Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
As of 2026 Missouri continues to classify electric scooters under the legal umbrella of motorized bicycles (RSMo § 307.180).
This classification makes Missouri one of the clearest states in the U.S. regarding licensing, as the state treats kick scooters similarly to gas-powered mopeds.
State-level classification and definition
Under RSMo § 307.180, a vehicle is defined as a motorized bicycle if it meets the following criteria:
Design: Any two or three-wheeled device with an automatic transmission.
Power: A motor producing less than three gross brake horsepower (equivalent to approximately 2,237 watts).
Speed: Capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 mph on level ground.
Exclusion: If a device exceeds these power or speed limits, it is legally classified as a motorcycle, requiring different licensing, titling, and equipment.
Licensing and age requirements
Missouri is an outlier in its strict licensing mandate for stand-up scooters.
License: You must possess a valid driver’s license to operate a motorized bicycle (including electric scooters) on any public roadway (RSMo § 307.195).
Learner's Permits: State law generally requires a full operator's license; a learner's permit is typically insufficient for unsupervised roadway operation.
Minimum Age: Because a driver's license is required, the effective minimum age is 16 years old.
Performance and equipment limits
To remain compliant with Chapter 307 equipment regulations, your scooter must have:
Brakes: A system that allows the operator to perform a controlled stop.
Audible Signal: An audible signaling device (bell or horn) is required in most municipal codes to alert pedestrians.
Night Lighting: For use between sunset and sunrise, you must have:
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Front: A white light visible from 500 feet.
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Rear: A red reflective light or reflector visible from at least 100 feet.
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Mirrors: Unlike other states, Missouri law requires motorized bicycles to be equipped with mirrors for roadway use.
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Operational rules and permitted areas
Riders must follow all standard rules of the road that apply to motor vehicles.
Roadways: Scooters are permitted on city streets and county roads. You must ride as far to the right as practicable.
Interstates: Operation on any part of the federal interstate highway system is strictly prohibited (RSMo § 307.195).
Sidewalks: Riding on sidewalks is prohibited state-wide for motorized bicycles.
Helmet and insurance laws
Helmets: State law does not mandate helmets for adults, but Missouri allows local cities to set their own rules. In St. Louis and Springfield, helmets are mandatory for all scooter riders regardless of age.
Insurance: No state-wide insurance is required for motorized bicycles. However, Springfield specifically requires proof of financial responsibility (insurance) for scooter operation.
Registration: There is no state-wide requirement to title or register an electric scooter with the Department of Revenue.
Municipal variations
Local ordinances in Missouri often add significant restrictions on top of state law.
| City | Sidewalk Access | Helmet Rule | 2026 Regulations |
| St. Louis | Prohibited | Mandatory | Max speed limit of 12–15 mph in high-traffic zones. |
| Kansas City | Prohibited | Encouraged | Must use bike lanes if available; treat like a bicycle. |
| Springfield | Prohibited | Mandatory | Insurance required; speed capped at 15 mph. |
| Columbia | Restricted | Encouraged | Must dismount on narrow sidewalks. |
Legal Summary for Scooters in Missouri
For a premium vehicle like the Bo Model M:
Power Threshold: The Bo Model M is compliant under Missouri's 2.2kW (3hp) limit.
Speed Threshold: As long as your scooter is not modified to exceed 30 mph, it stays in the "motorized bicycle" category.
If it exceeds 30 mph, you must register it as a motorcycle and obtain a Class M license.
DUI Laws: Missouri applies its intoxicated driving laws to motorized bicycles.
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 Missouri, 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
