Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
In July 2019, Alabama enacted Act 2019-482, which officially recognized electric scooters and shared micromobility devices at the state level. That means you can now ride the Bo Model M legally in Alabama.
Under state law, an electric scooter is defined as a device weighing less than 100 lbs, equipped with handlebars and an electric motor, and capable of a maximum speed of 20mph.
While this provides a baseline - e-scooters are legal - it is worth noting the state grants broad authority for local municipalities to regulate or prohibit their use, therefore checking local regulations is worthwhile.
Privately-Owned vs. Shared Scooters
Most Alabama cities now categorize private electric scooters under the same traffic rules as bicycles.
This means that while you do not need a specialized license or insurance, you are required to follow all standard rules of the road, including signaling turns and yielding to pedestrians.
Pro Tip: In any Alabama city, if there is no specific "scooter" sign, default to bicycle laws. If bicycles are banned from a specific sidewalk your Bo Model M is likely banned there as well.
City-Specific Ordinances on Rental Scooters:
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Birmingham: The city has maintained long-term scooter rental partnerships with Veo and Lime. Riding on sidewalks is strictly prohibited; scooters must use bike lanes or the roadway.
Due to Alabama’s age of majority, riders must generally be 19 or older to rent, though 18-year-olds may participate with verified parental consent through the apps. -
Montgomery: Shared programs are in operation on city streets and bicycle paths. Sidewalk riding is prohibited in the downtown business district.
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Tuscaloosa: Tuscaloosa has a permanent on street rental program with Veo. Scooters are permitted on city streets and are a common sight near the University of Alabama campus, though specific "no-ride zones" are enforced via geofencing in high-pedestrian areas.
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Auburn: The city remains the most restrictive regarding shared programs, but privately-owned scooters (like the Bo Model-M) are permitted. However, Auburn University requires private scooters to be registered with the Campus Safety and Security office and restricts where they can be parked to prevent campus clutter.
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 Alabama, it is worth investing in a vehicle that is going to bring you real pleasure every time you use it.
To that end, Bo is the only electric scooter designed and engineered by a team of real car guys. Where the rest of the scooter industry took children's toys and attempted to ruggedise them, we started with a blank sheet of paper to develop the best vehicle in the world for your local journeys.
Of course, while Bo clearly has a unique design you can only really feel that quality when you ride it for yourself. That is why the Bo Model-M comes with 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
