Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
Kansas continues to govern e-scooters under K.S.A. § 8-15,113, classifying them as "electric-assisted scooters." In simple terms this means these vehicles are granted the same rights and responsibilities as bicycles.
State-Level Classification and Definition
Under K.S.A. 8-1498, a vehicle is classified as an "electric-assisted scooter" if it meets the following criteria:
Design: A self-propelled vehicle with at least two wheels in contact with the ground.
Components: Equipped with an electric motor, handlebars, a brake, and a deck designed for standing (no seat).
Power: Kansas law does not explicitly cap wattage for scooters (unlike the 1,000W cap for e-bikes).
2026 Legislative and Tax Updates
Beginning January 1, 2026, Senate Bill 10 (and related House Bill 2231) has officially exempted "electric-assisted scooters" used for personal, non-commercial purposes from personal property (ad valorem) taxes.
Impact: Owners no longer need to report these vehicles to the County Appraiser’s office or pay annual property taxes on them.
Requirement: The device must meet the state definition of an e-assisted scooter or e-bike to qualify for this exemption.
Operational Rules (Road and Path Access)
State law provides a baseline, but local municipalities have "home rule" authority to further restrict usage.
Highway Ban: It is illegal to operate an e-scooter on any interstate, federal, or state highway (K.S.A. 8-15,113). Crossing these highways is permitted unless a city ordinance specifically forbids it.
Right-of-Way: Riders must stay as far to the right of the roadway as practicable, except when turning left or avoiding hazards.
Registration & Licensing: At the state level, no driver’s license, title, registration, or insurance is required for stand-up scooters.
4. Equipment Specifications
To remain street-legal, an e-scooter must be equipped with:
Brakes: A system capable of bringing the vehicle to a controlled stop.
Night Lighting: A front lamp emitting a white light visible from at least 500 feet and a red rear reflector or lamp visible from 600 feet (required from sunset to sunrise).
Audible Signal: While not a state mandate, many cities require a bell or horn to alert pedestrians.
Municipal Regulations (Select Cities)
Because local ordinances often override state baseline "parity," the following city-specific rules apply in 2026:
| City | Max Speed | Sidewalk Riding | Min. Age | Key Requirement |
| Topeka | 15 mph | Permitted (except biz districts) | 16 | Helmets required for under-18s. |
| Wichita | No limit | Prohibited | 18 (Rentals) | Private owners are exempt from rental curfew (9 PM). |
| Lenexa | 15 mph | Permitted | N/A | Prohibited in public parks; only allowed on roads <25 mph. |
| Olathe | 17 mph | Permitted | N/A | Prohibited on roads with speed limits >35 mph. |
| Manhattan | 15 mph | Prohibited (Business Dist.) | 16 | Yield to pedestrians on permitted sidewalks. |
Disclaimer: Bo USA Inc. endeavours to keep these documents up to date and relevant, however does not in any manner guarantee the accuracy of the included findings regarding electric scooter laws in the United States. Always carry out secondary research to validate any statement - and refer directly to the relevant authority before presuming accuracy.
Electric scooter riders or those considering to purchase or begin riding electric scooters should refer to their local governments to obtain the most up-to-date information on the applicable, local legal standing of scooters.
The Bo Model-M: Since the electric scooter is legal in Kansas, it is worth investing in a vehicle that is going to have a real integrity and quality to its manufacture. This means it will bring you pleasure every time you use it.
To that end, it is interesting to know that Bo is the only electric scooter designed and engineered by a team of real car guys. Where the rest of the scooter industry took plasticky toys and ruggedised them, we started with a blank sheet of paper to develop the best vehicle in the world for local journeys.
Of course, you can only really feel the benefit of that when you ride it for yourself; that is why we give an extraordinary 60 day return policy and have a customer response team full of the engineers who made it. When you contact Bo, you're going straight to the source.
Visit the Model M page - click here
Learn more about how we made the 'M' - click here
Go watch a Youtube about the Model-M - click here
Return to the State-by-State regulation page - click here
