Best Street Legal Electric Scooters For Adults. Electric scooters always were one of the children’s favorite toys, but lately they are getting very popular among young adults as well, especially among millennials that are looking for new ways to get around as an alternative to owning a car. Part of the appeal of the electric scooters is that some of them are advertised as vehicles that can be operated without license and registration.

But does that mean they are banned from roadways? And what about the e-scooters labeled as “street legal”? Are they classified as motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters or something else? In the USA, it can get very confusing to understand what is street legal electric scooter and what is not in the electric vehicles space. In this article we will try to throw some light on this complicated matter

What is a street legal scooter?

The term street legal refers to the vehicles that can be legally ridden on the street, i.e. meet all the requirements determined by the authorities to be allowed on public roads. This usually means that the vehicle needs to have specific configurations of lighting, signal lights, and safety equipment to be compliant with certain safety standards.

Trying to figure out whether you need a license to operate your electric scooter on public road is not as simple as straightforward as you might hope.

Federal law from 2002 defined electric bikes as “two or three wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals, a top speed when powered solely by the motor under 20 mph and an electric motor that produces less than 750 W (1.01 hp).” 

If the electric scooter falls into this category, it’s street legal, and doesn’t require license and registration in most states. To fit within these guidelines some manufacturers have slapped on a pair of pedals onto the vehicles that look more like a Vespa, less like a moped, and nothing like a bicycle. This not only looks very strange, but also makes pedaling very difficult and, in some cases, practically impossible.

But if you are willing to get over this, you will be allowed to ride on public roads at a speed of up to 20mph without registration. BUT, if you are riding a street legal e-bike that looks like a gas-powered scooter, it might be difficult to convince your local policeman that it fits the legal definition for a bicycle.

We know of several cases of people getting fined for driving these vehicles without a license, even though it’s perfectly legitimate according to law.

Electric Scooters Laws in California, NY, Florida…

California Law

California laws recognize motorized scooter as any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, a deck that is designed to be stood upon when riding, and is powered by an electric motor. Motorized scooters are not defined as motor vehicles, so they do not require registration; additionally, no insurance is required and license plates do not have to be displayed.

Electric scooters may be operated on a trail, bicycle path, or bikeway; however, if the governing body of a local agency or local authority has jurisdiction over a trail, path, or bikeway, these governing bodies may prohibit the operation of an electric scooter by ordinance.

You are not allowed to operate an e-scooter on the sidewalk. The driver must be at least 16 years old and must wear properly fitted bicycle helmet meeting regulated safety standards.

Electric scooters are permitted on roads that do not have bicycle lanes as long as the speed limit for that road is no more than 25 mph. Unless turning left or passing, the scooter must be ridden close to the right hand curb.

Florida Law

Florida statutes point out the difference between motorized scooters, motor scooters, mopeds, and motorized bicycles. According to Laws of Florida “motor vehicle” is “any self-propelled vehicle not operated upon rails or guideway, but not including any bicycle, motorized scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, or moped.”

Motorized bicycle is defined as a vehicle propelled by a combination of human power and an electric helper motor capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of not more than 20 mph on level ground.

Moped is “any vehicle with pedals to permit propulsion by human power, having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels; with a motor rated not in excess of 2 brake horsepower and not capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 mph on level ground;

and with a power-drive system that functions directly or automatically without clutching or shifting gears by the operator after the drive system is engaged.” These vehicles can be operated on the roadways, no title is required, but registration is. However, if the top speed is limited to 20 mph even if it looks like a moped, it can be classified as electric bikes and thereby avoid the registration requirements for mopeds (e.g. Gigabyke Groove fits this category).

A Motorized scooter is any vehicle or micro-mobility device that is powered by a motor; it can come with or without a seat or saddle for the rider, and has less than three wheels, and is not capable of propelling the vehicle at speeds greater than 20 miles per hour on level ground. A motorized scooter, from 6.18.2019 and onward, doesn’t require licensing, registration, insurance or a driver’s license.

Motor scooters (like Razor EcoSmart Metro) are motor vehicles, so they are allowed on Florida roadways.

Update: As of 6/18/2019, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that legalized electric scooter sharing in Florida. The House Bill 453 is effective immediately. E-scooter companies such as Bird, Lime, Jump and Spin can operate anywhere under the regulation of Florida counties, cities and towns. This is a big win for the scooter sharing companies, but local governments and cities in Florida still have the final say if they’ll allow rideshare scooters on their streets.

Also, motorized scooters are now permitted in the streets and bike lanes after the legislation lifted a restriction that previously limited them to sidewalks.

