As a miniature means of transportation, electric scooters have become popular all over the world due to their convenience and environmentally friendly features. However, due to the rapid development of electric scooters in a short period of time, laws and regulations on electric scooters vary from country to country and region to region. Some regions have strict regulations on electric scooters, including helmet use, sidewalk riding, licensing, registration and speed limits, rider age limits and scooter weight limits. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll detail the laws and regulations that each country and region has in place regarding electric scooters.
United States of America
State
|
Driving range
|
Regulations
|
Age
|
Protective gear
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Texas
|
It is legal to drive an electric scooter on a carriageway with a speed limit of 35 km/h or less.
Whether they can be driven on sidewalks is still under discussion.
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Currently, riders of electric scooters are required to follow the same traffic laws as motorists, including stopping at traffic lights, direction of travel in lanes, and more.
Since the law only allows electric scooters to be driven on roads with a speed limit lower than 35 km/h, it cannot be used on highways.
|
Unspecified
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Although the law that requires the wearing of protective gear (such as helmets) has not yet been introduced, electric scooter rental companies for the helmet is only an initiative to wear, but in terms of past injuries caused by accidents due to riding an electric scooter, wearing a helmet is still very important for riding.
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California
|
California law states that electric scooters can only be driven in bike lanes.
The maximum speed limit, wherever it is, is 15 mph, one of the few such demanding speed limits in many North American states, and exceeding the speed limit can result in a $250 ticket.
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1. the scooter must be equipped with a light that provides illumination within 300 feet of the side of the front side, the front light may be replaced with a searchlight worn by the rider;
2. the rear side must be equipped with a red reflector to ensure visibility within 500 feet;
3. yellow or white reflectors with 200 feet visibility are required on both the front and rear sides of the body, with the rear side reflector being replaceable with a reflector worn by the rider;
4. mandatory installation of brake brakes;
5. stopping on the back side of the intersection at the right-hand curb;
6. must cross the road on foot;
7. Do not operate the scooter while under the influence of certain drugs or alcohol, and operating while intoxicated may result in a DUI fee, i.e., “Driving Under the Influence” fee, and a $350 ticket.
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16+, and also have a valid motor vehicle license to operate a motorized scooter on the road, or you could face a $200 ticket.
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Helmets are required for riders under the age of 18.
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New York
|
May be driven in motor vehicle lanes with a speed limit of no more than 30 mph, as well as bicycle lanes, and is prohibited on sidewalks.
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1. different cities can decide for themselves how to regulate motorized scooters;
2. shared scooter companies may not operate in Manhattan or densely populated boroughs;
3. it is legal to own your own electric scooter in New York;
4. electric scooters must weigh less than 100 pounds;
5. it is prohibited to operate an electric scooter while intoxicated;
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16+
|
All riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet.
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Michigan
|
Electric scooters are allowed on public roads.
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Keep to the right side of the road as much as possible.
No more than 2 people may ride side by side.
Use designated paths when required by local ordinances.
No passing between driveways. (MCL 257.660(1), (2), (3) and (4))
Unusually, you can ride on sidewalks, but you must “yield the right-of-way to pedestrians” and you must “give an audible signal before overtaking and passing pedestrians.” (MCL 257.660(5))
If riding on a roadway between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise, you must have a white headlight that is visible from a distance of at least 500 feet, and you must have a red reflector or a red rear light that is visible from a distance of 500 feet ……” (MCL 257.662(1))
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Children under the age of 12 may not ride a motorized scooter or motorized skateboard “on a public highway or street.” (MCL 257.658(9))
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Only operators of scooters or motorized scooters under the age of 19 are required to “wear a helmet”. (MCL 257.658(4))
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Indiana & Illinois
|
Cannot ride an electric scooter on sidewalks, cultural trails, or any greenway.
