Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
As of 2026, South Carolina still lacks a singular statewide statute dedicated exclusively to electric kick scooters.
Instead, the legal landscape is a hybrid of state-level Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device (EPAMD) definitions and a strict patchwork of municipal ordinances.
While private owners often enjoy more freedom than rental fleets, recent 2025 and 2026 local laws in locations like Myrtle Beach and Charleston have introduced new restrictions and safety mandates.
State-level classification and definition
Under the South Carolina Code of Laws (§ 56-5-3310), most standard electric scooters are classified as EPAMDs.
Design: A self-balancing device designed to transport one person with an electric propulsion system.
Power: Average power of 750 Watts (1 horsepower) or less.
Speed: State law caps the speed of these devices at 15 mph on paved level surfaces for this classification.
Moped Distinction: Devices capable of speeds exceeding 25 mph are regulated as mopeds under Section 56-1-10, requiring a valid Class D, G, or M driver's license and registration.
2026 Legislative Updates and Safety Laws
Note: As of February 28, 2026, law enforcement will begin issuing citations for the South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act.
Current Status (January 2026): Registration and insurance are not currently required for private e-scooters under 25 mph.
Hands-Free Law: Operators on public roads are strictly prohibited from holding or supporting a mobile electronic device with any part of their body.
Charleston Update: The City of Charleston is currently drafting a comprehensive 2026 micromobility ordinance expected to be finalized in February 2026 to further regulate e-bike and scooter speeds in historic districts.
Licensing and age requirements
License: No driver’s license is required for standard electric scooters (EPAMDs) under state law.
Minimum Age: While there is no statewide minimum age for private use, shared mobility programs and cities like Charleston generally restrict use to those 16 or 18 years of age and older.
Identification: Riders on public roadways should carry a form of ID to confirm age if the device is subject to moped-level speed regulations.
Performance and equipment limits
To be street-legal in South Carolina, a scooter must be equipped with the following:
Brakes: A stopping mechanism which enables the operator to bring the device to a controlled stop.
Audible Signal: A bell or other device capable of giving a signal audible for a distance of at least 100 feet is mandatory.
Night Lighting: For nighttime use, a white front lamp (visible from 500 feet) and a red rear light or reflector are required.
Speed: Most city ordinances cap operational speeds between 15 mph and 20 mph.
Operational rules and permitted areas
Riding locations are heavily dictated by city-specific "Business District" bans and local road speeds.
Roadways: Permitted on public streets with speed limits of 25 mph or less in Charleston, and 30 mph or less in other jurisdictions. Riders must stay as far to the right as practicable.
Sidewalks: Generally prohibited in commercial zones. In Charleston, sidewalk riding is illegal for any scooter that can exceed 15 mph.
Yielding: Operators must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians and must give an audible signal before passing.
Municipal variations
Local ordinances in 2026 have clarified No-Go Zones:
| City | Sidewalk Access | Key 2026 Restriction |
| Charleston | Prohibited | Banned in commercial zones; speed cap of 15 mph elsewhere. |
| Myrtle Beach | Restricted | Restricted to bike lanes; prohibited on busy state highways as of 2025. |
| Greenville | Prohibited | Strictly banned within the Central Business District. |
| Columbia | Prohibited | Prohibited on roads with speed limits ≥ 25 mph; helmets required. |
| Hilton Head | Prohibited | Banned from all public leisure pathways; only e-bikes permitted. |
Helmet laws
Mandatory: The city of Columbia requires protective helmets for all riders. Statewide, helmets are mandatory for any operator under 21 years of age if the scooter is fast enough to be classified as a moped (over 25 mph).
Adults: Outside of specific local mandates, helmets are not required for adults.
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 South Carolina, 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