New York Law

If you love the idea of riding an e-scooter on city streets, but happen to live in New York, you’re outta luck, the electric scooters and the electric bikes are illegal. Here’s a list of vehicles that cannot be registered or operated on New York State sidewalks, streets or highways, according to the DMV.

• Motorized Scooter – a device with a motor attached and a handlebar for a standing rider.
• Mini-bike – a small, motorized device with two wheels, created for off-road use that doesn’t qualify as a moped, a motorcycle or an ATV.
• Off-road Motorcycle (Dirt Bike) – A motorcycle designed for off-road use.
• Go-Kart – a small, motorized device with four wheels, created for off-road use, which is neither a motor vehicle nor ATV.
• Golf Cart – a small motorized device with four wheels designed to carry people.
• Motor-assisted Bicycle – a bicycle to which a small motor is attached. It doesn’t qualify for a registration as a motorcycle, moped or ATV and doesn’t have the same equipment.

Maybe this won’t stop you from rebelliously decide to zip around NYC on your e-scooter, but if you get pulled over, you might be facing a ticket. Or going to jail. However, the future looks bright for pedal-assist bicycles. The Department of Transportation recently published a new rule clarifying the legality of so-called pedal-assist bikes. The Rule which took effect July 28, 2018 legalizes electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, with motors that turn on only when the cyclist is pedaling and turn off when the speed hits 20 MPH.

UPDATE April 1st, 2020: New York State lawmakers have reached tentative Budget Agreement that includes a provision that would legalize throttle-based electric bikes and scooters. The budget language almost exactly mirrors a bill that passed the New York State Legislature last year, but was vetoed at the last minute by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The bill creates three classes of electric bicycles based on speed, and also electric scooters with speeds up to 15 mph will be legalized. However, riders under 18 years of age will be required to wear a helmet, as well as all rides that ride class 3 bicycles.

Texas Law

The state of Texas defines electric bikes as a device that is designed to be propelled by an electric motor, exclusively or in combination with human power and cannot attain a speed of more than 20mph in electric-only mode. Electric bikes may not exceed a weight of 100lbs. There are no licensing and registration requirements for electric bikes. The department or a local authority may not prohibit the use of an electric bicycle on a highway that is used primarily by motor vehicles.

A motor-assisted scooter is defined as a self-propelled device with:

• at least two wheels in contact with the ground during operation;
• a gas or electric motor not exceeding 40 cubic centimeters (40cc is approx. 1.2 hp, or just under 900W);
• a deck designed to allow a person to stand or sit while operating the device;
• the ability to be propelled by human power alone.

A motor-assisted scooter may be operated only on a street or highway for which the posted speed limit is 35 mph or less. Traffic laws that apply to bicycles also apply to motor-assisted scooters and the operator must obey the usual traffic laws that bicycle operators must obey such as speed limit, signal turns, etc. TRC 551.302(d) states that some laws that apply to a motor vehicle do not apply to these scooters, which means you do not need a safety inspection, driver’s license, registration, or insurance to operate an electric scooter with up to 750w motor.

If you planning on taking an electric scooter on the road you are highly recommended to familiarize yourself with any local or municipal legislation. The best source of information is your state’s Department of motor vehicles (DMV). Start by going to their website and looking for Transportation Code that applies to you.

Is your scooter road-ready? Best Street Legal Electric Scooters For Adults.

If you’ve somehow managed to clear the confusion about whether you are allowed to take your scooter on the road, let’s now talk about whether you should do it.

Riding small, toy-like electric-powered scooters on the road is generally not allowed, and for a good reason. They are just not sturdy, fast, or safe. Unlike smaller electric scooters that are designed for recreational operation, roadworthy scooters have to be sturdy enough and powerful enough to keep up with the traffic on the types of roads it travels. Street-legal electric scooters have to be equipped with the right tires, suspension system, and steering for road driving and certain safety features, such as review mirrors, lights, turn signals, and horns (requirements can vary by state.)

When you are riding your bicycle, skateboard, scooter, or other device on the road, the road rules apply to you. And regardless of the regulations in your state, we always recommend wearing a helmet.

REGISTRATION, TITLE, AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Most states require registration, although some states require a title also. Nevada is the only state that requires you to complete the inspection. North Carolina only requires a DMV registration. Almost no locations in the United States where electric scooters are legal on the road need them to be insured. The state of Illinois is the only one that requires insurance for electric scooters.

