Electric Scooter Laws & Legality in the US (As of 2023)

OH

Ohio

Fully Legal

Electric scooters are legal to ride for anyone over the age of 16 years old. Electric scooters cannot go over 15 mph but are usable anywhere. Scooters are not considered motor vehicles. There are no statewide helmet or license requirements.

ND

North Dakota

Fully Legal

Electric scooters are classified the same as any other motorized scooters with top speeds less than 30 mph. User need to have a valid driver's license. The minimum age is 14 years or older. All riders need to have a helmet.

HI

Hawaii

Fully Legal

In Hawaii, electric foot scooter share the same rights as bicycles. All riders under the age of 16 must wear a helmet. Scooters are not allowed to be ridden on sidewalks. Lamps and reflective material are required when operated from the hours of dusk to dawn.

AR

Arkansas

Fully Legal

Electric scooters have to abide by the same laws as a bicycle. Operators must be at least 16 years old, and that the scooters not be allowed to move at a speed above 15 mph.

PA

Pennsylvania

Legal (Heavily Regulated)

Illegal to use on roads or sidewalks without proper registration.

MO

Missouri

Legal (License Required)

Electric scooters can be operated on public streets and highways if the driver holds a valid license. A helmet is required for all riders. Scooters are considered a motor vehicle.

WI

Wisconsin

Fully Legal

Electric scooters must not exceed a speed of 20 mph. Scooters can be ridden on the shoulder of roadways, bike paths, and sidewalks unless otherwise prohibited by a municipality. Electric scooters are considered motor vehicles. There are no statewide helmet laws. A license is not required.

WY

Wyoming

Not Officially Legalized

While e-bikes have been legalized in Wyoming, there is no official guidance yet on electric scooters.

DC

District of Columbia

Fully Legal

Electric scooters are legal in Washington D.C. Operators must be 16 years or older to and are required to wear a helmet if under the age of 18. They are not permitted on sidewalks.

MA

Massachusetts

Fully Legal

Electric scooters are legal and limited to 15 miles per hour. A person operating a (lightweight motorized) electric scooter has the right to use all public roads (not highways) and bike paths. Electric scooters can also be operated on sidewalks outside of business district. Helmets are not required by state law. There are not currently any licensing or age restrictions.

IA

Iowa

Fully Legal

Proposed bill to treat scooters as bicycles, allowing them on roads, sidewalks, and bike-paths. A license is not required. There is no statewide requirement for helmet use.

IL

Illinois

Legal (License Required)

All operators must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver’s license, instruction permit or State identification card. Helmets are not required by state law.