Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
As of 2026, New Mexico continues to regulate electric scooters primarily through local ordinances and the state’s Motor Vehicle Code updates (specifically SB 69). The state has not yet passed a single, unified "Scooter Act," meaning that while they are legal statewide, the specific rules for operation are largely determined by municipal authorities like those in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
State-level classification and definition
Under the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Code and current MVD practice, electric scooters are typically treated as motorized bicycles or powered micromobility devices.
Design: A device with two or three wheels, handlebars, and a treadplate designed to be stood upon while riding.
Power: Equipped with an electric motor.
Speed: Capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion.
If a device is capable of exceeding 30 mph, it may be reclassified as a moped, requiring a driver's license.
Reclassification: Any device designed to exceed the speed capabilities of a standard e-bicycle (typically 28 mph) falls into the Electric Mobility Device category and is subject to stricter roadway rules.
2026 Legislative Updates
While statewide bills to create a dedicated Electric Foot Scooter category (like HB 282) have historically stalled, local authorities have filled the regulatory gap.
Current Status (January 2026): Registration and insurance are not currently required for private e-scooters at the state level.
The Albuquerque Standard: City Ordinance O-24-14 serves as the primary template for New Mexico.
It defines e-scooters by curb weight and motor type to ensure they are distinguished from heavy motor vehicles.
Shared Path Access: New rules in 2026 explicitly allow powered micromobility devices on most paved trails, provided they adhere to strict local speed governors.
Licensing and age requirements
License: No driver’s license or specialized permit is currently required to operate an electric scooter in New Mexico.
Minimum Age: State law does not set a hard minimum age for private use, but shared rental programs and cities like Albuquerque typically enforce an 18+ limit for rentals and a 13+ recommendation for private street use.
Performance and equipment limits
To be street-legal and trail-compliant in New Mexico, a scooter must be equipped with the following:
Brakes: A system capable of bringing the device to a controlled stop (specifically required to stop from 10 mph within a reasonable distance).
Audible Signal: A bell or horn is required in many municipalities (including Santa Fe and Albuquerque) to alert pedestrians on shared paths.
Night Lighting: A white front lamp visible from 500 feet and a red rear light or reflector visible from 300 feet are mandatory for use between sunset and sunrise.
Weight: Devices should ideally weigh less than 100 lbs to qualify for use on paved multi-use trails.
Operational rules and permitted areas
Operators must generally follow all traffic laws applicable to bicycles.
Roadways: Permitted on all public streets and bicycle paths. Riders are encouraged to use bike lanes wherever available.
Sidewalks: Riding is generally prohibited in business districts (such as Downtown Albuquerque). If riding on a sidewalk in residential areas, operators must yield to all pedestrians.
Trail Speed Limits: In 2026, a strict maximum speed limit of 20 mph is enforced on all city-managed paved and unpaved trails.
Position: Riders must stay as far to the right of the roadway as practicable and move with the flow of traffic.
Helmet laws
Mandatory: Under the New Mexico Child Helmet Safety Act, every person operating or riding an electric scooter who is under 18 years of age must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet.
Adults: Riders 18 and older are not legally required to wear a helmet under state law, though local ordinances in certain recreation areas may strongly encourage or mandate them.
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 New Mexico, 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