MAXIMUM SPEED ALLOWED

Depending on where you live, the legal speed limit for riding an electric scooter varies from 15mph to 25mph. Unless otherwise stated at the state level, the default speed limit for electric scooters in the United States is 15 mph. Arizona, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, and Utah have a 20 mph top limit. The speed limit in Colorado and Florida is 25 miles per hour.

PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

It is recommended that you use The correct protective equipment regardless of the type of scooter you are traveling in to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you. When riding an e-scooter, most states and cities require you to wear a helmet. If you are seen riding an e-scooter without a helmet, you can receive a fine.

In addition to helmets, certain states require people to wear eye protection while using an electric scooter based on the rider’s age. These states include:

• Indiana
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Vermont
• Virginia

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

Many states do not need a license to operate an electric scooter. A motorcycle license is required in Alabama. A driver’s license is required in Kansas, Rhode Island, Michigan, South Carolina, and Tennessee. In Florida, any kind of license would suffice, while in Texas, you only need a permit for scooters over 750 W.

AGE RESTRICTIONS

Most states do not have an age limit for using an electric scooter. Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Vermont are among the states that have a minimum age limit of 16. Utah has a 15-year-old minimum, Mississippi has a 14-year-old minimum, and Michigan and Minnesota have a 12-year-old minimum.

WHERE TO PARK

Parking an e-scooter on the street or in a public space may be very problematic since most state regulations prohibit it. But, on the other hand, governments are coming to grips with it and developing rules to ensure that e-scooter owners park their vehicles safely and responsibly.

In certain metropolitan areas, you are permitted to place your scooter on the pavement and near the street as long as it does not obstruct pedestrians. E-scooters must still be parked straight and must not block driveways or entrances.

In other places, electric scooters may be parked alongside public bike racks. They must, though, never be left on handicapped ramps or parked in car parking lots.

What to Consider When Buying A Street Legal Motorized Scooter

After you’ve determined whether or not your prospective scooter is legal to operate in the city you’re in, it can be difficult to determine which of the many options available is right for you.

Electric scooter reviews can be helpful in a limited capacity, but it can be difficult to tell if the reviews come from a city that matches yours. For instance, those in hilly towns may be partial to a more powerful electric scooter with a slower speed. If your city is flat, a lot of that power is going to waste, and a much faster scooter could serve your needs better.

Also consider your need for other features, such as signal lights or a trunk. In cities with darker or rainier climates, those signals could mean the difference between a commute and a car accident. In particularly dreary cities, your important papers and documents would be much safer in a trunk than on your lap or in a backpack.

The critical factor at play here is your personal experience—and no review knows your needs better than you do.

Electric scooters come in many shapes and sizes, and not all of them are going to be helpful for your specific needs. Taking the time to consider all of your options will allow you to purchase the best electric scooter for you and save you time and heartbreak when you discover other features that you wish your scooter came with.

Tips for Riding A Street Legal Scooter

Riding a street-legal scooter isn’t like other forms of transportation. Electric scooters do not require the manual operation that a bicycle does, nor do they have the horsepower and speed you can expect when purchasing a motorcycle.

The truth is, electric scooters are their own breed of transportation and should be treated as such before taking your newfound purchase on the road. The worst thing a new owner can do is dive headfirst into rush hour traffic without taking proper precautions.

Remember that you are operating a vehicle—and while you don’t have to wear a seatbelt, you are legally required in America and in many other countries to wear a helmet while the vehicle is in operation.

Don’t skip out on this rule—as law enforcement usually doesn’t let this one slide. Remember that the helmet requirement is for your safety, more than anyone else’s. Don’t skirt road safety guidelines to protect your hair or look cooler on the road.

Be sure to look into storage and safety options for your scooter when arriving at your destination. Electric scooters are light and often easily transportable, so not taking the proper precautions for your investment may lure thieves and result in the loss of your scooter.

Invest in a bike lock or similar deterrents when leaving your scooter on the streets or in the parking lot. When possible, utilize bike parking and leave the car spots open for larger vehicles.

Another way to protect your investment is to see if your place of business or destination has a place inside for you to stow away your scooter. The small and easy-to-carry nature of street-legal electric scooters will allow you greater mobility and options when finding a place to park.

Learn the rules of the road before venturing out onto the asphalt. Most bikes and electric scooters are permitted only in bike lanes. If maneuvering through highly trafficked areas or parts of town without a bike lane, most jurisdictions prohibit electric scooters and similar vehicles when the speed limit is greater than 25 miles per hour.

Keep aware of other drivers, clearly signal when making a turn, and keep as close to the curb as possible. Practicing safe driving techniques will keep you safe just as much as it will protect those who choose to walk or drive to work.

