How to Ride an Electric Scooter Correctly?
Aug 02, 2022
Over the past several years, electric scooters have been incredibly popular in the US, substantially facilitating people's travel, especially with public share rentals offered by companies like Bird, Lime, and Spin.
Are you interested in having access to your electric scooter that you can use whenever and wherever you wish to live or work?
Regrettably, the law governing electric scooters in the US is only now starting to take shape and differs from state to state and even city to city.
Therefore, let's learn about the regulations for riding electric scooters in various locations so that we can do it without difficulty.
States with the Clearest eScooter Legislation
In reality, some states have recognized the popularity of electric scooters and have passed laws governing their use, enabling citizens to know when and where to use them.
The laws governing electric scooters in several US states are listed below. You might need to look into the local regulations if such legislation does not apply to your state.
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 usual, put your safety first and enjoy the ride!