Must ride electric scooters on the street and obey all normal traffic laws
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You may ride in the bike lane;
You cannot ride against traffic on one-way streets
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Unspecified
|
Helmets are recommended but not yet mandatory
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Arizona
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No restrictions, no license, insurance or registration required
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It must have handles
The net weight of the scooter must not exceed 34 kg (75 lbs)
It must not be ridden faster than 32 km/h (20 mph)
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Unspecified
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Helmets must be worn by riders under 18 years of age.
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Columbia/Washington
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No headphones for cyclists
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Speeds must not exceed 10 miles per hour.
Bicycles are also not allowed on sidewalks in the Central Business District.
Cyclists are not allowed to wear headphones
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16+
|
Unspecified
|
Alabama
|
Scooters are legal, but specific laws are determined by local municipalities. The permissibility of scooter sharing programs depends on the municipality.
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Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
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16+, a motor vehicle operator’s license is required.
|
Unspecified
|
Alaska
|
Electric scooters are classified as “motor-driven bicycles” and are subject to similar regulations as motorcycles, including licensing and power limits.
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Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
|
Unspecified
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Unspecified
|
Arkansas
|
Scooters can be legal on the road, but there are certain age and speed limits. Regulations for shared scooters are set by local municipalities.
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Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
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16+, a motor vehicle operator’s license is required.
|
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Colorado
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Can be used on streets with speed limits of 30 mph or less, and in some cases on sidewalks.
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Speed not to exceed 30 miles per hour
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Unspecified
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Unspecified
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Connecticut
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Electric scooters are allowed on public roads, but not on highways. Riders must follow traffic rules, including avoiding pedestrians and obeying traffic signals.
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Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
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16+, DL/Permit Motor Vehicle Driver’s License required.
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Helmets must be worn by riders under 16 years of age.
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Delaware
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Driving on streets, highways or sidewalks is not permitted.
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Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
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16+, a motor vehicle operator’s license is required.
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Unspecified
|
Washington D.C.
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Scooters are classified as “personal mobility devices” with age and sidewalk restrictions.
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Shared scooter riders under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet and are limited to a speed of 10 mph.
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Shared scooter riders under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet and are limited to a speed of 10 mph.
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Helmets required for shared scooter riders under 18 years of age
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Florida
|
Scooters are legal statewide, with age limits and rules similar to those for bicycles.
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Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
|
16+, DL/Permit Motor Vehicle Driver’s License required.
|
Unspecified
|
Georgia
|
E-scooter laws set limits on weight, speed, and location, and other regulations are set by local municipalities.
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Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
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16+
|
Unspecified
|
State of Hawaii
|
E-scooters are considered motorized vehicles and must obey traffic rules and stay on the road.
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Speeds may not exceed 25 mph and motorized scooters may not be operated on sidewalks, only on roads.
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15+, DL/Permit Motor Vehicle Driver’s License required.
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Riders must wear helmets
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Idaho
|
Scooter laws are still being developed and local governments are regulating their use.
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Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
|
Unspecified
|
Unspecified
|
Iowa
|
Can be used on streets, sidewalks and bike lanes with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
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Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
|
14+, DL/Permit Motor Vehicle Driver’s License required.
|
Unspecified
|
Kansas
|
It is allowed on roads, but not on highways or sidewalks.
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Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
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Unspecified
|
Unspecified
|
Kentucky
|
Scooters are treated similarly to bicycles, with age, lighting and location restrictions, but no registration, licensing or insurance requirements.
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Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
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Unspecified
|
Unspecified
|
Louisiana
|
Scooter riders need a valid driver’s license and must adhere to age, helmet and location restrictions.
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Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
|
16+, DL/Permit Motor Vehicle Driver’s License required.
|
Unspecified
|
Maine
|
Scooters are road legal in terms of speed, lighting, wheel size, engine power and licensing restrictions.
|
Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
|
Unspecified
|
Unspecified
|
Maryland
|
Scooters can legally be on the road and follow similar laws as bicycles.
|
Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
|
16+, DL/Permit Motor Vehicle Driver’s License required.
|
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Massachusetts
|
Scooter riders must yield to pedestrians, wear helmets and obey the sound signal rule. License and speed limits apply.
|
Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
|
16+, a motor vehicle operator’s license is required.
|
Riders must wear helmets
|
Mississippi
|
Mississippi’s scooter laws are largely unformed, and regulations are the responsibility of local municipalities.
