Do You Need A License To Ride An Electric Scooter?

Electric Scooters are getting very popular nowadays. Maybe you are thinking to buy a new electric scooter but you are not sure whether you need a license to ride an electric scooter or not.

You might be curious whether you can ride an electric scooter without a license, or if it requires a special license, similar to a motorcycle.

The answer is “yes” and “no” at the same time. 

Because it depends on the state. Some states do not require a license to drive an electric scooter, while others do. It is important to check with your local government to find out what the laws are in your area.

Do you need a license to ride an electric scooter in the US?

Some states require electric scooters to be driven with a valid driver’s license because they are classified as motor vehicles.

Other states may not require a license but may mandate that:

• The minimum age for the rider is sixteen.
• Require you to register your scooter. 
• Must wear a helmet while riding.
• You must follow all the traffic rules and laws.

Electric scooter law in New York

In NYC, you may ride e–scooters with handlebars and a seat, powered by electric and/or human power. However, you must stay within 15 MPH and avoid riding on sidewalks or streets with speed limits greater than 30 MPH. All e-scooter riders, especially those aged 16 and 17, must wear helmets for safety.

Source: https://www.nyc.gov

Riders in New York can take electric scooters on roads and bike lanes, with a maximum speed of 20 MPH. E-scooter is termed type C vehicles, which means that they do not require a driver’s license to operate.

Electric scooter law in California

In California, electric scooters are subject to the same laws as other motorized vehicles. They must register with the DMV, and the driver must be at least 16 years old and must have a valid license to drive.

You do not need to register motorized scooters. According to the DMV.CA.GOV website with a driver‘s license, you can drive a motorized scooter.

Source: https://www.dmv.ca.gov

Electric scooter law in Florida

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Florida regulates electric scooters. By January 1, 2023, all electric scooters must register with the DMV and abide by the same regulations as other motor vehicles, which includes having liability insurance.

The current laws regarding electric scooters in Florida are outlined in Florida Statutes chapter 316.1995. Specifically, electric scooters may be operated on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less, and operators must yield to pedestrians and other traffic. 

The electric scooter must be equipped with a rearview mirror, a horn, and brake lights. Riders must be at least 16 years old and wear a helmet.

Source: FLHSMV

Do you need a license to ride an electric scooter in Nevada, Massachusetts, Michigan, Texas, Alberta, Illinois, and Pennsylvania?

Nevada: To drive an electric scooter in Nevada, you will need a valid driver’s license.

Massachusetts: To drive an electric scooter on public roads and highways in Massachusetts, you need a valid driving license or learner’s permit.

Michigan: To drive an electric scooter on public roads and highways, you need a valid driving license or learner’s permit.

Texas:  To drive an electric scooter on public roads and highways of Texas, you need a valid driving license or learner’s permit.

Alberta:  To drive an electric scooter on public roads and highways of Alberta, you need a valid driving license or learner’s permit.

Illinois: To drive an electric scooter on public roads and highways of Illinois, you need a valid driving license or learner’s permit.

Pennsylvania:  To drive an electric scooter on public roads and highways of Pennsylvania, you need a valid driving license or learner’s permit.

Depending upon the law and order of the roads and highway authority, an e-scooter can have a maximum speed limit of 25 miles per hour or 40 kilometers per/hour for Electric scooters. However, some states have applied strict regulations on the speed limit ?.

Here is a list of speed limits for Electric scooters in various states of the USA.

Well, we have talked about the law of electric scooters in the US. Before you buy an electric scooter you can know more about the different types of electric scooters available in the market.

Do you need a license to ride an electric scooter in Canada?

It varies by province. In Canada, e-scooters can ride or drive on the street and sidewalks. It is classified as a low-powered vehicle. No e-scooters are allowed on highways or roads that have a power output exceeding 500 watts or a maximum speed of 32 km/h.

Do you need a license to ride an electric scooter in the UK?

In the UK, it’s not yet legal to ride your own scooter on public roads. But the good news is that could soon some changes are going to be taken by the authority. But you can ride it or drive it to your home.

Electric Scooter laws in other countries

So far, we have discussed scooter-related laws in the US and Canada, and the UK. But the laws differ from country to country, so let us look at the laws of other countries too.

Electric Scooter laws in Japan

Strict laws apply to scooter riders in Japan, who must possess a valid motorcycle license, display license plates, and provide evidence of insurance and registration.

Electric Scooter laws in Australia

In Queensland and Victoria, riders of electric scooters must obtain a license, as the laws regarding them vary between states and territories in Australia.

Conclusion

Electric scooters are one of the most exciting modes of transportation nowadays. They are quick, portable, inexpensive, and, most importantly, environmentally friendly. In this article, we have discussed the electric scooter law in the US, UK, Canada, Japan, and Australia. We have tried out best to give you the perfect answer related to the electric scooter laws locally and internationally.

Thus, before you drive them on a public road, check your state’s laws to see if you need a license.

Disclaimer

ElectricScooterX.com has made every attempt to provide accurate information about electric scooter laws in the United States and around the world. We are not telling that our research is 100 percent correct. 

Riders of electric scooters must get the most recent information on the scooters’ legal status in their respective jurisdictions.