Electric Scooters are legal - however because there is no state-wide regulation it is important to consult local rules
As of 2026 Nebraska continues to lack a comprehensive state-wide statute for electric scooters.
The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains a narrow role, primarily confirming that these devices are exempt from registration and titling.
As a result the legal framework is defined by municipal ordinances, which have matured significantly in 2025 and 2026.
State-level classification and definition
Under the Nebraska DMV guidelines, electric scooters are now classified as Electric Scooters (a specific category!).
Registration: These vehicles are listed as exempt from registration and titling requirements.
State Default: Because there is no state-wide "Scooter Act," the default legal status is unregulated, meaning they are generally treated as bicycles unless a city specifically restricts them.
Licensing and age requirements
Requirements vary strictly by municipality, and some cities now require identification for operation on public ways.
Licensing: In Lincoln, operators must possess either a valid motor vehicle operator's permit (driver’s license) or a valid state-issued ID.
Minimum Age: In Omaha and Lincoln, the minimum age for operation is 18 years old. In Hastings, under Ordinance 4815 (effective November 2025), the city has begun focused outreach for school-aged riders.
Roadway use requires adherence to all motor vehicle travel laws.
Performance and equipment limits
While state law does not comment on technical specs, recent city ordinances (such as Hastings Ordinance 4815) have established the following standards for 2026:
Speed: Most cities, including Lincoln and Omaha, cap operational speeds at 15 mph for shared and private scooters.
Brakes: Devices must be equipped with a reliable braking system.
Night Lighting: Equipment must include a front white light and a red rear reflector. A red taillight is optional but recommended.
Weight: Some cities utilize a 100-pound limit to distinguish scooters from mopeds.
Operational rules and permitted areas
Riding locations are strictly governed by local "Business District" definitions.
Roadways: Permitted on roads where the speed limit is 35 mph or less (Lincoln) or 25 mph or less (Hastings). Riders must stay to the right and follow all traffic signals.
Sidewalks: Generally prohibited in downtown business districts (Omaha, Lincoln, Hastings). In Hastings, you may walk alongside or carry a scooter on a downtown sidewalk, but you cannot ride it.
Bicycle Paths: Permitted on most multi-use trails and designated bike lanes. However, Lincoln prohibits riding on specific "City Trails" or multi-paths unless otherwise posted.
Municipal variations (Select Cities)
As of 2026, several Nebraska cities have moved from "pilot" programs to permanent, codified regulations.
| City | Sidewalk Access | Speed Limit | Key 2026 Restriction |
| Omaha | Prohibited (Downtown) | 15 mph | Must yield 4 feet of space when parking on non-downtown sidewalks. |
| Lincoln | Prohibited (Business Dist.) | 15 mph | ID or License required; prohibited on roads >35 mph. |
| Hastings | Prohibited (Business Dist.) | Safe/Reasonable | Prohibited on roads >25 mph (Ordinance 4815). |
| Kearney | Permitted (Yield to peds) | 15 mph | Must stay off main arterials like 2nd Avenue. |
Helmet and DUI laws
Helmets: Nebraska does not have a state-wide helmet mandate for scooter riders.
Local ordinances generally "encourage" use but do not require it for adults.
DUI Laws: Despite being exempt from registration, e-scooter operators are subject to Nebraska’s Rules of the Road.
Operating a motorized device while impaired can result in a DUI arrest, and a conviction may impact your primary driver's license.
Legal Notes of Interest:
For a device like the Bo Model M:
Maximum Speed: While the Bo is mechanically capable of higher speeds - and is compliant to ride in Nebraska - operating it above 15 mph in Lincoln or Omaha is a citable offense in 2026.
Impoundment Risk: New 2025 ordinances (like those in Hastings) allow police to impound e-scooters for repeated violations.
Following a third offense, the court may order the vehicle destroyed or sold. Ensuring you stay on roads with appropriate speed limits is the main consideration for legal compliance.
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 Nebraska, 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
