Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
As of 2026, New York regulates electric scooters under the state's Vehicle and Traffic Law (Article 34-D).
While legalized statewide in 2020, recent 2025 and 2026 updates - particularly in New York City - have introduced stricter speed limits and fire safety mandates for batteries to address urban safety concerns.
State-level classification and definition
Under NY State Law, an electric scooter is defined as a device with handlebars, a floorboard or seat, and an electric motor.
Design: A device weighing less than 100 lbs with two or three wheels.
Power: Equipped with an electric motor.
Speed: Capable of reaching a maximum speed of 20 mph on a flat surface.
Manufacturer Label: All scooters must have a permanently affixed manufacturer’s label indicating the motor wattage, maximum speed, and occupancy.
Occupancy: Scooters are designed for a single rider; carrying passengers is strictly prohibited.
2026 Legislative Updates and Safety Tags
Note: As of January 5, 2026, new state regulations regarding fire safety and battery management are in effect.
Current Status (January 2026): Registration and insurance are not currently required for private e-scooters, though Priscilla's Law (proposing mandatory registration) remains an active debate in the 2025-2026 legislative session.
New Red Safety Tag: As of January 5, 2026, all micromobility charging cords must have a bright red safety tag near the plug providing fire prevention guidance in English and Spanish.
NYC Speed Cap: Beginning in late 2025, New York City implemented a strict 15 mph speed limit for all e-scooters and e-bikes to align with urban safety standards.
Licensing and age requirements
License: No driver’s license or specialized permit is required by the state to operate an electric scooter.
Minimum Age: The minimum age for operating an electric scooter on public ways is 16 years old.
Performance and equipment limits
To be street-legal in New York, a scooter must be equipped with the following:
Brakes: A system capable of bringing the device to a controlled stop.
Audible Signal: A bell or other device (excluding sirens/whistles) capable of being heard from 100 feet away is mandatory.
Night Lighting: Between sunset and sunrise, a white front lamp (visible from 500 feet) and a red rear light (visible from 300 feet) are required.
Side Visibility: At least one light or reflector must be visible from a distance of 200 feet from each side.
Operational rules and permitted areas
Operators generally follow the same rules as bicyclists under NY law.
Roadways: Permitted on roads with a posted speed limit of 30 mph or less. Riders must stay as far to the right as practicable.
Sidewalks: Riding on sidewalks is prohibited statewide unless a local ordinance specifically authorizes it.
Position: Riders must travel in a single file and are not permitted to ride two abreast as traditional cyclists sometimes do.
Helmet laws
Mandatory: Helmets are required for all riders under 18 years of age (specifically 16 and 17-year-olds) and for all delivery workers regardless of age.
Adults: For private riders 18 and older, helmets are not mandated by state law but are strongly recommended.
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 York, 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
