Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
As of 2026, Michigan regulates electric scooters under the Michigan Vehicle Code, specifically classifying them within the definition of an electric skateboard (MCL 257.13f).
This classification means that stand-up scooters are governed by a set of uniform statewide standards, while allowing local municipalities to establish specific restrictions in downtown or high-traffic zones.
State-level classification and definition
Under MCL 257.13f, a vehicle must meet the following technical criteria to be legally classified as an electric skateboard / scooter:
Dimensions: It must have a treadboard no more than 60 inches long and 18 inches wide.
Capacity: It must be designed to transport only one person at a time.
Power: The motor capacity must not exceed 2,500 watts.
Speed: The vehicle must have a maximum speed capability of 25 mph on a paved level surface.
Licensing and age requirements
License: No driver's license, instructional permit, or specialized endorsement is required for operation.
Minimum Age: Individuals under 12 years of age are prohibited from operating an electric scooter on a public highway or street (MCL 257.658(9)).
Registration: Electric scooters are exempt from titling and registration requirements as they are not classified as "motor vehicles" in this context.
3. Helmet laws
Michigan enforces a specific age-based helmet mandate for this vehicle class.
Requirement: Any person operating an electric scooter who is under 19 years of age must wear a crash helmet on their head (MCL 257.658(4).
Standard: The helmet must meet federal safety standards (typically CPSC or equivalent).
Adults: Riders 19 and older are not legally required to wear a helmet, though it remains a recommended safety practice.
Operational rules and permitted areas
Riders generally have the same rights and duties as vehicle drivers but must follow specific lane positioning rules (MCL 257.660).
Roadways: Scooters are permitted on roads with a speed limit of less than 45 mph. Riders must stay as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable.
Sidewalks: Operation is permitted on sidewalks. However, riders must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian (MCL 257.660(5)).
Bike Lanes: Use of designated bike lanes and paths is permitted. Local ordinances may require the use of a path if one is provided adjacent to the road.
Traffic Flow: Riders must not pass between lines of traffic (lane splitting) and may not ride more than two abreast.
Technical equipment specifications
For legal use on public ways, especially during low-light hours, the following equipment is mandatory:
Brakes: A braking system capable of bringing the scooter to a controlled stop.
Front Lighting: A white lamp visible from a distance of 500 feet to the front (MCL 257.662).
Rear Visibility: A red reflector visible from all distances from 100 to 600 feet to the rear. A red rear lamp may be used in addition to the reflector.
Municipal variations:
Local authorities have the power to restrict or prohibit e-scooters in certain zones, provided they post conspicuous signs.
| City | Sidewalk Access | Key 2026 Restriction |
| Detroit | Permitted (except designated zones). | Strict 2026 permit cycle for shared fleets; private riders must follow "High Frequency Area" rules. |
| Grand Rapids | Prohibited in Downtown Improvement District. | Prohibited on sidewalks within the central business district. |
| Ann Arbor | Permitted (yield to pedestrians). | Must use bike lanes where available; sidewalk riding discouraged in the DDA. |
| East Lansing | Restricted in central zones. | Subject to MSU campus-specific "dismount" and "parking" zones. |
Legal summary for scooters
For a vehicle like the Bo Model M (which falls well under the 2.5 kW limit):
State Compliance: If motor power is within the legal 2,500W limit, and as long as the speed is governed to 25 mph, it remains in the "electric skateboard" sanctuary.
DUI Laws: Michigan law applies impaired driving standards to e-scooter operation. Riding with a BAC of 0.08% or higher can result in a civil infraction or criminal charge, potentially impacting your standard driver's license.
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 Michigan, 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
