You just got an electric scooter—or you’re thinking about getting one—but wait… is it even legal to ride in your city? With rules changing all the time, the last thing you want is a ticket (or worse, your scooter confiscated!). Let’s break down where you can—and can’t—ride your Apollo Scooter in 2025!
Electric Scooter Laws 2025: What's Changed?
The legal landscape in the United States remains a colorful mosaic of different regulations for each state and city. While there have been no sweeping federal legislative changes, various local and state laws have evolved to accommodate the growing popularity of electric scooters. This article provides an updated breakdown of the latest regulations, including new laws enacted in late 2024 and early 2025.
Highlights and Key Updates for 2025
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New York City: A proposed law, Priscilla's Law, may soon require e-scooters and e-bikes to be registered with the NYC Department of Transportation and have license plates. This initiative aims to improve safety and accountability due to rising incidents involving micro-mobility vehicles. (Source)
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Atlanta, Georgia: The city's curfew for e-scooter use has been adjusted, now prohibiting riding between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., a change from the previous curfew window. (Source)
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Portland, Oregon: A new parking requirement mandates that all e-scooters must be locked to a public bike rack or a city signpost if bike racks are unavailable. This regulation is designed to reduce sidewalk clutter. (Source)
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General Trend: As of mid-2024, 28 states and Washington, D.C., have updated e-scooter laws, addressing various factors such as age restrictions, speed limits, and designated riding areas. (Source)
Transitioning to the Bigger Picture
With these major updates in place, it's clear that cities and states are fine-tuning their e-scooter laws to balance accessibility and safety. But what about the overarching rules that set the stage for these local changes? Let's take a step back and look at the federal regulations that establish the baseline for electric scooter laws across the U.S.
Federal Regulations on Electric Scooters
At the federal level, electric scooters are classified under the low-speed electric vehicle category:
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Maximum speed: 20 mph
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Motor power: 750W or lower
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Road legality: Allowed on roads unless restricted by local laws
However, state and city laws often impose additional regulations regarding helmets, parking, and speed limits.
E-Scooter Laws and Regulations by State
California - The Land of Smooth Rides and Strict Rules
"Cruising through Cali? Keep it classy and stay out of trouble – just like an Apollo Pro on a smooth bike lane."
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Riders must have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit.
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Helmets required for riders under 18.
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Sidewalk riding is prohibited.
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Maximum speed: 15 mph.
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Allowed on bike lanes and roads with speed limits 35 mph or lower.
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New York - The City That Never Scoots (on Sidewalks)
"Fast-paced city, fast-paced rules – ride smart, or you’ll be hailing a cab instead of scooting on an Apollo."
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Minimum age: 16 years.
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Helmets required for riders under 18.
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Sidewalk riding is prohibited.
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Maximum speed: 20 mph.
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Pending legislation (Priscilla’s Law) may require registration and license plates.
Florida - Sunshine, Beaches, and Scooter-Friendly Streets
"Florida’s got no helmet law, but don’t let your brain bake in the sun – stay safe and ride bright with Apollo."
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Scooters allowed on streets and bike paths but not on sidewalks.
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No statewide helmet requirement, but local ordinances may impose restrictions.
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Riders must follow the same traffic rules as bicyclists.
Texas - Big Roads, Big Scooters, No Big Helmet Laws
"Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the freedom to ride. Just don’t get too wild – Apollo’s torque is no joke!"
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Scooters classified as bicycles.
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Allowed on roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks unless locally restricted.
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No statewide helmet requirement, but some cities have additional rules.
Virginia - Scootin’ Through History
"From colonial roads to modern bike lanes, Virginia’s got the past and future covered – just like Apollo’s tech."
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Scooters allowed on sidewalks, shared-use paths, and roads - but be careful, they are not allowed on all roads, check your local regulations to ensure you're circulating where allowed.
- In Virginia, the maximum permitted riding speed is 20 mph.
- Minimum rider age: 14 years.
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Additional local regulations may apply, including helmet requirements.
Washington - Coffee, Rain, and Helmet Laws
"Seattle might be drizzly, but with Apollo’s weatherproof builds, your ride stays smooth – just don’t forget your helmet!"
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Allowed on roads, bike lanes, and some sidewalks.
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Helmets required for all riders.
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Maximum speed: 15 mph.
Georgia - Peaches, Heat, and a New Scooter Curfew
"Late-night scooting in Atlanta? Not anymore! But don’t worry, Apollo gets you there before the clock strikes 2 a.m."
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Scooters allowed on roads and bike lanes but prohibited on sidewalks.
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Helmets encouraged but not required statewide.
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New city curfew (Atlanta): No riding between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.
Portland - Keepin’ It Weird and Well-Parked
"Portland loves its bikes, and now scooters need a parking spot too – just like Apollo riders love a good designated lane."
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Scooters must now be locked to a public bike rack or a city signpost if bike racks are unavailable.
