Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
As of 2026, Maine regulates electric scooters under Title 29-A, §2063, specifically classifying them as Motorized Scooters.
The legislation treat these devices as a distinct sub-category of bicycles, imposing specific mechanical and licensing standards to ensure they are road-legal.
State-level classification and definition
Under Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A, §101 (47-A), a vehicle is defined as a Motorized Scooter if it meets the following technical specifications:
Wheels: It has two or three wheels, each of which must be less than 10 inches in diameter. Note - unlike cars, that means the 'outer' tyre diameter, not the rim diameter.
Power: It is powered by an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750 watts.
Operation: It is designed to be operated while standing or sitting on the device.
Licensing and age requirements
Maine is one of the few states that strictly mandates a license for scooter operation on public ways.
License: A person may only operate a motorized scooter if they possess a valid license of any class, a learner's permit, or a license specifically endorsed for a motorcycle or moped (Title 29-A, §1254).
Minimum Age: Because a learner's permit is required, the effective minimum age for operation on public roads is 16 years old.
Shared Fleets: Rental companies often enforce a higher age limit (18+), but the state legal threshold remains tied to the possession of a license or permit.
Performance and equipment limits
To remain compliant as a motorized scooter and avoid reclassification as a moped, the device must adhere to these limits:
Speed: The vehicle may not be operated in excess of 20 mph.
Brakes: It must be equipped with efficient brakes capable of stopping the device within a reasonable distance.
Night Lighting: When used at night, it must have a white front lamp visible from 200 feet and a red or amber rear light or reflector visible from 200 feet.
Tandem Riding: Scooters may not be used to carry more persons than the number for which they are designed and equipped (usually one).
Operational rules and permitted areas
Riders have the same rights and duties as vehicle operators but must follow bicycle-style lane positioning.
Roadways: Scooters are permitted on public roads but must ride as far to the right as practicable, except when making a left turn or avoiding hazards.
Road Shoulders: Riders are explicitly permitted to travel on paved shoulders under Title 29-A, §2063 (2-A).
Prohibited Areas: Operation is strictly banned on interstate highways and any path where bicycles are prohibited.
Sidewalks: State law generally restricts motorized vehicles from sidewalks unless a local municipality has passed an ordinance specifically allowing them.
Helmet laws
The state enforces a specific age threshold for protective gear.
Mandatory: Helmets are required for any person under 16 years of age who is a rider or passenger on a motorized scooter.
Adults: While not mandated for those 16 and over, helmets are strongly recommended by state safety officials.
Registration and insurance
Registration: Motorized scooters are exempt from title and registration requirements in Maine.
Insurance: There is no state requirement to carry liability insurance for a motorized scooter, though it is legally required for mopeds and motorcycles.
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 Maine, 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
