2024 update: Are electric scooters street legal?
The legality of electric scooters on streets varies significantly depending on the country, state, or city in question, particularly in the United States and Canada, where regulations are evolving with the growing popularity of electric scooters. Here's a closer look at the regulations in these two countries:
- United States: In the U.S., electric scooter laws vary by state and city. Many cities have embraced electric scooters, providing regulations for their use, such as helmet requirements, speed limits, and designated areas for riding. Some cities have specific rules about whether scooters can be ridden on sidewalks or must stick to bike lanes.
- Canada: In Canada, the legality of electric scooters varies by province and municipality. For example, Ontario has a pilot program allowing electric scooters on certain roads and bike lanes, with specific rules regarding speed, age, and helmet use. Other provinces have their own regulations, so it's crucial to check local laws.
Key aspects that are commonly regulated in both countries include:
- Speed Limits: Many places have set maximum speed limits for electric scooters, often around 20 mph (32 km/h).
- Helmet Use: Some jurisdictions require riders to wear helmets, especially at higher speeds.
- Riding Areas: There are often specific rules about whether electric scooters can be ridden on roads, bike lanes, or sidewalks.
- Age Requirements: Minimum age requirements for electric scooter riders are common, for example in Canada it would generally be around minimum 14 years old.
For the most accurate and current information, it's essential to check the specific laws and regulations in your local area or any area where you plan to use an electric scooter.
we hope this article helped you with your concerns, if it did please share so that more people can benefit from it. If you like that kind of content don’t forget to subscribe to our email newsletter. Thank you!
