2026 USA Electric Scooter Legal Guide: An Overview of Scooter Regulations in America
Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
As of early 2026, the legal landscape for electric scooters (micromobility) has shifted from a gray area to a highly regulated transportation class.
Almost every state now recognizes the "Electric Scooter" as a legal vehicle, provided it meets specific speed and weight criteria.
Core Legal Status:
Are electric scooters legal? Yes: in 2026, there are no longer any state-wide bans on electric scooters in the U.S.
Delaware: Reversed its ban in late 2025 (HB 114); private low-speed scooters are now legal.
Pennsylvania: Finally passed SB 1207 in late 2024, removing its status as the last "ban state."
Local Overrides: It is worth noting that even if a state allows scooters, individual cities (like Savannah, GA or parts of Waikiki, HI) maintain the power to ban or severely restrict them in specific districts.
Licensing, Registration, and Insurance
For most Americans, the electric scooter is the only motorized vehicle that offers Sovereign Movement without a trip to the DMV. Let's be honest, if that isn't a sufficient motivation to buy a great vehicle like the Bo Model-M then nothing's going to get you.
Registration: 49 states require no registration. Hawaii is the sole exception, requiring a one-time $30 fee for a permanent tag.
Driver’s Licenses: In 2026, the following states generally require a valid driver's license or permit:
- California (CVC 21235)
- Georgia (OCGA 40-5-24)
- Arkansas
- Missouri
Insurance: No state currently mandates separate liability insurance for personal e-scooter owners. There are often minor 'add-ons' for home insurance policies that can give some additional peace of mind for both vehicle theft and third party liability.
Age and Safety Regulations
Legislation now consistently prioritizes protecting younger riders while granting adults more freedom.
Minimum Riding Age
| Age | Key States |
| 14+ | Delaware, Michigan, Virginia |
| 15+ | Hawaii, Georgia, Alabama |
| 16+ | California, Florida, Arizona, New York |
| 18+ | Illinois, New Jersey |
Helmet Laws
The 2026 helmet standard is Mandatory for Minors.
Under 18: Mandatory in nearly all regulated states (California, NY, FL, CT, DE).
Adults: There are no states which mandate helmets for adult riders.
Under 21: Required in Utah.
Where to Ride:
Even where it is permissible to ride on sidewalks the reality is that electric scooters do not mix well with pedestrians, and more powerful models like the Bo Model-M are specifically designed as road going vehicles.
Bicycle Lanes: Your primary legal riding zone. In states like California and New York, you are required to use a bike lane if one is available.
Roadways: Permitted on streets with speed limits of 25–35 mph (state dependent). You must stay as far to the right as safely possible.
Sidewalks: This is specifically illegal in California, New York, Delaware, Georgia, and Business Districts in most major cities (Chicago, Miami, Denver).
Many suburban areas and smaller towns in Idaho, Indiana, and Iowa allow it, provided you yield to pedestrians.
Technical Sanctuary Requirements
As a broad stroke 'safe zone' to remain a "scooter" and not a "motorcycle," your vehicle must stay within these 2026 limits:
Max Speed: 15–20 mph (California and Delaware are strict at 15 mph).
Max Weight: 100 lbs (Connecticut recently raised theirs from 75 lbs to 100 lbs).
Power: Usually 750 Watts or less (worth noting for your locality or intended ride area whether this refers to the rated or peak power)
Night Lighting: Front white lamp and rear red lamp/reflector are now a universal 50-state mandate.
Critical 2026 Prohibitions
Law enforcement has shifted focus from "parking" to "operational behavior."
DUI: E-scooters are now legally "vehicles" for DUI purposes in almost all states. A conviction on a scooter can result in the loss of your car driver's license.
Pillion Passengers: Tandem riding is consistently illegal across the U.S.
Electronic Distractions: Using a phone or wearing dual-ear headphones while riding is now a primary offense in cities like Atlanta and Los Angeles - it's worth checking local regulations before riding in this manner.
At Bo we do not recommend it - your hearing is a useful safety feature when riding with traffic. 
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 the US, 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
