2022 electric kick scooter laws in the US
You may have seen commuters and leisure riders alike cruising around your town on electric kick scooters. With the rise in popularity of rideshare scooter services, especially in the US, many people are curious about the laws that apply to these vehicles. Others still may be wondering about purchasing their own kick scooters, and wondering how and where they can legally ride.
Are electric kick scooters legal in my state? What speed limits apply? Am I required to wear a helmet while riding?
In this article, we answer these questions and more by assembling all of the current US laws in one place.
It's important to note that some of these regulations are still being decided by cities and states, and in many cases they have not been clearly specified yet. It's always best to contact your local transportation authority to confirm these laws in your area and ensure you're riding responsibly.
National electric kick scooter laws
While each individual state has its own applicable regulations, there are a few areas where most US states are consistent in their policies. At a glance, those kick scooter laws are:
- Many states have a speed limit of 20mph, though some may have a lower or higher limit
- Kick scooters are not allowed on highways or high speed streets (over 35mph)
- Many states have a minimum rider age of 16
- Helmets are typically required for riders; even if it is legal to ride without one in your area, we highly recommend you use a helmet regardless
- Though not banned in every state, riding on the sidewalk is discouraged in many areas
We always recommend that you follow our safety best practices at all times in addition to local regulations.
Keep reading for more details on specific state laws.
US state electric scooter laws
For each state, we have compiled the most important regulations for you to keep in mind when riding. If you don't see information about a specific law in your state, that means there may be no state-wide regulation at this time, or it has been left to individual cities within your state to decide.
Alabama
- Legal to use: Yes, but responsibility falls to cities to pass road laws
- Helmet: Required (if you are under 16)
- License: M license
Alaska
- Legal to use: Yes; e-bike and moped laws apply
- Helmet: Required (if you are under 16)
- License: M1 or M3 permit (if you are over 16); M2 permit (if you are under 16)
- Motor power limit: 750 Watts
Arizona
- Legal to use: Yes, on roads and sidewalks
- Speed limit: 20mph
- Vehicle weight limit: 75lbs
Arkansas
- Legal to use: Yes
- Speed limit: 15mph
- Vehicle weight limit: 100lbs
California
- Legal to use: Yes, but not on sidewalks
- Speed limit: 15mph
- Helmet: Required (if you are under 18)
- License: Valid driver's license
Colorado
- Legal to use: Yes, on roads and sidewalks (<6mph)
- Speed limit: 30mph (on roads)
Connecticut
- Legal to use: Yes, on roads
- Speed limit: 20mph
- Helmet: Required (if you are under 16)
Delaware
- Legal to use: No, not allowed on public roads
District of Columbia
- Legal to use: Yes (over 16)
- Speed limit: 10mph (on sidewalks)
Florida
- Legal to use: Yes (over 16), in bike lanes
- Speed limit: 30mph
Georgia
- Legal to use: Yes, in bike lanes (or on roads if no bike lane is available)
- Speed limit: 20mph
- Vehicle weight limit: 100lbs
Hawaii
- Legal to use: No specific statewide laws for electric kick scooters (check with local transporation authority)
Idaho
- Legal to use: No specific statewide laws for electric kick scooters (check with local transporation authority)
Illinois
- Legal to use: Yes
- License: Required (if you are under 17)
Indiana
- Legal to use: Yes; bike laws apply
- Speed limit: 20mph
- Vehicle weight limit: 100lbs
Iowa
- Legal to use: Yes; bike laws apply
- Speed limit: 20mph
- Vehicle weight limit: 100lbs
Kansas
- Legal to use: Yes, on public roads
- Helmet: Recommended
Kentucky
- Legal to use: Yes (16 and over); bike laws apply
- Safety: Headlight and red tail light required
Louisiana
- Legal to use: Yes, on public roads (with speed limit under 25mph), bike paths, and sidewalks
- Helmet: Required (if you are under 17)
Maine
- Legal to use: Yes
