Electric Scooter Safety Rules And Regulations! (Explained)
Electric scooters have become increasingly popular in the United States and worldwide as a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation.
With their widespread adoption, the need for a thorough understanding of the safety rules and regulations guiding their use in the US has also become paramount.
This article discusses all you need to know about the safety rules and regulations governing the use of electric scooters in the United States of America.
In the US, e-scooter owners must strictly adhere to some safety rules and protocols, such as the following:
- Always wear a helmet
- Obey traffic laws
- Ride in the bike lane or on the road—not sidewalks
Furthermore, e-scooter riders are expected to pay maximum attention while on the road to avoid obstacles, hazards, or potential dangers.
In this article, I will highlight and explain the laws and regulations governing electric scooter use in the United States.
Furthermore, I will answer whether or not you need to register your e-scooter with a government body before using it. Let’s delve in to get started.
What Are the Laws Governing Electric Use In the US?
The laws governing electric scooter use in the United States vary from state to state and even by city. Below, we will look at some common regulations in many states.
#1. Helmets
Most states require riders to wear a helmet, but some only require helmets for riders under a certain age.
Helmets absorb impact and protect the head from serious injury during a crash. And they can help you feel more confident and comfortable riding an electric scooter.
#2. Licensing
Most States require riders to have a driver’s license to operate an electric scooter. Not all states in the United States have or enforce this law, but many do.
Below is a list of states that require riders to have a driver’s license before operating an electric scooter within the state:
- California
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
It is important to note that even in states where a driver’s license is not required, riders may still be subject to other age and safety requirements.
For example, most states require riders to be at least 16 years old and wear helmets.
Here are some of the reasons why some states enforce riders having a driver’s license to operate an electric scooter:
- Electric scooters can travel up to 25 mph, posing a safety hazard if riders are unfamiliar with traffic laws and safe riding practices.
- Electric scooters are also relatively new and unfamiliar to many people.
- This requires riders to have a driver’s license, which can help ensure they have some basic knowledge of operating a motor vehicle safely.
- Some states believe requiring riders to have a driver’s license can help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
#3. Age Limit
States such as Alabama and New York require riders to be up to 16+ years old to operate an electric scooter.
While states like Arizona and Alaska do not yet have age limits for e-scooter riders.
Here is a table displaying the U.S. states and their respective age restrictions for electric scooters.
| State | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 16+ |
| Arkansas | 16+ |
| California | 16+ |
| Colorado | None |
| Delaware | 16+ |
| Florida | 16+ |
| Hawaii | 15+ |
| Idaho | None |
| Indiana | None |
#4. Speed Limits
Many states within the U.S. have speed limits that e-scooter riders must adhere to. The range of the speed limit usually falls between 15-30mph.
Here are a few common reasons why states enforce e-scooter speed limits:
- Electric scooters are relatively lightweight and have small wheels, which makes them less stable at high speeds.
- They are often used in urban areas, where there is a lot of pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
- Riding an electric scooter at a high speed in these areas can increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
- Some states have set speed limits for electric scooters, typically lower than those for traditional motor vehicles.
Below is a table highlighting the speed limits for electric scooters in a few states in the United States.
| State | Speed Limit |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 25 mph |
| California | 25 mph |
| Colorado | 30 mph |
| Connecticut | 25 mph |
| Delaware | 25 mph |
| Florida | 25 mph |
| Hawaii | 25 mph |
| Indiana | 25 mph |
| Idaho | 25 mph |
Do You Need to Register Your Electric Scooter?
It depends on the laws of the state in which you live. In most states within the United States, electric scooters are classified as electric bicycles, which do not require registration.
However, some states have more restrictive laws and may require registration for electric scooters with certain specifications, such as a top speed of more than 20 mph.
To determine whether or not you need to register your electric scooter, you should check the laws of your state.
This information is usually found on your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.
If you do need to register your electric scooter, the process will vary depending on the state in which you live.
However, in general, you will need to provide the following information:
- Proof of ownership (e.g., bill of sale, receipt, title).
- Proof of insurance.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Completed registration application form.
- You may also need to pay a registration fee.
Safety Regulations Guiding the Use of Electric Scooters
The Safety regulations guiding the use of electric scooters vary from country to country.
However, there are some common safety guidelines that riders should follow. Below are a few of these guidelines.
#1. Wear a Helmet
Your helmet is the most important safety gear for electric scooter riders. It can protect your head in the event of a fall or collision. Keeping it on at all times when riding is essential.
#2. Obey the Rules of the Road
Electric scooters are driven on the road. Therefore, riders must follow the same road rules as cars and other vehicles.
That includes obeying traffic lights and stop signs, riding in the traffic direction, and yielding to pedestrians.
#3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Electric scooters are vulnerable to traffic accidents, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings and ride defensively.
Watch out for potholes, uneven surfaces, and other obstacles. Be especially careful when crossing intersections or riding in heavy traffic.
#4. Do Not Ride Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Alcohol and drugs impair your judgment and reaction time, making it dangerous to ride your electric scooter at any time of the day.
If you are under the influence, do not drive. It is best to take a taxi or use other means of transportation so long as you are not the one driving.
In addition to these general safety guidelines, specific regulations may apply to electric scooter riders in your area.
For example, some cities have restrictions on where riders can drive their electric scooters, such as on sidewalks or bike lanes.
It is important to check your city’s local laws and regulations before riding an electric scooter.
Here are some additional safety tips that might come in handy when riding your electric scooter.
Use Caution In Wet Or Icy Conditions: Electric scooters can be slippery in wet or icy conditions, so it is important to ride slowly and carefully.
Avoid Riding At Night: It’s best to avoid riding after dark unless you have to. If you must ride at night, use lights and reflective clothing.
Do Not Overload Your Scooter: E-scooters have a weight capacity, so it is important not to overload them.
Overloading can make the scooter difficult to control and increase the risk of an accident.
Keep Your Scooter In Good Condition: Regularly inspect your scooter for signs of damage or wear and tear. Ensure the brakes are working properly and the tires are in good shape.
Which State Has the Strictest Laws for Electric Scooters in the US?
North Carolina and Delaware are the states with the strictest laws regarding electric scooters in the United States.
In North Carolina, all e-scooters must have DMV registration, and riders can’t go on streets with a speed limit exceeding 25 miles per hour.
Delaware has banned electric scooters transversing public roads regardless of the rider’s age or whether they are wearing a helmet.
However, some cities in Delaware, such as Wilmington, have taken a more liberal approach to the law and allow electric scooters on certain streets and sidewalks.
Before riding one, it’s always best to check the local laws and regulations governing the use of e-scooters in your state.
