Bylaws - Electric Kick Scooters USA
In USA, most states have eScooter regulations in place. And, cities can follow the state mandated and also incorporate their own local ordinances if they want.
Of note, North Carolina, Hawaii, and Louisiana, require a DMV registration for privately owned electric scooters. As local laws can be amended from time to time, it is best to always check with your local authorities to confirm what is current law before you head out for your first scoot. And, as with Canada, it is advised to wear a helmet for all your scooter outings.
Some states require operators of electric kick scooters to have a driver's license: states that currently require this are: California, Connecticut, Colorado, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Missouri, Delaware,Massachusetts, Maine, Kansas, Illinois, Georgia, North Carolina, Rhode Island(valid driver's license or municipal ID).
Generally, in all states, electric kick scooter speeds topped at 20 mph, with some states allowing to 25mph, and some capped at 15mph. Many states specify scooter to be less than 100 pounds, while others opt for max motor wattage: common is 750watts motor or less, and up to 1000watts in some states, a few to 1500watts allowed. All states are strict for sidewalk compliance: no riding escooters on sidewalks.
USA
CALIFORNIA
The state of California has laws regarding eScooters. Cities are governed by the statewide regulations, however, they are permitted to implement their own bylaw. According to the state law: escooters must not travel faster than 15mph, and are limited to roadways with speed limits not greater than 25mph; and must be less than 750watts motor. They can ride on a trail or bikeway, bicycle path, but are not permitted to ride on sidewalks, except for parking or unparking the e-scooter. EScooters do not have to be registered with the DMV, however, drivers must have a valid drivers license, including a valid learner's permit. Those under 18 years, must wear a helmet. Left hand turns are not permitted; riders must proceed to right curb side, then dismount the scooter and walk it for their left turn. Cannot ride scooter in crosswalk and doing so results in a fine of up to $200.
Also, California law classifies e-scooters same as their motor vehicles. And, the classification applies regardless of the size of the e-scooter motor or how fast it can travel. Therefore, electric kick scooters are subject to many of the same traffic laws as are cars.
Of note, ebikes are not classified the same as escooters in California, so they follow the bicycle laws as they pertain to traffic laws. Escooters however, must follow traffic laws as they pertain to car traffic laws.
NEW YORK
Traffic Law 1282
Traffic Laws eScooter
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles classifies electric scooters as any device that is less than 100 pounds; with an electric motor, handlebars, a floorboard; and, can also include a seat on which the operator of the scooter can sit.
At the state level, riders must be at least 16 years old, wear helmets if under the age of 18, stay off sidewalks, and stay off streets with speed limits higher than 30 mph.
New York City
According to the New York Vehicle & Traffic Law Section 1282, electric scooters are allowed to be operated on highways with a posted speed limit of thirty miles per hour or less, including non-interstate public highways, private roads open to motor vehicle traffic, and designated bicycle or in-line skate lanes In NYC, scooters are not to exceed 15 miles per hour and must stay on streets with speed limits of 25 mph or less. Helmets are required for riders under 18.
Electric kick scooters must not exceed 100 pounds. Also,the escooter law defines classes of escooters, and each class can operate at a different speed.
Class One contains pedal-assisted bikes with no throttle, while throttle-assisted devices with a maximum speed of 20 mph are deemed part of Class Two. Class Three throttle-powered e-bikes have a maximum speed of 25 mph; helmets are required while operating this type of device. Separately, e-scooters must abide by a 15 mph speed limit, and riders less than 18 years must wear a helmet.
Tips for Riding your eScooter
New York
LAWS BY STATE(with map)
USA eScooter Laws by State
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