Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
As of 2026, North Dakota continues to regulate electric scooters primarily through local municipal ordinances rather than a unified statewide statute. While the state legislature has modernized rules for electric bicycles, stand-up electric scooters remain under the jurisdiction of individual cities like Bismarck, Fargo, and Grand Forks, which classify them as motorized foot scooters.
State-level classification and definition
Under the North Dakota Century Code and common municipal frameworks, a motorized scooter is defined by its mechanical build and performance.
Design: A device with a treadboard mounted between two wheels and an upright steering bar.
Power: Equipped with an electric motor.
Classification: Devices that exceed local power or speed thresholds are often reclassified as mopeds or off-road vehicles, requiring registration and licensing. Always
Local Control and 2026 Ordinances
As of January 2026, major cities have permanently codified their micromobility rules following the conclusion of various pilot programs.
Bismarck: Scooters are permitted on roadways with speed limits of 30 mph or less and on sidewalks outside of the Central Business District.
Grand Forks: Under Ordinance 4837, scooters are permitted on roads with limits of 30 mph or less, as well as on most sidewalks and bike paths.
Fargo: Riding is permitted on sidewalks except in the Central Business District; however, motorized operation on public streets is generally prohibited unless crossing at a crosswalk or in a designated bike lane.
Licensing and age requirements
License: No driver’s license or insurance is required by the state to operate an electric scooter.
Safety Certification: In cities like Fargo, operators who do not have a valid driver’s license may be required to carry a certificate confirming the completion of a written safety exam.
Minimum Age: The minimum age for operation varies by city, typically ranging from 10 to 12 years old. Shared rental programs strictly require riders to be at least 18 years of age.
Performance and equipment limits
To be street-legal in most North Dakota jurisdictions, a scooter must meet specific safety standards.
Speed: Operation is generally restricted to a maximum of 15 mph on public ways and paths.
Brakes: A functional braking system capable of bringing the device to a controlled stop is mandatory.
Night Lighting: A white front headlamp and a red rear light or reflector are required for operation between sunset and sunrise.
Passengers: Carrying more than one person on a scooter is strictly prohibited.
Operational rules and permitted areas
Operators possess the same rights and responsibilities as bicyclists when traveling on public ways.
Roadways: Permitted on local streets where the speed limit is 30 mph or less. Riders must stay as far to the right as practicable.
Sidewalks: Allowed in most residential areas, provided the operator yields to all pedestrians.
University Policy: As of 2026, the University of North Dakota (UND) prohibits the use and storage of personally owned e-scooters inside campus buildings and residences due to fire safety regulations.
Helmet laws
Mandatory: In Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Fargo, every person operating an electric scooter who is under 18 years of age must wear a safety helmet.
Adults: Riders 18 and older are not legally required to wear a helmet under state law, though local law enforcement strongly encourages their use for all riders.
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 North Dakota, 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
