Where Are Electric Scooters Legal? Electric Scooter Laws By State

In this quick reference map, Unagi has provided the information you need most using symbol- and color-coded keys. You can see where electric scooters are already legal, which states are currently developing laws, and which states haven't caught on yet.

According to their study, Alaska, South Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Hawaii, and Nebraska do not have regulations for electric scooters. 

For states where electric scooters are legal, check out this graphic that includes states listed by speed limit and where it is illegal to ride on public roads or sidewalks.

One change noted by a thoughtful reader is that it's illegal to ride on sidewalks in California "except as may be necessary to enter or leave adjacent property" according to Vehicle Code § 21235(g).   

Although many people think it's illegal to ride alongside pedestrians, it is only illegal in 11 states. Sometimes riding on the sidewalk is the safest option given limited road space when traveling with vehicles.

No state requires riders by law to wear safety gear in order to operate an electric scooter, however it's strongly suggested for self-preservation. Helmets are legally required by 10 states, mostly for riders under the age of 18. We think you should wear safety gear at all ages, but it's not a legal requirement.

We always suggest you wear a helmet on an electric scooter, and that you upgrade to a full-face helmet whenever riding over 15 mph. If you'd like more information on which helmet is best for you, check out our comprehensive helmet guide and peruse our helmet database.

In our study on scooter safety, we found that fewer riders wear helmets on scooters than on bicycles. Accidents involving riders who are not wearing safety gear has lead to the impression that shared scooters are unsafe, but currently states are leaving it up to individuals to safeguard themselves.

In the graphic below, you can see states organized by age, helmet, registration and license requirements.

The new, completely overhauled guide to electric scooter laws includes the many changes over time as well as an even great number of fundamental improvements to the clarity, summarization, original source reporting, and distinguishing between all scooters and shared scooters—and much more.

Check out Unagi's comprehensive guide to electric scooter laws here.

On electric scooter laws and the changing landscape of micromobility, we echo Unagi's statement below: 

In all cases, it is important that riders seek to take consideration for those around them—pedestrians, other riders, and even cars that might be caught off guard by unpredictable riding styles—as well as become informed as to the regulations and transportation cultures of their locality. UNAGI SCOOTERS

Thanks, Unagi Scooters, for the sweet guide to scooter laws.