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Designed to prevent sidewalk clutter and improve pedestrian accessibility.
E-Scooter Laws in Major U.S. Cities
Los Angeles, California - The Land of Smooth Rides and Strict Rules
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Bike lane use required when available.
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Sidewalk riding strictly prohibited.
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Left turns must be made by dismounting and crossing on foot.
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Scooters must be parked in designated areas to avoid obstructing walkways.
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Maximum speed: 15 mph.
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Bike lane use required when available.
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Sidewalk riding strictly prohibited.
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Left turns must be made by dismounting and crossing on foot.
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Scooters must be parked in designated areas to avoid obstructing walkways.
Miami, Florida - Sunshine, Beaches, and Scooter-Friendly Streets
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Maximum speed: 15 mph on streets, 7 mph on sidewalks.
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Sidewalk riding allowed but restricted to low speeds.
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Parking must be in designated areas or next to bike racks.
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Maximum speed: 15 mph on streets, 7 mph on sidewalks.
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Sidewalk riding allowed but restricted to low speeds.
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Parking must be in designated areas or next to bike racks.
Austin, Texas - Big Roads, Big Scooters, No Big Helmet Laws
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Sidewalk riding permitted, but riders must yield to pedestrians.
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Scooters must be parked responsibly, leaving at least 3 feet of sidewalk clearance.
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Only Lime and Bird are authorized operators under new 2024 regulations.
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Maximum speed: 20 mph.
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Sidewalk riding permitted, but riders must yield to pedestrians.
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Scooters must be parked responsibly, leaving at least 3 feet of sidewalk clearance.
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Only Lime and Bird are authorized operators under new 2024 regulations.
Chicago, Illinois - The Windy City's E-Scooter Evolution
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City has pilot programs to evaluate e-scooter impact.
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Speed limits and designated parking zones apply.
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Maximum speed: 15 mph.
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City has pilot programs to evaluate e-scooter impact.
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Speed limits and designated parking zones apply.
Seattle, Washington - Scootin' Safely in the Emerald City
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Helmets required for all riders.
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Scooters limited to designated speed zones.
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Traffic laws apply, including yielding to pedestrians.
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Maximum speed: 15 mph. "Seattle’s got strict helmet laws and designated speed zones—good thing Apollo scooters make safety look cool!"
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Helmets required for all riders.
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Scooters limited to designated speed zones.
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Traffic laws apply, including yielding to pedestrians.
Key FAQs for 2025
What is the federal law on electric scooters?
You can ride electric scooters legally as long as they operate at speeds under 15 mph and meet federal safety standards. No registration, helmet, or license is needed, but operators should be at least 16 years old.
Do all states have the same e-scooter laws?
No, e-scooter laws vary significantly from state to state.
Do I need a driver's license to operate an electric scooter in the USA in 2025?
Requirements for a driver's license vary by state. In some states, a valid driver's license is needed, while others may allow operation without one. Always check your local laws.
Is wearing a helmet mandatory when riding an electric scooter in the USA in 2025?
Helmet laws also vary by state. In many states, helmets are required for riders under a certain age, typically minors. Make sure to check your local regulations and consider wearing a helmet for safety.
Can electric scooters be ridden on sidewalks in the USA in 2025?
Sidewalk regulations differ by location. Some areas allow electric scooters on sidewalks, while others restrict their use to roads or bike lanes. Always follow local guidelines.
Are there age restrictions for electric scooter riders in the USA in 2025?
Age restrictions vary by state. Some states may allow riders of all ages, while others restrict usage to adults or individuals of a certain age. Verify local laws before riding.
What are the maximum speed limits for electric scooters in the USA in 2025?
Maximum speed limits for electric scooters also vary by state. In general, they typically have a top speed of 15-20 mph, but this can differ. Always adhere to local speed limits.
Are there any specific safety requirements for electric scooters in the USA in 2025?
Safety requirements, such as lighting and reflectors, can vary. Many states require scooters to have front and rear lights for nighttime riding. Always ensure your scooter complies with local safety regulations.
Do I need insurance to ride an electric scooter in the USA in 2025?
Insurance requirements are typically not in place for electric scooters. However, some states may have specific regulations regarding insurance coverage. Always check local laws for details.
Conclusion
Electric scooter laws in the U.S. continue to evolve, with notable changes in cities like New York, Atlanta, and Portland. Whether you're commuting or just enjoying a ride, staying updated on local laws is crucial for a hassle-free experience.
At Apollo, all of our scooters are app-enabled, meaning you can customize your ride experience to comply with local regulations. Need to stay under a 15 mph speed limit? No problem—our app allows you to adjust top speeds to match any legal requirement, ensuring you stay within the rules while maximizing your ride experience.
Electric scooter laws in the U.S. continue to evolve, with notable changes in cities like New York, Atlanta, and Portland. Whether you're commuting or just enjoying a ride, staying updated on local laws is crucial for a hassle-free experience. Check back frequently for updates, and always ride responsibly!
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