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Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
|
16+, a motor vehicle operator’s license is required.
|
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Missouri
|
E-scooters are road legal, just like e-bikes, and can be driven in bike lanes.
|
Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
|
16+, a motor vehicle operator’s license is required.
|
Unspecified
|
Montana
|
Consider electric scooters as electric bicycles and comply with electric bicycle regulations.
|
Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
Travel on streets and bike lanes is allowed, but not on sidewalks.
Riders must yield to pedestrians and follow traffic signals.
|
Unspecified
|
Unspecified
|
Nebraska
|
The use of electric scooters is mostly unregulated statewide and does not require registration.
|
Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
Cyclists should still obey traffic laws and avoid riding on sidewalks.
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14+, a motor vehicle operator’s license is required.
|
|
Nevada
|
Electric scooters are permitted on public roads provided they do not weigh more than 100 pounds.
|
Speed not to exceed 20 miles per hour
|
16+
|
Unspecified
|
New Hampshire
|
Statewide, there is a lack of electric scooter regulations, but cities such as Nashua and Portsmouth have enacted laws governing shared scooters.
|
Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
|
16+, DL/Permit Motor Vehicle Driver’s License required.
|
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New Jersey
|
Electric scooters are classified as “low-speed electric scooters” and regulations for riding on trails and sidewalks vary by city. No driver’s license, insurance or vehicle registration is required.
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Speed not to exceed 19 miles per hour
|
16+, a motor vehicle operator’s license is required.
|
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New Mexico
|
Regulation of electric scooters is the responsibility of local municipalities, and a bill is being considered for statewide governance.
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Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
|
Unspecified
|
Unspecified
|
North Carolina
|
Electric scooters require registration with the DMV and a valid driver’s license.
|
Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
Scooters cannot be driven on roads where the speed limit exceeds 25 mph.
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16+, DL/Permit Motor Vehicle Driver’s License required.
|
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North Dakota
|
While not specifically regulated statewide, electric scooters in North Dakota are subject to existing moped legislation.
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Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
|
Unspecified
|
Helmets are required for riders under 18 years of age.
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Ohio
|
Electric scooters are classified as “low-speed micro-mobility devices”.
|
May not exceed 20 miles per hour
May drive on public roads and follow traffic signals.
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16+, a motor vehicle operator’s license is required.
|
|
Oklahoma
|
Regulation is left to individual cities, with scooter sharing programs in Oklahoma City, Norman, Stillwater and Tulsa.
|
Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
|
Unspecified
|
Unspecified
|
Oregon
|
Electric scooters, like mopeds, are allowed up to 100 watts of motor power. Individual municipalities can set their own rules.
|
Speed not to exceed 24 miles per hour
|
16+, DL/Permit Motor Vehicle Driver’s License required.
|
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Pennsylvania
|
State electric scooter laws are in the works, with bills seeking to establish statewide rules. Regulation is currently the responsibility of individual cities.
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Speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour
|
16+, DL/Permit Motor Vehicle Driver’s License required.
|
Canada
Region
|
Driving range
|
Regulations
|
Age
|
Protective gear
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Toronto
|
You can drive on private property.
|
Electric scooters that exceed 24 km/h are subject to the same laws as motorcycles, requiring a driver’s license, registration and insurance.
|
16+
|
Helmet must be worn.
|
Montreal
|
There are rules for speed and location.
|
E-scooters can be driven on roads and bicycle paths where the speed limit is 50 km/h or less.
Electric scooters must not exceed a speed of 25 km/h.
A white front light and a red rear light are required at night.
They must be equipped with functioning brakes.
Violations of these regulations can result in fines of up to $200.
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14+, not man-carrying
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Helmet must be worn.
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Vancouver
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Access to local streets and protected bike lanes.
