How to Ride an Electric Scooter Properly？
Aug 02, 2022
Electric scooters have taken the US by storm over the last few years, which greatly facilitates people's travel, especially public share rentals run by the likes of Bird, Lime, and Spin.
So, do you want to be able to use your electric scooter anytime and anywhere where you want to live or work? Unfortunately, the state of electric scooter law is only just beginning to emerge in the United States and varies from state to state and even city to city.
Therefore, to ride an electric scooter without hassle, let's learn about the laws of riding electric scooters in various places.
States with the Clearest eScooter Legislation
Some states have seen the trend of electric scooters and made some legislation for it so that people can know how and where to use electric scooters.
Below we list the legislation on electric scooters in some states of the United State dates. If your state is not covered such legislation, then you may need to look into the local rules.
California
Max Speed: 15mph
Helmets Mandatory: For under 18s only
Where Can I Ride: Bike lanes (or bikeways, bike paths, bicycle paths, etc) whenever one is available.
License & Age Allowed to Ride: ≥16 years old, with a driver’s license or learner’s permit.
Equipment: The front light & rear reflector; Effective brakes.
Other Rules:
√ Stopping after the intersection on the right curb,
√ Dismounting, crossing the roadway on foot.
✖Drugs or drunk driving.
Michigan
Max Speed: 25mph
Helmets Mandatory: For under 19s only
Where Can I Ride:
1. Ride on public roads
Keep on the right side of the road;
Not ride more than 2 abreast;
Use a designated path when required by local laws;
Not pass between lanes of traffic.
2. Ride on a sidewalk:
Yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian;
Give an audible signal before overtaking and passing the pedestrian.
Licence & Age Allowed to Ride: ≥12 years old
Equipment: Between 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise:
a white-light front lamp; a red reflector or a rear red-light lamp.
Other Rules:
Keep on the right side of the road;
Not ride more than 2 abreast;
Use a designated path when required by local laws;
Not pass between lanes of traffic.
Indiana & Illinois
Max Speed: /
Helmets Mandatory: Recommended but not yet required.
Where Can I Ride: Anywhere you can ride a bicycle, such as bicycle lanes and bicycle paths.
License & Age Allowed to Ride: ≥16 years old; with a driver’s license, instruction permit, or State identification card.
Equipment: Lamps & reflectors for use at nighttime and require brakes.
Other Rules:
CANNOT ride on the sidewalk, Cultural Trail, or any of the Greenways;
Follow all normal traffic laws, including:
You can ride in the bike lane;
You cannot travel the wrong way on one-way streets, etc.
New York
Max Speed: 20 mph
Helmets Mandatory: /
Where Can I Ride: Roads with posted limits of 30mph or less and on greenways and bike paths.
License & Age Allowed to Ride: ≥16 years old; wear helmets if under 18.
Equipment: Wear helmets if under 18.
Other Rules: E-scooters must weigh less than 100 lbs.
As always, keep safety above all else, and have fun while riding!