Do You Need a Licence to Ride an Electric Scooters in the USA?
Aug 02, 2022
Electric scooters are commonly seen in throngs on the roadways in everyday life. Yes, an electric scooter is becoming a more and more popular alternative means of transportation.
They are small, portable, and some well-equipped scooters have a top speed of 45 km/h.
So why haven't you purchased your own electric folding scooter yet?
Perhaps you're unsure whether an electric scooter requires a standard license like a motorbike or a driving license.
Can you still operate an electric scooter if you don't have a driver's license?
Like most of these questions, the answer is "it depends", although in many circumstances the answer is "Yes!"
E-scooter Law in the US
Where you ride your electric scooter will largely determine whether you need a driver's license or not.
Even while scooter regulations in US states are becoming more uniform, there are still significant variations in each state's requirements for a driver's license.
Currently, California law mandates that anyone using an electric scooter must have a valid driver's license and that the scooter's top speed is 15 mph.
Many states categorize electric scooters as e-bikes, which can be driven without a license.
Other US states, with the exception of California, typically DO NOT REQUIRE a driver's license to operate an electric scooter.
For the sake of growing their customer base, joint-stock firms like Bird and Lime frequently demand that its riders be at least 18 years old and possess a valid license; nevertheless, these requirements are company standards, not local, state, or federal legislation.
Even though the majority of US states DO NOT require an e-scooter license, it is a good idea to verify your local state and city rules before purchasing your own electric scooter.