Rides that run on gas are now a thing of the past. The new revolutionized world is turning towards electric scooters and apart from eco-friendliness and all that, these can be used by almost any age group out there. But, what’s the minimum age for riding an Electric Scooter?
If you’re looking to buy an electric scooter for yourself or your loved one but are unsure about the age limit on these scooters, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered and will discuss in detail the age limit on these scooters. Let’s begin!
Why is the age limit important?
Let’s first shed some light on why it is essential to have an age limit for electric scooters. As the number of electric scooters on city streets has increased, so have the number of accidents involving them. In an effort to improve safety, many cities are considering increasing the minimum age for riding an electric scooter.
Riding any vehicle and using it on the roads or streets comes with a huge responsibility on the shoulders of the rider. When you’re riding on the street, there’s a risk to your life and the life of others around you. This is a great responsibility as you might be a problem for someone else on the street or yourself.
This makes it necessary that there should be a specific age limit, and only people above that age limit should be allowed to drive. Maturity comes with age, and hence those who are mature enough should only be allowed to ride an electric scooter.
Important takeaways regarding the age limit on electric scooters:
- The age limit on an electric scooter varies from state to state and from region to region
- In the majority of cases, this limit will be somewhere between 11 to 18 years old
- Moreover, many countries also require you to either have a driver’s permit or license for you to be able to ride an electric scooter.
Age Requirement in the USA
As mentioned before, the age limit laws vary from state to state; hence, the age limit depends on which state you live in. An age limit of 16 applies to electric scooters in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Tennessee.
The age limit drops to 14 in Mississippi, and it further drops to 12 in Minnesota and Michigan.
Most states do not have an age limit on electric scooters, but they still require mandatory parental advisory for young kids.
Age Requirement in the UK
Under current laws in the UK, legalized electric scooters can be driven in around 30 towns and cities where trials have been taking place since the summer of 2020. In these towns, you can ride an electric scooter after the age of 14.
Age Requirement in Europe
Here too, just like in the states, each country has its laws regarding electric scooters. Talking about the age limit, this varies too. Below are some countries and the age limit laws applicable in these.
1. Austria
There’s an age limit of 12 here, and riders under this age must be accompanied by someone aged 16 or above. Moreover, besides the age limit, laws in Austria require you to have red backlights, white front lights, retroreflectors, braking reflectors, and a max wattage of 600W. Look out for these laws and requirements in your electric scooter to avoid getting a ticket.
2. Belgium
Belgium requires riders to be 18 years or older to ride electric scooters.
3. Denmark
An age limit of 15 years applies to riders in Denmark.
4. France
France’s age limit is lenient compared to other European countries. Here, the age limit is 8 years old, and a helmet law also exists under which riders below the age of 12 must wear a helmet if they wish to ride their electric scooter.
5. Germany
Riders above the age of 14 and above are allowed to ride at a maximum speed limit of 20km/h on bike lanes or paths. Children 12 or older can ride at a maximum speed of 12km/h on sidewalks, bike paths, and lanes.
A restriction has also been imposed that makes some operations of e-scooters automatic. An example here can be Lyon, in which GPS determines the speed of certain scooters and limits riders to a speed of 8km/h in pedestrian zones.
Final Thoughts
I hope the above discussion helps clear any confusion regarding the age limit that might apply to the region/state/country you live in. Every state and region has its own distinct set of laws that must be abided by everyone living there.
The same is applicable to electric scooters as well, and you must follow all the laws that have been put in place by your government. This makes it imperative that you first look at the laws that apply to your country and then decide on electric scooters.
On a concluding note, always keep in mind that riding any vehicle comes with great responsibility. Therefore, it is of extreme importance that you ride safely and responsibly.
Always wear a helmet even if your region doesn’t require you to because the helmet is a necessity whenever you’re riding, be it an electric scooter or any other vehicle.
Happy Riding!