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Do not use the motorized scooter on sidewalks, main streets or seawalls.
The maximum motor power is 500W and the maximum speed is 24km/hr.
A white front light and red rear light are required at night.
Must be equipped with working brakes.
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16+
|
Helmet must be worn.
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Calgary
|
Shared electric scooters can be ridden on bike paths, trails and quieter sidewalks.
|
Maximum speed is 20 km/h.
Do not use electric scooters on sidewalks, main streets or seawalls.
Some areas have a 15 km/h speed limit for motorized scooters. Pay attention to signs.
Always give way to pedestrians.
Ring the bell to signal when passing others.
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18+
|
Helmet is recommended.
|
Edmonton
|
Privately owned electric scooters are currently prohibited.
|
Devices must be used with an approved sharing program.
Shared electric scooters are allowed on roads and bike lanes with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less.
|
18+
|
Helmet is recommended.
|
Ottawa
|
Prohibition of bicycling on sidewalks
|
Maximum speed of 32 km/h
Can be driven on bike paths and quieter roads.
A white front light and a red rear light are required at night.
Must be equipped with working brakes.
|
16+
|
Helmet is recommended.
|
Winnipeg
|
Private electric scooters are prohibited on public roads or sidewalks.
|
Use of an electric scooter from an approved sharing program is required.
Shared electric scooters can be operated on roads and bike lanes with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less.
|
16+
|
Helmet is recommended.
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Quebec
|
Private electric scooters are prohibited on public roads or sidewalks.
|
Equipment from an approved shared program must be used.
Shared electric scooters can be operated on roads and bike lanes with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less.
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14+
|
Helmet must be worn.
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United Kingdom
In the UK, it is legal to own an electric scooter. However, there are many restrictions on where electric scooters can be used.
Where Can I Ride an Electric Scooter?
Currently, electric scooters can only be used on private land with the permission of the landowner.
It is actually illegal to use e-scooters on public roads, sidewalks, bike paths and pedestrian-only areas, except in government pilot areas.
Causes
Electric scooters usually have two wheels, handlebars, a platform to stand on and an electric motor for propulsion. They are classified as ‘Personal Light Electric Vehicles’ (PLEVs), which are in the same category as Segways and hoverboards. This means that it is considered illegal to ride an electric scooter in a public place unless permission is granted by the landowner to ride it on private land.
Future Developments
In response to the popularity of e-scooters and the demand for them to be environmentally friendly, the UK government has launched e-scooter trials in selected specific areas across the country. These trials enable local authorities to test the use of electric scooters on public roads and assess their impact on traffic, safety and the environment.
According to the Department for Transport (DfT), as of June 2023, more than 30 towns and cities in the UK have participated in electric scooter trials. These trials have covered considerable distances and involved a significant number of riders. For example, in the West Midlands Trial, which started in September 2020, over 500,000 riders covered 7 million miles using electric scooters.
Europe
Electric scooters are legal in Europe. However, there are different regulations regarding the use of electric scooters.
Country region
|
Driving range
|
Regulations
|
Age
|
Protective gear
|
---|---|---|---|---|
German
|
You can ride an electric scooter almost anywhere – roads, bike paths, etc., except for sidewalks dedicated to pedestrians.
|
The maximum speed of an electric scooter must not exceed 20 kilometers per hour. Although the law does not provide specific penalties for improper use of electric scooters, you are still required to drive your electric scooter in compliance with regular traffic laws.
|
14+, not manned, insurance required
|
Helmets are recommended but not mandatory.
|
France
|
No driving on sidewalks.
|
E-scooters are only allowed on public transportation if the internal rules of the mode of transportation allow it.
Vehicles must be parked in designated electric scooter parking areas or bicycle parking facilities.
|
12+
|
Helmets are recommended but not mandatory.
|
Italy
|
Allow electric scooters to be legal on roads and in pedestrian zones.
|
Maximum power must not exceed 500W
in pedestrian zones a maximum speed of 6 km/h.
