Table of Contents · Federal Consumer Law. Mopeds are legal on all public roads, except highways. Only motor vehicles with at least 5 BHP can be driven on an interstate or highway; mopeds are legally limited to 2 BHP. Sidewalks are also prohibited for mopeds with engines running.
Electric scooters have taken the United States by storm, especially public share rentals managed by rental companies such as Bird, Lime and Spin. The scooter must be equipped with a white front light that is visible from 500 feet and a rear reflector visible from 600 feet away. Four of the states (California, Colorado, Massachusetts and New York) do not allow scooters to be used on highways, highways, or limited-access roads because most scooters cannot reach speeds that are safe enough to keep up with traffic. There are no laws in North Dakota that specifically regulate electric scooters, but they are governed by current legislation on “motorized scooters” (that is, the maximum speed limit of 15 miles per hour for operating a motorized scooter specified in Section 22411 applies to the operation of a motorized scooter on all roads, including bike lanes, regardless of the highest speed limit applicable to the road).
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Indiana, Maine and Virginia have added the stipulation that, while scooters are legal on the street, they must remain on the right side of the road while driving. In states where helmets are required for all ages, this is generally an extension of laws on mopeds to electric scooters. Some individual cities have passed their own regulations, such as Portsmouth and Nashua, but these specifically refer to the use and operation of shared fleet scooters, such as Bird or Spin. Electric scooters are exempt from safety inspection, licensing, registration and insurance requirements.
It might surprise you to learn about the interesting niche communities that exist for very fast scooters (Electric Scooter Guide can give you more information), but most people will feel safe getting there quickly and having fun at 15 or 20 miles per hour. However, the city seems to have no laws that regulate privately owned electric scooters, so passengers can contact local law enforcement before going out on the street and risk receiving a fine or fine. Electric scooters were legalized in Michigan under Section 257.660 and were classified in the same category as electric skateboards. You don't need to have insurance for a moped or motorcycle in Florida, but if you are found to be at fault in an accident, you will be financially responsible for any injuries or property damage.
Users of electric scooters or those who are thinking of buying or starting to use electric scooters should contact their local governments for the most up-to-date information on the local legal situation applicable to scooters. The city of Denver has partnered with Lime and Lyft to create designated parking areas where passengers can park bicycles or scooters, including marked sidewalk boxes, marked parking pens, racks and stations. You might be surprised to learn that interesting niche communities are developing for high-speed scooters, but most people are happy to travel at 15 miles per hour or 20 miles per hour.
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