Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
As of 2026, Kentucky regulates electric scooters under KRS 189.289. The state classifies these vehicles as "electric low-speed scooters" and distinguishes them from motor vehicles and mopeds.
1. State-Level Classification and Definition
Under Kentucky law, a device is classified as an "electric low-speed scooter" if it meets the following criteria:
Weight: Must weigh less than 100 pounds.
Speed: Must have a maximum speed capability of 20 mph on a paved level surface.
Design: Equipped with handlebars and a treadboard that can be stood upon while riding.
Power: Powered by an electric motor.
2026 Status and Licensing
License Requirements: No driver’s license or instructional permit is required to operate an electric scooter.
Registration and Title: Scooters are exempt from state registration and titling requirements.
Insurance: No state-mandated liability insurance is required for personal e-scooter owners.
Minimum Age: The state-wide minimum age for operation on public highways and paths is 16 years old.
Operational Rules - Road and Path Access
Kentucky law grants e-scooter riders the same rights and responsibilities as bicyclists (KRS 189.289(2)).
Permitted Roads: You may operate on any roadway, bicycle lane, or bicycle path.
Speed Limits: While you can ride on the road, you are generally restricted to streets with lower speed limits (typically 35 mph or less) unless a dedicated bike lane is available.
Direction of Travel: Riders must travel in the same direction as traffic and stay as far to the right as safely possible.
Sidewalks: State law allows e-scooters to be parked on sidewalks (if they do not obstruct pedestrians), but riding on sidewalks is determined by local ordinance.
Most major Kentucky cities prohibit sidewalk riding in business districts.
Technical Equipment Specifications
To remain compliant with KRS 189.289 for use during "low-light conditions" (30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise), a scooter must have:
Front Lighting: At least one headlamp emitting a white light visible from 500 feet.
Rear Lighting: At least one red light visible from 500 feet.
Braking System: Must be equipped with a brake that allows the operator to perform a controlled stop.
Audible Signal: While not a state mandate, local ordinances in cities like Louisville often require a bell or horn for passing pedestrians.
Municipal Regulations (Select Cities)
Local governments have the authority to impose stricter rules than the state baseline.
| City | Sidewalk Riding | Helmet Rule | Key 2026 Restriction |
| Louisville | Prohibited in central business districts. | Not required (18+). | Must yield to pedestrians on shared paths; 15 mph limit on paths. |
| Lexington | Prohibited city-wide. | Not required. | "No-ride zones" active in high-density pedestrian plazas. |
| Fort Mitchell | Limited to bike lanes/roads. | Required for under 16. | Strict 2024/2025 updates on "reckless operation" penalties. |
| Bowling Green | Permitted (except downtown). | Not required. | Must dismount in designated "Pedestrian-Only" zones. |
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 Kentucky, 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
