Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
As of 2026, Rhode Island has transitioned from a city-led regulatory model to a more structured statewide framework following the 2024 modernization of the Rhode Island General Laws (RIGL).
While municipalities still maintain significant control over shared programs and specific sidewalk access, the state now provides clear definitions and safety mandates for "electric motorized bicycles" and scooters that apply across all jurisdictions.
State-level classification and definition
Under RIGL § 31-1-3, electric scooters are generally categorized as electric motorized bicycles or motorized scooters depending on their mechanical configuration.
Design: A device with a treadplate or seat, handlebars for steering, and an electric motor.
Power: Equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance or primary propulsion.
Status: These devices are not classified as motor vehicles, meaning they do not require titling or standard DMV registration. However they must adhere to federal safety standards and local power caps.
2026 Legislative Updates and Helmet Laws
The Rhode Island General Assembly significantly expanded safety requirements in the 2024-2025 sessions:
Helmet Mandate: Under RIGL § 31-19.7-3, all operators and passengers of electric scooters who are under 21 years of age are legally required to wear a certified helmet. This is an increase from the previous "under 16" rule.
Minimum Age: State law now prohibits anyone under the age of 16 years from operating an electric motorized bicycle or scooter on public ways.
Newport Authority: Legislation (2024-H 7321) granted the City of Newport specific powers to enact ordinances regarding licensing, registration, and insurance for e-scooters, provided they do not conflict with general state laws.
Licensing and age requirements
License: No driver’s license or insurance is required by the state for private scooter operation, but municipal programs may differ.
Providence, for example, requires shared-scooter users to have a valid license.
Minimum Age: The statewide minimum for operation is 16 years old. However, shared mobility programs in Providence and Pawtucket require riders to be at least 18 years old.
Performance and equipment limits
To be compliant on Rhode Island roads in 2026, a scooter must be equipped with the following:
Brakes: A functional braking system that allows the operator to perform a controlled stop.
Speed: Operational speeds are generally limited to 20 mph on bike paths and shared-use trails unless a lower limit is posted.
Night Lighting: For use between sunset and sunrise, a white front lamp (visible from 500 feet) and a red rear light or reflector (visible from 600 feet) are required under RIGL § 31-19-10.
Identification: New legislation requires manufacturers to label devices with their top speed and motor wattage.
Operational rules and permitted areas
Operators generally possess the same rights and are subject to the same duties as traditional bicyclists.
Roadways: Permitted on public streets and highways. Riders must stay as far to the right as practicable and obey all traffic signals.
Sidewalks: Legality depends entirely on the city. Providence permits sidewalk riding provided the rider yields to pedestrians.
Pawtucket and East Providence have passed ordinances specifically banning motorized scooters from sidewalks and recreational facilities.
Bike Paths: Permitted on state-owned bike paths, such as the East Bay Bike Path, but riders must adhere to the 20 mph path speed limit.
Municipal variations (Select Cities)
Local ordinances in 2026 have clarified parking and operational zones for urban riders.
| City | Sidewalk Access | Key 2026 Restriction |
| Providence | Permitted | Valid license required; must park with 4-foot pedestrian clearance. |
| Newport | Restricted | Police strictly enforce the 16+ age limit for all motorized devices. |
| Pawtucket | Prohibited | Shared program extended through 2026; restricted to bike lanes and roads. |
| East Providence | Prohibited | Motorized devices are banned from all city parks and sidewalks as of Nov 2025. |
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 Rhode Island, 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
