Electric scooters, or e-scooters, have become increasingly popular in recent years. They offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around town, and they’re a lot of fun to ride. However, with their rise in popularity has come a lot of confusion about whether they’re legal or not.
The truth is, the rules around e-scooters vary depending on where you are. In some places, they’re fully legal and regulated, while in others they’re still in a legal grey area. Here’s what you need to know about the latest rules, releases and legislation around electric scooters.
Where Are Electric Scooters Legal?
The laws around e-scooters are constantly evolving, but as of early 2021, they’re fully legal in the following countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
It’s worth noting that even in these countries, there may be some restrictions or regulations in place. For example, in some cities, e-scooters are only allowed to be ridden on designated bike paths and not on sidewalks or roads.
In the United States, the rules around electric scooters vary from state to state and even from city to city. Some places have fully embraced e-scooters and have set up regulations to govern their use, while others have banned them altogether. Currently, e-scooters are fully legal in the following states:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
Again, there may be some local regulations in place in these states, so it’s important to check before riding.
Recent Releases and Innovations
As the popularity of e-scooters has grown, so has the range of models and features available. In recent years, we’ve seen releases such as:
- The Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter, which is known for its sleek design and lightweight frame.
- The Segway Ninebot Max, which has a range of up to 40 miles on a single charge.
- The Razor E300 Electric Scooter, which is designed for kids and has a top speed of 15 mph.
- The Nanrobot D5+ Electric Scooter, which has an impressive top speed of 40 mph and a range of up to 50 miles.
In addition to these stand-out models, we’ve also seen innovations such as swappable batteries and greater connectivity with smartphone apps.
Legislation to Watch For
As the popularity of e-scooters continues to grow, we can expect to see more legislation put in place to regulate their use. Some of the key areas where new rules may be introduced include:
- Helmet laws. Currently, helmet laws vary depending on where you are, but we may see more states and countries requiring helmets for e-scooter riders.
- Speed limits. Again, speed limits vary, but some areas may introduce stricter limits in order to keep riders and pedestrians safer.
- Age restrictions. While e-scooters are generally seen as a fun and convenient way to get around for people of all ages, we may see more regulations around who can ride them.
- Insurance requirements. As e-scooters become more widespread, there may be a greater need for insurance for riders.
Conclusion
Electric scooters are a great way to get around town, but it’s important to be aware of the latest rules, releases and legislation around them. While they’re legal in many countries and states, there may be restrictions in place, and it’s always a good idea to check before riding. With new models and innovations constantly being released, we can expect to see e-scooters continue to grow in popularity in the years to come.