Electric Scooter Laws in U.S.A. - Complete guide updated April 2024

Electric scooter (kickbike) laws and regulations across different states in the United States can vary a lot. It is hard to keep track, and we receive many questions about this. Therefore, we opted to create the most comprehensive and yet simple and efficient guide on the laws regulating electric kickbikes in the U.S.

We have made this guide as efficient as possible, because nobody wants to read up on laws and regulations for hours. We know you simply want to jump to your state in question, and receive the answer quickly. This is how this guide is created, with this in mind.

NOTE: Some states do not have clear laws on the topics covered in this guide. If this is the case, we have written what is typical or often used instead.

We cover all states in the U.S.

The following laws and regulations are covered per state in the U.S:

Speed limit
Minimum age limit
DMV requirements
Drivers licence requirements
Street-driving allowed or not
Sidewalk-driving allowed or not
Parking requirements
Helmet requirements
Riding more than 1 person allowed or not

States are in alphabetical order. Lets start!

Alabama

Speed Limit: Typically limited to 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally allowed on streets, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: Regulations vary by municipality.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Not typically required.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but not always mandatory.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking regulations.
Riding with Others: Generally permitted, but check local laws.

Alaska

Speed Limit: Often capped at 15-20 mph.
Street Riding: Usually permitted, but verify local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Usually not required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may differ.
Helmet Requirement: Advised but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Check local laws for any restrictions.

Arizona

Speed Limit: Typically restricted to 20 mph.
Street Riding: Usually permitted, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: Regulations vary by municipality.
DMV Registration: Generally not required.
Driver’s License: Often not necessary.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Suggested but not always mandatory.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking guidelines.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Arkansas

Speed Limit: Generally limited to 20 mph.
Street Riding: Typically permitted, but check local regulations.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Usually not required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local ordinances may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but check local laws.

California

Speed Limit: Typically limited to 15-20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but check local regulations.
Sidewalk Riding: Often prohibited in business districts.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: Usually 16 years old.
Helmet Requirement: Mandatory for riders under 18.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking guidelines.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Colorado

Speed Limit: Usually capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally allowed, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be permitted in some areas.
DMV Registration: Generally not required.
Driver’s License: Often not necessary.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but not always mandatory.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking regulations.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but check local laws.

Connecticut

Speed Limit: Typically restricted to 20 mph.
Street Riding: Usually permitted, but verify local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Advised but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Delaware

Speed Limit: Generally limited to 20 mph.
Street Riding: Typically permitted, but check local regulations.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Usually not required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local ordinances may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but check local laws.

District of Columbia (Washington D.C.)

Speed Limit: Typically restricted to 15-20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Often mandatory for riders under 16.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking regulations.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but check local laws.

Florida

Speed Limit: Usually capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally allowed, but check local regulations.
Sidewalk Riding: May be permitted in some areas.
DMV Registration: Generally not required.
Driver’s License: Often not necessary.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but not always mandatory.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking guidelines.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Georgia

Speed Limit: Typically limited to 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: Regulations vary by municipality.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Advised but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Hawaii

Speed Limit: Usually capped at 15-20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but verify local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Usually not required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may differ.
Helmet Requirement: Advised but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but check local laws.

Idaho

Speed Limit: Typically limited to 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally allowed, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be permitted in some areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but not always mandatory.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking guidelines.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Illinois

Speed Limit: Usually capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but verify local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: Regulations vary by municipality.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Advised but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Indiana

Speed Limit: Typically limited to 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally allowed, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be permitted in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking regulations.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but check local laws.

Iowa

Speed Limit: Usually capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but verify local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Advised but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Kansas

Speed Limit: Typically limited to 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally allowed, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be permitted in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking regulations.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Kentucky

Speed Limit: Usually capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but verify local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: Regulations vary by municipality.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Advised but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Louisiana

Speed Limit: Typically limited to 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally allowed, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be permitted in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking guidelines.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Maine

Speed Limit: Usually capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but verify local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Advised but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Maryland

Speed Limit: Typically limited to 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally allowed, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be permitted in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking regulations.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Massachusetts

Speed Limit: Usually capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but verify local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Advised but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Michigan

Speed Limit: Typically limited to 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally allowed, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be permitted in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking guidelines.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Minnesota

Speed Limit: Usually capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but verify local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Advised but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Mississippi

Speed Limit: Typically limited to 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally allowed, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be permitted in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking regulations.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Missouri

Speed Limit: Usually capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but verify local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Advised but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Montana

Speed Limit: Typically limited to 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally allowed, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be permitted in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking guidelines.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Nebraska

Speed Limit: Usually capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but verify local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Advised but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Nevada

Speed Limit: Typically limited to 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally allowed, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be permitted in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking regulations.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

New Hampshire

Speed Limit: Usually capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but verify local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Advised but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

New Jersey

Speed Limit: Typically restricted to 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: Regulations vary by municipality.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Advised but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking guidelines.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

New Mexico

Speed Limit: Usually capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally allowed, but verify local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

New York

Speed Limit: Typically restricted to 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: Regulations vary by municipality.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Advised but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking guidelines.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

North Carolina

Speed Limit: Usually capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally allowed, but verify local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

North Dakota

Speed Limit: Typically limited to 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be permitted in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking guidelines.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Ohio

Speed Limit: Usually capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but verify local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Advised but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Oklahoma

Speed Limit: Typically limited to 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally allowed, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be permitted in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking regulations.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Oregon

Speed Limit: Typically capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but verify local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Advised but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Pennsylvania

Speed Limit: Usually capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally allowed, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be permitted in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking guidelines.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Rhode Island

Speed Limit: Typically limited to 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but verify local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Advised but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

South Carolina

Speed Limit: Typically capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally allowed, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be permitted in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking regulations.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

South Dakota

Speed Limit: Usually capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but verify local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Advised but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Tennessee

Speed Limit: Typically limited to 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally allowed, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be permitted in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking guidelines.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Texas

Speed Limit: Usually capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but verify local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Advised but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Utah

Speed Limit: Typically capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but verify local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Advised but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Vermont

Speed Limit: Usually capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally allowed, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be permitted in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking guidelines.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Virginia

Speed Limit: Typically restricted to 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but verify local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: Regulations vary by municipality.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Advised but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Washington

Speed Limit: Usually capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking guidelines.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

West Virginia

Speed Limit: Typically capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but verify local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Wisconsin

Speed Limit: Usually capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally allowed, but check local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be permitted in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local regulations may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Advised but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Follow bicycle parking guidelines.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Wyoming

Speed Limit: Typically capped at 20 mph.
Street Riding: Generally permitted, but verify local ordinances.
Sidewalk Riding: May be allowed in certain areas.
DMV Registration: Not typically required.
Driver’s License: Generally not needed.
Minimum Age: No statewide minimum age, but local rules may apply.
Helmet Requirement: Recommended but may not be mandatory.
Parking: Adhere to bicycle parking rules.
Riding with Others: Generally allowed, but local laws may apply.

Disclaimer

All laws and regulations are subject to change, and it is your responsibility to make sure you have the most updated ones and that you follow them at all times. We do not take any responsibility to the above information and it can be inaccurate or outdated.

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