulations can be obtained from local law enforcement.

 

Illinois

Classified as motor-driven cycles, electric scooters in Illinois have licensing, registration, and insurance requirements for private owners. Shared scooter regulations vary by municipality.

 

Indiana

Referred to as "electric foot scooters," they can be ridden on streets and bike paths in Indiana, with additional regulations established by local governments.

 

Iowa

Scooters can be used on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or lower, sidewalks, and bike paths in Iowa. Lighting requirements apply, but no licenses or insurance are needed.

 

Kansas

Street-legal in Kansas, scooters are not allowed on highways or sidewalks. Licensing and lighting requirements apply, but helmets are not mandatory.

 

Kentucky

Treated like bicycles in Kentucky, scooters have age, lighting, and location restrictions, but no registration, licensing, or insurance requirements.

 

Louisiana

Scooter riders in Louisiana need valid driver's licenses and must adhere to age, helmet, and location restrictions.

 

Maine

Street-legal in Maine, scooters have restrictions on speed, lighting, wheel size, engine power, and licensing.

 

Maryland

Scooters are street-legal in Maryland and subject to similar laws as bicycles, with a 20 mph speed limit.

 

Massachusetts

Scooter riders in Massachusetts must yield to pedestrians, wear helmets, and follow audible signaling rules. Licenses and speed restrictions apply.

 

Michigan

Falling under the electric skateboard category, scooters in Michigan have passenger, power, and speed restrictions. Lighting and traffic rules also apply.

 

Mississippi

Scooter laws in Mississippi are largely undeveloped, with regulations determined by local municipalities. For specific laws, contact local law enforcement.

 

Missouri

Street-legal in Missouri, electric scooters are treated like motorized bicycles and are allowed in bike lanes. Riders need a valid driver's license, and scooters must not exceed 30 mph.

 

Montana

Treated like motorized bicycles, electric scooters in Montana are allowed on streets and bike paths but not on sidewalks. Riders must yield to pedestrians and follow traffic signals.

 

Nebraska

Electric scooter usage in Nebraska is mostly unregulated statewide, with no registration required. Riders should follow traffic laws and avoid riding on sidewalks.

 

Nevada

Electric scooters are allowed on public roads in Nevada but cannot weigh over 100 lbs or exceed 20 mph. Riders must be at least 16 years old.

 

New Hampshire

While New Hampshire lacks statewide electric scooter regulations, cities like Nashua and Portsmouth have laws governing shared scooters from companies like Spin or Bird.

 

New Jersey

Classified as "low-speed electric scooters," they are limited to 19 mph in New Jersey and subject to bicycle laws. Regulations for trails and sidewalks vary by city. A driver's license, insurance, or vehicle registration is not required.

 

New Mexico

Regulations for electric scooters in New Mexico are determined by local municipalities, with a bill under consideration for statewide governance as of early 2024.

 

New York

New York state law permits electric scooter use, requiring riders to be at least 16 and wear helmets. Scooters cannot be ridden on sidewalks or streets with speed limits over 30 mph. Local municipalities may extend or override these laws. Check out the guide to Electric Scooters Laws in NYC 2024 for an overview.

 

North Carolina

Registration with the DMV and a valid driver's license is required for electric scooters in North Carolina. They can't be ridden on roads with speed limits over 25 mph, while other statewide issues remain unaddressed.

 

North Dakota

Not specifically regulated statewide, electric scooters in North Dakota are subject to existing moped legislation. Riding on bicycle paths or sidewalks is prohibited, and riders under 18 must wear helmets.

 

Ohio

Classified as "low-speed micromobility devices," electric scooters in Ohio are limited to 20 mph and 100 lbs. Riders must be 16 or older, and a driver's license or insurance is not required. Scooters can be ridden on public roads, following traffic signals and yielding to pedestrians. Nighttime riding requires front and rear lights.

 

Oklahoma

Electric scooter regulation in Oklahoma is determined by individual cities, with unique rules for scooter-sharing programs in cities like Oklahoma City, Norman, Stillwater, and Tulsa. Specific regulations can be obtained from local law enforcement.

 

Oregon

Treated like mopeds, electric scooters in Oregon can have motors up to 100w, lights for night riding, and a 24 mph maximum speed. Individual cities can establish their own rules, such as Portland's 15 mph speed limit and minimum rider age of 16.

 

Pennsylvania

State-level electric scooter laws in Pennsylvania are still developing, with introduced bills aiming to establish statewide rules. Currently, regulation is determined by individual cities.

 

Based on different regulations, 20 mph electric scooters are the choice of many people. Electric scooters also can run at speeds below 20 mph, and riders can travel on roads with or without bike lanes while staying close to the curb and obeying driving and traffic rules.

