Electric scooters are fun, convenient, and relatively eco-friendly way to get around, but do you need a license for an electric scooter?
The answer is: it depends. In some cities, you do need a license and insurance, while in others, you can get away with just a regular driver’s license.
In this article, we will explore the laws surrounding electric scooters in various countries and cities so that you can be prepared next time you take yours out for a spin.
- Also Read: 9 Tips for New Electric Scooter Riders
- Also Read: Electric Scooters for Adults
Electric Scooter License Requirements in Different Countries and States
There is no one answer to this question as electric scooter laws vary from country to country and even from state to state.
In some places, you may be able to ride an electric scooter without a license as long as you adhere to certain rules and regulations. While in other places, you may need to get a special license or permit to ride an e-scooter.
To find out the specific requirements in your area, it is best to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent body. They will be able to tell you whether you need a license and, if so, what type of license is required.
In some cases, you may also need to pass a special skills test before being granted a license.
Do You Need a License to Drive an Electric Scooter in California?
In California, you need a driver’s license or learner’s permit to legally ride an electric scooter. You must be at least 16 years old, and you must wear a helmet if you are under 18.
California’s Vehicle Code defines an electric scooter as a two-wheeled vehicle with an electric motor, a floorboard, and handlebars. The seat is optional.
Although you need a license or legal permit to ride an e-scooter in California, but you don’t need a special vehicle registration or license plates to ride a motorized scooter on the roads.
You can legally ride your electric scooter on California bikeways, bicycle paths, and trails if your scooter has a speed limit of 25 miles per hour and you do not exceed 15 miles per hour. It is also important to note that you cannot use electric scooters on sidewalks.
Do Electric Scooters Need a License in the UK?
A license with a Q entitlement is required for those under the trial scheme, and those with a provisional license for category A, B, or AM can legally ride an electric scooter in the UK.
You can ride the trial scooters if you have an overseas license, and you are based in the UK. However, you must have a full license allowing you to ride a motorbike or drive a car.
In the UK, you can ride an e-scooter on a private land, but you cannot ride an electric scooter on roads unless you are under the trail scheme and have a license with the Q entitlement.
Can You Drive an Electric Scooter Without a License in Washington, DC?
The District of Columbia does not recognize electric scooters as motor vehicles, so you do not need a license to ride one. They announced this legislation about electric scooters in October 2020.
Electric scooter riders must ride their scooters at a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour, even though there is no requirement for a license in Washington, DC.
Do I Need a License to Drive an Electric Scooter in Florida?
Riders aged 16 and over can legally ride electric scooters in Florida without a driver’s license.
In Florida, e-scooters are permitted to operate in bike lanes and adhere to all laws for bikes.
Does an Electric Scooter Need License in Indiana?
It is not necessary to have a driving license to ride an electric scooter in Indiana, since e-scooters are not considered motor vehicles.
However, electric scooters must weigh less than 100 pounds, have a speed limit of 20 miles per hour, and follow the same rules for bikes.
Do Electric Scooters Require a License in Kansas?
In Kansas, you can legally ride electric scooters if you have a valid driver’s license.
Keep in mind that you cannot ride e-scooters on the sidewalks or on the highways in Kansas.
Do You Need a License to Ride an Electric Scooter in Maine?
In Maine, you will need a license to ride an electric scooter. Moreover, the peak power of your electric scooter should be capped at 750 watts, and the diameter of wheels should be 10 inches or below.
Electric scooters in Maine can have a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour, which means having a license is not enough.
Does an Electric Scooter Need a License in Massachusetts?
You need a driver’s license to ride an electric scooter in Massachusetts. The maximum legal speed for electric scooters in Massachusetts is 20 miles per hour.
Do I Need an Electric Scooter License in Missouri?
Electric scooters are legal in Missouri under the Missouri State Highway Patrol. You can legally ride electric scooters if you have a driver’s license. Keep in mind that you can only operate e-scooters on streets or bike lanes.
Missouri state government categorize electric scooter as motorcycle if it can hit a top speed. In that case, you will need to comply with the motorcycle riding laws to legally ride a motorized scooter in Missouri.
Do You Need a License for an Electric Scooter in New York?
It is not necessary to have a driver’s license to ride an electric scooter in New York. However, you must ensure that your e-scooter has a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour. You must also not pass on streets at a speed above 30 miles per hour.
Do Electric Scooters Require a License in North Carolina?
Electric scooters are classified as vehicles in North Carolina, and you must register them with the DMV. It is why you need a license to legally ride an e-scooter in North Carolina.
You can only ride motorized scooters on North Carolina streets, and they must have a top speed limit of less than 25 miles per hour.
Ohio E-Scooter License law
In Ohio, electric scooters do not need registration and licensing. However, e-scooters must not weigh over 100 pounds and have a top speed of 20 miles per hour.
You can legally ride electric scooters on the roads, but you must give way to pedestrians. The rider’s age must be 16 years and above.
Do You Need a License for an Electric Scooter in Canada?
Electric scooters are categorized as power-assisted bicycles in Canada, and the same federal laws and regulations apply to them.
E-scooters do not require a license, license plates, or insurance in Canada, but each province and city may make its own rules that you must follow while riding. Canadian government is encouraging use of electric scooters on all levels.
Do You Need a License for an Electric Scooter in Australia?
Some Australian states allow you to ride electric scooters on private property, while others allow you to ride them anywhere as long as you adhere to strict speed limits, rules and regulations.
When trying to understand electric scooter laws in Australia, it is a good idea to know what qualifies as a legal electric scooter in Australia.
You only need a standard driver’s license to legally ride electric scooters on the streets of Australia in the states like Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland, and Western Australia.
In some states, you are required to wear a helmet. However, riders in all states are strongly encouraged to wear helmets and safety gear for added protection on the road. Riders can simply wear a bicycle helmet.
You can ride an e-scooter in the bicycle lane, shared path, and on small roads with a speed limit of 31 miles per hour.
Do You Need a License for an Electric Scooter in France?
In France, you do not need a driver’s license or wear a helmet to legally ride an electric scooter, but you do need the insurance. The minimum age for rider is 12 years.
You cannot ride e-scooters on the pavement, and you can take them on public transport if internal laws permit it. The speed limit for electric scooters is 31 miles per hour or lower.
Do You Need a License for an Electric Scooter in Germany?
You do not need a driver’s license or registration to legally ride electric scooters in Germany. However, you must know the specific traffic rules for e-scooters.
You can ride electric scooters in the bike lanes and bike paths, but you can also drive them on the road if there is no bike lane available. The minimum age of the rider must be 14 years, and wearing a helmet is not mandatory.
Does an Electric Scooter Need License in Nepal?
If your electric scooter has a peak power output of 350 watts, then you need a Nepal driver’s license and registration. In case, the peak power output of your e-scooter is less than 350 watts, then you don’t need a license.
Is License Required for an Electric Scooter in India?
The Indian government has categorized e-scooters as powered vehicles. Therefore, electric scooters must have license plates, and the riders need driving license to legally ride an electric scooter in India.
Do You Need a License for an Electric Scooter in Spain?
In Spain, they classify electric scooters as personal mobility vehicles, so you don’t need a license or registration to ride electric scooters on the roads.
Insurance is required for electric scooters that can reach a speed of 11 miles per hour. The minimum age of the rider must be 18 years, and the allowed top speed is 15 miles per hour.
Conclusion
The laws regarding electric scooters vary from state to state and from country to country. Riding an electric scooter is legal in some American states without any type of license, while in others, you must get a valid driving/riding license and register your electric scooter.