Finally, don’t forget that riding a scooter leaves you unprotected from the elements, and traveling at higher speeds will feel a little different than walking down the street. Invest in more rugged travel gear, such as jackets, sunglasses, or boots, and be sure to look at the forecast before heading out for the day.

Low visibility weather such as rain or snow can impair the vision of other drivers, so remaining vigilant and visible will be vital to traveling around town without incident.

How do I know if my electric scooter is street legal?

A: There are many ways to uncover whether or not your investment is legally permitted to operate.

Take a look at the FAQ section of the electric scooter or bicycle you wish to purchase. Many American distributors and companies know the difficulty in following United States laws, so will take care to advertise if their electric scooter is street legal. Often, it’s a major selling point for them.

It may be worth bringing your electric scooter to your local DMV. Explain the specifications of your vehicle, and what you can do to meet the requirements of your local municipality—which may be different than federal law.

Which street legal motorized scooter is right for me?

A: Compare the specifications of each electric scooter to each other, as well as consider what personal needs you may have. Is your city filled with hills and potholes? Is your city typically cold and rainy?

No two electric scooters are created equal and keeping in mind the specific challenges of your town will help you narrow down your options to electric scooters that best serve your individual needs.

Also, take some time to read through the reviews of your prospective scooters. Complaints that appear across multiple reviews may signal vital warning signs that can help you eliminate scooters that aren’t a good match.

Talking to friends and family that own or have operated an electric scooter will also help you gain peace of mind when making your purchase.

What’s the difference between an electric scooter and an electric bicycle? Or a moped?

These terms refer to many different things—even though many companies use the terms interchangeably.

All electric bicycles will have either optional or permanently mounted pedals. These serve to continue operation after the battery dies or provide extra horsepower to the engine. Electric bicycles are typically the most immune to governmental restrictions.

An electric scooter is powered by an engine alone and is more likely to require registration and a driver’s license to operate it. However, this requirement can vary, dependent upon Public Law 109-217, as well as rules implemented by your town or state.

A moped is often powered by gas and will certainly require a driver’s license to operate due to an increase in power and speed. However, requiring a title or registration will depend upon the make and model.

What makes a battery powered scooter street legal?

To be allowed on streets, a vehicle needs to meet the requirements determined by the authorities to be allowed on public roads and be compliant with certain safety standards. This includes having specific configurations of lighting, signal lights, and safety equipment.

Are electric scooters allowed on streets?

There are no laws that specifically restrict an adult from riding the scooter on streets, but whether you can legally ride your electric scooter on roads depends on a confusing mix of state and local laws. In many places, scoters regulation still falls into gray areas, and city officials and residents have conflicting attitudes toward them.

Are electric scooters allowed on the sidewalk?

Riding scooters on sidewalks is only officially banned in 11 states, but it is at the very least frowned upon in many urban areas. It’s always best to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles as to whether this is legal or not.

Where to legally ride electric scooters?

There are few general laws that are somewhat consistent from state to state. Electric scooters in the US are allowed without a license on roads that lack bicycle lanes so long as they don’t exceed the speed limit of 25 mph. You are not allowed to drive a full-sized electric scooter on a sidewalk or bike path. These scooters are battery-powered equivalents of 50cc motor scooters, able to reach speeds up to 60+ mph. Smaller e-scooters are generally reserved for bike lanes, with some exceptions.

Can I ride electric scooter without license?

We get a lot of questions about what kind of electric moped does not require a license. The US2002 Federal Law stipulates that an electric bike will be classified as street legal if it has a top speed of less than 20 mph and a motor power below 750W. If yours falls within this range, it will not require registration or a license in most US states. For lack of better laws, US federal law governing electric bikes is normally applied to electric scooters as well.

Which is the fastest street legal scooter?

Electric scooters have become fast. There are models that can go well over 40mph. For example, Kaabo Wolf Warrior and Dualtron Thunder can reach 50 mph, while the new Apollo Ultra supposedly has a top speed of 60mph.

However, have in mind that electric scooters that can reach speeds over 25mph probably require some kind of license, and you still absolutely need to obey the speed limit. Just because a scooter can go 50+mph, doesn’t mean you should.

How much does a street legal e-scooter cost?

To be allowed on the road cannot be bare frame, wheels, and motor, which definitely affects the price. If you need a scooter that can perform in traffic you have to spend over $500. The realistic price point of street-legal, road-worthy electric scooters is about $1000-$2000 though, while Vespa-like electric mopeds with all the features like side mirrors, lights and turn signals, seat, horn and maybe even storage compartments cost several hundred dollars.

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