 

Part 3. Do you Need a License for a Street Legal Electric Scooter?

Electric scooters have definitely made life easier. However, are you still wondering “Do you need a license to drive an electric scooter for adults street legal?”

In the UK you need a license to use electric scooters on the road. And that’s not all you also need to be using protective headgear and pay vehicle taxes before using them.

In most places in the US, electric scooters can run on pathways, trails, and bike lanes. Having a license isn’t mandatory by law.

In California, there are still some restrictions when it comes to operating an electric scooter for adult street legal. You need to have a valid driver's license, wear a helmet, and cannot use sidewalks. The speed limit should never be above 15 mph.

In many states, electric scooters are allowed if you obey traffic rules. In London and San Francisco, electric scooters can be easily rented like bikes.

 

Part 4. What to Consider When Buying an Electric Scooter for Adults Street Legal?

After you've been sure whether your electric scooter can be street legal in your city, it can be not easy to decide which scooter in the market is right for you. You should consider the need for performance and features. Some people who live in hilly towns may prefer powerful electric scooters with slow speeds. A fast e-scooter will serve your needs better if you live in an urban area with flat roads. In cities, signal lights can mean the difference between a commute and an accident when it comes to dark or rainy climates. And your important documents and papers are much safer in the trunk than in your backpack.

 

Motor

Most electric scooters for adults range from 350 to 3000 watts. The higher the wattage of the scooter motor, the higher the power. However, it is important that you need to determine the purpose of using the e-scooter. If you just want to commute in the city, an e-scooter with a 350-watt motor will be sufficient.

 

Top Speed

The average top speed of most street-legal motorized scooters can reach 15-20 mph. But some electric scooters can reach a top speed of 50-70 mph. You can choose according to your daily needs and the laws of your state.

 

Suspension

The suspension system on an electric scooter for adults street legal has a set of springs that absorb bumps and shocks to provide a smooth and comfortable ride. If you plan to use it on rough terrain, you can choose a scooter with rear and front suspension, but a scooter with a suspension system will be heavier and high costly.

 

Brake

Obviously, you want an electric scooter with a great braking system. It is very important when you want to get quick braking.

 

Load Capacity

Not all e-scooters are the same when it comes to weight capacity. Some are designed for a single person, and some can easily accommodate two people. Generally, the scooter with a weight capacity of 220 - 275 lbs can meet the needs of most people.

 

Part 5. 6 Tips for Riding an Electric Scooter for Adults Street Legal

1. Riding an electric scooter for street legal is different from other transportation. Electric scooters do not require manual operation like bicycles, nor do they have the motor power and speed of motorcycles.

2. While you don't have to wear a seat belt when riding an electric scooter, in the United States and many other countries, you are legally required to wear a helmet to ensure your safety.

3. After getting to the destination, please park your electric scooter in a safe place or parking lot and lock it. Because electric scooters are lightweight and easy to carry, taking proper precautions can prevent your scooter from being lost.

4. Before riding, you need to know the rules of the road. Most bicycles and e-scooters are only allowed on bike lanes. Driving in high-traffic areas or areas with no bike lanes is prohibited when the speed limit exceeds 25 miles per hour.

5. While riding, pay attention to signals from other drivers and stay as close to the road as possible. Practicing safe driving techniques will keep you safe.

6. Low visibility weather such as rain or snow can obstruct your vision, it is very important to be alert and visible to drive safely and avoid accidents.

 

Part 6. FAQ about Street Legal Electric Scooters

 

1. What makes an electric scooter street legal?

To ride on streets, a vehicle must meet authorities' requirements for public road use and comply with safety standards.

 

2. Are electric scooters allowed on streets?

There's no universal rule; legality varies by state and local laws. E-scooter regulations remain unclear in many places, leading to conflicting views.

 

3. Are electric scooters allowed on the sidewalk?

Official sidewalk rules differ among states. Generally, it's discouraged, and checking the local Department of Motor Vehicles is wise.

 

4. Where to legally ride electric scooters?

Consistent laws exist across states. On roads without bike lanes, e-scooters without licenses are allowed up to 25 mph. Sidewalks and bike paths are off-limits.

 

5. Which is the best street-legal electric scooter?

The TurboAnt V8 stands out with dual 7.5 Ah batteries, a 450W front motor, and a 50-mile max range. With 275 lbs capacity and rear suspension, it suits heavier riders.

 

6. How much does a street-legal electric scooter cost?

For traffic use, expect to spend more than $300-500. Pricing varies based on features and road legality.

 

Electric scooters for adults street legal these days are becoming the new eco-friendly way of transportation. Electric scooters are undoubtedly simple and clean. Ride with care and common sense and you will end up spending much less time than any other form of transport you normally use.