Electric scooters have caused a revolution in the world of transport by offering easy to use, environment-friendly way of conveyance. This mode of transport, unlike other ways, isn’t restricted to specific age groups, which is a massive advantage.
Children can use this as a way to enjoy since this is an enjoyable ride, whereas teenagers and adults can use these to drive to their school or workplace.
The question arises, “Are these scooters street-legal.” If you’re someone who has had this question in mind and needs an answer to this before buying one, I got you covered. I will be answering this question for you in this article. Let’s get right to it.
Laws associated with electric scooters
Although the laws associated with electric scooters vary from region to region, some of these laws are to be followed regardless of the region. These include:
- Following a speed limit that is different for every region
- Wearing protective gear such as helmets and padding
- Some regions don’t allow riding electric scooters on roads. Their use is limited to sidewalks or streets. Some regions also prohibit their use on the streets.
Are electric scooters legal in the UK?
There is a lot of confusion regarding laws associated with electric scooters in the UK. Laws here are the strictest throughout Europe, with various regulations being implemented.
You’re not allowed to ride these scooters in the UK, be it on the road, on footpaths, or on streets; however, you can buy, rent or sell these.
To ride electric scooters in public, they need to confirm the same laws as cars. These include having indicators, license plates, tax insurance, and rear lights, but unfortunately, the scooters being sold don’t comply with these regulations.
One can, however, ride rented scooters because they have been legalized. The future seems bright for privately owned scooters as trial schemes are underway, which means that privately-owned scooters might also be allowed.
Are electric scooters legal in the US?
Ten states have prohibited electric scooters on public roads, whereas 38 streets have allowed their use. The majority of the states have allowed their use, but there are specific laws by which the riders must abide.
These laws include:
1. The maximum speed allowed
The speed limit varies from state to state between 15-25mph. Unless otherwise stated by the state itself, the default speed limit throughout the United States is 15mph.
2. Registration & insurance requirements
Before you take your new electric scooter for a spin on the streets, it’s important to understand the registration and insurance requirements.
In most states, electric scooters are classified as motor vehicles and must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles. You might also need to carry liability insurance for your electric scooter.
Be sure to check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles before taking your scooter out on the streets.
3. Protection requirements
it is imperative that you wear safety gear while riding an electric scooter. Most states require the rider to wear a helmet. If seen without it, you can be fined.
In addition to this, some states require you to wear suitable eye protection. These include: Virginia, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Indiana, and South Dakota
4. License Requirement
Although most states do not require a license, some, such as Alabama, require a motorcycle license. States like Kansas, Michigan, South Carolina, and Tennessee require a driver’s license.
5. Age restrictions
Most states have no age restrictions while in other states, there are age restrictions for riding electric scooters. For example, in California, riders must be at least 16 years old to operate an electric scooter.
There are a few reasons why there are age restrictions for riding electric scooters. Younger riders may not be experienced enough to operate the scooter safely in traffic.
Moreover, they may not understand the rules of the road and may put themselves and others at risk by violating traffic laws.
If you’re thinking about riding an electric scooter, make sure you check your state’s regulations first.
6. Where to park
Electric scooters are legal to ride on the street in most states, but there may be some restrictions on where you’re allowed to park them.
In most states, it is illegal to park an electric scooter on a sidewalk. If you’re unsure of the laws in your state, it’s best to check with your local government or transportation department.
There are a few places that are especially good for parking electric scooters. One option is at a bike rack or bike-share station. This way, you can easily take the scooter with you wherever you go. One thing to remember is to use a scooter lock to ensure safety.
Are electric scooters legal in Europe?
Yes, electric scooters are legal in Europe. But here, too, just like the states in the US, laws vary according to the country. Some are lenient, whereas some have strict rules. Let’sLet’s shed some light on different regulations applied in these countries.
1. Denmark
Denmark, just like the UK, allows the use of electric scooters. Only people above the age of fifteen are allowed to ride these scooters. Denmark has allowed these scooters on streets, public roads, or bicycle paths but not on pavements.
2. France
Germany has no age limit for the riders. The rules are lenient here, and one can ride on these scooters on the streets and roads. However, one cannot use these on walkways since they are meant for pedestrians. The speed limit of 20km/h has been applied.
3. the Netherlands
The Netherlands has a varied set of regulations, some of which are strict. Talking about street and public roads, you can only ride these in bicycle lanes. The maximum speed limit is 25km/h and an age limit of 16 years is also applicable. There is a compulsion to have insurance as well.
4. Italy
There was no national-level policy regarding electric scooters in Italy until 2019, after which national-level policies were put into the framework. Scooters here can be used on pedestrian areas, streets, and roads; however, this accessibility depends on the scooter’s speed.
The speed limit for pedestrian areas is 6km/h, 20km/h for a cycle lane, and 30km/h for public roads. The rider must also wear visible clothing that makes it easier to spot the rider by other drivers to avoid any accidents.
The maximum power the scooters here can have is 500W. All other traffic laws that apply to bicycles apply to these scooters as well.
Are electric scooters legal in Singapore?
Singapore has banned the use of electric scooters on roads, streets, or footpaths. The only place where you can drive these is cycling paths and park connector networks.
The reason for this ban was the increasing number of road accidents that occurred on sidewalks, one of which resulted in a causality.
Although Singapore tried to apply safe riding programs, speed limits, and licenses for riders, it wasn’t able to control the accidents that occurred due to reckless and careless riding behavior.
Riding safely
Whether your country has allowed the use of electric scooters or not, it is your responsibility to ride safely wherever you’re driving it, be it a street or a park.
Driving recklessly puts your safety at risk and is also a threat to others around you. Wearing protective gear is a compulsion and must be followed.
Going above the speed limit must be avoided at all costs. The thrill can be costly, and always remember that safety comes first. Going for that thrill of some seconds can result in irreversible damage.
While driving on busy streets or roads, please ensure that your mind is present all the time. You should not be distracted, and your eyes and focus should be on the road.
Moreover, before taking your scooter on a ride on a street or a road, ensure that you have substantial control and grip over your scooter. You can practice first unless you get a hold of things. After that, you should be good to go.
Final Thoughts
Concluding the discussion above, the majority of the regions allow the use of electric scooters on the streets. However, these laws vary from region to region, where some limit the age a driver can have it the maximum speed limit it can reach.
You should be aware of the laws that exist in your region or state, and these must be followed for your safety and to avoid any fines that might be applicable if these laws are broken.
Finally, follow the law and all the safety protocols and always drive safely for yourself and the safety of those around you. If you want to travel with your scooter on planes, check out our article: Can you bring an electric scooter on a plane?