20 km/h on bicycle paths, 30 km/h on public roads.
30 km/h on public roads, and riders must wear visible clothing or reflective bracelets to ensure safety.
|
||
Austrian
|
It can be legally driven on public roads, but there are restrictions on the motor power and maximum speed of electric scooters.
|
Electric scooters with a maximum power output of 600W and a maximum speed of 25 km/h can be legally driven on public roads.
Parking rules are the same as for bicycles. All violations result in administrative fines.
|
Children 12 years of age who wish to ride a motorized scooter must be supervised by a person at least 16 years of age.
|
Children under 12 must wear a helmet
|
Belgium
|
Depending on the speed, you can ride on bikes and sidewalks.
|
At speeds < 5-6 km/h, you can ride on sidewalks.
Above 5-6 km/h, you can only ride on bike lanes.
|
Unspecified, no driver’s license, insurance or registration required.
|
Helmets are recommended but not mandatory.
|
Denmark
|
Use only on bike lanes or public roads.
|
Speed not to exceed 20 km/h
Riders must have insurance for their electric scooters in order to legally drive them.
|
15+, not manned
|
Helmets are recommended but not mandatory.
|
Finland
|
No driving on sidewalks.
|
The maximum power of the motor does not exceed 1000 W and the maximum speed does not exceed 25 km/h.
|
15+
|
Helmets are recommended but not mandatory.
|
French
|
Biking on sidewalks banned in most areas
|
E-scooters are only allowed on public transportation if the internal rules of the mode of transportation allow it.
Vehicles must be parked in designated motorized scooter parking areas or bicycle parking facilities.
|
12+, insurance required
|
Helmets are recommended but not mandatory.
|
Netherlands
|
Bike lane access only
|
Maximum speed of 25 km/h
|
16+, insurance required
|
Helmets are recommended but not mandatory.
|
Spanish
|
No driving on sidewalks.
|
16+(certain cities)
|
Helmets are required for riders under 16 years of age.
|
|
Sweden
|
It can be ridden on roads, bikes and sidewalks depending on speed.
|
When the continuous power output is 250W and the maximum speed is 20 km/h, it is classified as an e-bike. It can even be ridden on the sidewalk if ridden at walking speed.
When the 20 km/h speed limit is exceeded, it is classified as a Class 2 moped. It is possible to ride an electric scooter on roads and bike paths.
|
unmanned
|
Helmets are recommended but not mandatory.
|
Slovenia
|
No driving on sidewalks.
|
Scooters may only be operated on crosswalks, sidewalks, underground areas and bike paths at a speed of approximately 5 km/h (normal walking speed).
|
Unspecified
|
Helmets are recommended but not mandatory.
|
Luxemburg
|
Only on public roads
|
Must have at least two wheels, a motor with a maximum continuous power of 500W and a maximum speed of 25 km/h or less
|
13+
|
|
Lithuanian
|
Need to obey traffic rules on public roads
|
Maximum power output must not exceed 1000W and maximum speed must not exceed 25 km/h.
Riding in pedestrian areas, the maximum speed is limited to 3-7 km/h.
Electric scooters must be equipped with front and rear lights and reflective equipment at night.
|
Unspecified
|
Helmets must be worn by those under 18.
|
FAQ
Can electric scooters be taken on airplanes?
Normally, electric scooters are not allowed to be taken on airplanes. Airlines usually prohibit the carriage of electric vehicles with lithium batteries because of the potential safety risks associated with lithium batteries. It is recommended that you check the airline’s rules and follow their instructions before bringing an electric scooter onto an airplane.
Electric Scooter Usage Guide – Laws and Regulations for Aircraft
Can I be charged with DWI for riding an electric scooter while intoxicated?
Yes, if you ride an electric scooter, you could be charged with drunk driving. According to the law, riding an electric scooter while intoxicated is also considered drunk driving and could result in a drunk driving charge. Therefore, riding an electric scooter while intoxicated is a very dangerous and illegal behavior and it is advisable to avoid doing so.