- Speed limit: 20mph
- Safety: Head light, red tail light, and reflectors required
- Motor power limit: 750 watts
- License: Valid driver's license
Maryland
- Legal to use: Yes; bike laws apply
- Speed limit: 20mph
Massachusetts
- Legal to use: Yes; moped laws apply
- Helmet: Required
- License: Valid driver's license
Michigan
- Legal to use: Yes; electric skateboard laws apply
- Speed limit: 25mph
- Safety: Head light and tail reflector required
- Motor power limit: 2500 watts
Minnesota
- Legal to use: Yes (14 and over)
- Speed limit: 15mph
- Helmet: Required (if you are under 18)
Mississippi
- Legal to use: Yes; bike laws apply
- Speed limit: 20mph
Missouri
- Legal to use: Yes, on public roads and bike lanes; "motorized bike" laws apply
- Speed limit: 30mph (above this speed will change its classification)
- License: Valid driver's license
Montana
- Legal to use: Yes, on public roads; "motorized bike" laws apply
Nebraska
- Legal to use: No specific statewide laws for electric kick scooters (check with local transporation authority)
Nevada
- Legal to use: Yes (16 and over)
- Speed limit: 20mph
- Vehicle weight limit: 100lbs
New Hampshire
- Legal to use: No specific statewide laws for electric kick scooters (check with local transporation authority)
New Jersey
- Legal to use: Yes; bike laws apply
- Speed limit: 19mph
New Mexico
- Legal to use: No specific statewide laws for electric kick scooters (check with local transporation authority)
New York
- Legal to use: Yes (16 and over), on public roads
- Helmet: Required (if you are under 18)
- Speed limit: 30mph
North Carolina
- Legal to use: Yes (registration required), on public roads (<25mph)
- Speed limit: 25mph
- License: Valid driver's license
North Dakota
- Legal to use: Yes, on public roads; moped laws apply
- Helmet: Required (if you are under 18)
- Safety: Head light, tail light, and brakes required
Ohio
- Legal to use: Yes
- Speed limit: 20mph
- Vehicle weight limit: 100lbs
Oklahoma
- Legal to use: No specific statewide laws for electric kick scooters (but must be 18 or older in many cities)
Oregon
- Legal to use: No specific statewide laws for electric kick scooters (but must be 16 years or older in some cities)
- Speed limit: 15mph (in some cities)
Pennsylvania
- Legal to use: Unclear electric kick scooter laws (check with local transportation authority)
Rhode Island
- Legal to use: No specific statewide laws for electric kick scooters (check with local transporation authority)
South Carolina
- Legal to use: No specific statewide laws for electric kick scooters (check with local transporation authority)
South Dakota
- Legal to use: Yes; moped laws apply
- Helmet: Required (if you are under 18)
- License: Valid driver's license and insurance
Tennessee
- Legal to use: Yes; bike laws apply
- Safety: Brakes and rear lights required
- Vehicle weight limit: 100lbs
Texas
- Legal to use: Yes
- Speed limit: 35mph
Utah
- Legal to use: Yes; bike laws apply (if you are under 15, adult supervision is required)
- Speed limit: 15mph
Vermont
- Legal to use: Yes, on public roads
- Speed limit: 15mph (in some cities)
Virginia
- Legal to use: Yes (14 and older)
- Speed limit: 20mph
- Vehicle weight limit: 100lbs
Washington
- Legal to use: Yes, on public roads and bike paths
- Speed limit: 15mph
- Safety: Reflectors required
West Virginia
- Legal to use: No specific statewide laws for electric kick scooters (check with local transporation authority)
Wisconsin
- Legal to use: Yes
- Speed limit: 20mph
Wyoming
- Legal to use: Yes; e-bike and electric skateboard laws apply
As you can see, electric kick scooter laws may vary significantly by state in the US. However, if you're interested in purchasing your own kick scooter, you should check out the NIU KQi series.
The NIU KQi series is designed to be compliant with as many local regulations as possible, and can provide a highly convenient way to cruise around town, whether for commuting or leisure .
We wish you a fun and safe adventure on your kick scooter!
If you have any suggested updates for this article, please fill out this form to help us keep the information here accurate.
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