For a full list of e-scooter regulations in each state, click here
Electric Scooter Laws in Maryland: 2026 Update
Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
As of 2026, Maryland regulates electric scooters under Maryland Transportation Code § 11-117.2, which defines them as Electric Low Speed Scooters.
The state primarily treats these devices as bicycles for the purposes of traffic law, meaning riders possess the same rights and duties as a person on a bicycle.
State-level classification and definition
Under Maryland Code, Transportation § 11-117.2, a vehicle must meet the following technical criteria to be classified as an electric low speed scooter:
Design: It must be designed to transport only the operator, equipped with handlebars and a platform (deck) designed to be stood on while riding.
Weight: It must weigh less than 100 pounds.
Power: It must be solely powered by an electric motor and human power.
Speed: It must have a maximum speed capability of 20 mph on a paved level surface.
Licensing and age requirements
License: No driver's license or instructional permit is required to operate an electric scooter in Maryland.
Minimum Age: State law does not set a mandatory minimum age for private scooter use, though some municipalities and shared rental programs enforce a limit of 16 or 18 years old.
Registration: Electric scooters are exempt from titling and registration requirements.
Performance and equipment limits
To remain compliant with Maryland Vehicle Law, the device must meet these specific equipment standards:
Speed: Operation is restricted to a maximum of 20 mph. If a device exceeds this speed, it may be reclassified as a moped or motor scooter, requiring a license and registration.
Brakes: It must be equipped with a braking system that enables the operator to perform a controlled stop.
Audible Signal: State law requires scooters to be equipped with a bell or other device capable of giving a signal audible for a distance of at least 100 feet. Sirens and whistles are strictly prohibited.
Night Lighting: For use between sunset and sunrise, scooters must have a white front lamp visible from 500 feet and a red rear reflector or lamp visible from 600 feet.
Operational rules and permitted areas
Riders must follow the same rules of the road as bicyclists (MD Transp Code § 21-1202).
Roadways: Scooters are permitted on roads where the speed limit is 50 mph or less. They should be ridden as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable.
Bike Lanes and Road Shoulders: Use of designated bike lanes and paved shoulders is permitted and encouraged.
Sidewalks: State law generally prohibits riding on sidewalks unless a local ordinance specifically allows it. Local authorities (counties and cities) have the power to regulate sidewalk use.
Expressways: Operation on expressways or any road where bicycles are prohibited is strictly banned.
Helmet laws
Maryland enforces helmet requirements based on the age of the operator.
Mandatory: Any individual under 16 years of age must wear a helmet that meets or exceeds the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation.
Adults: While not legally required for those 16 and older, helmets are strongly recommended by state transportation officials.
Municipal variations:
Local jurisdictions often set stricter limits on speed and sidewalk access.
| City | Max Speed | Sidewalk Access | Key 2026 Restriction |
| Baltimore | 15 mph | Prohibited (Business Dist.) | Strict 30 mph road limit for scooter operation. |
| Annapolis | 15 mph | Prohibited city-wide. | Must yield to pedestrians in all shared spaces. |
| Howard County | 15 mph | Permitted (unless posted). | Prohibited on roads >50 mph. |
| Montgomery Co. | 20 mph | Permitted (except biz districts). | Must dismount in designated pedestrian plazas. |
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 Maryland, 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
