Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
As of 2026, Ohio regulates electric scooters under Section 4511.514 of the Ohio Revised Code, which classifies them as low-speed micromobility devices.
While the state provides a broad legal framework allowing their use on most public ways, it grants local municipalities the authority to prohibit or restrict their operation on sidewalks and specific roadways.
State-level classification and definition
Under Ohio law, a low-speed micromobility device is defined by its weight, power, and speed capabilities.
Design: A device weighing less than 100 pounds that has handlebars and is propelled by an electric motor or human power.
Speed: It must have a maximum speed capability of 20 mph on a paved level surface.
Status: These devices are not classified as motor vehicles, meaning they are exempt from the safety standards, titling, and licensing requirements that apply to cars or motorcycles.
Licensing and age requirements
License: No driver’s license or specialized permit is required to operate an electric scooter in Ohio. Minimum Age: State law prohibits anyone under the age of 16 years from renting an electric scooter. While there is no specific state-level age minimum for operating a privately owned scooter, local ordinances in cities like Columbus and Cleveland often align with the 16-year-old threshold for street use.
Performance and equipment limits
To be street-legal in Ohio, especially for nighttime operation, a scooter must meet specific equipment standards.
Speed: The device must not be operated at a speed greater than 20 mph.
Brakes: A functional braking system is required to ensure the operator can make a controlled stop.
Night Lighting: For use at night, the device must have a front lamp emitting white light visible from 500 feet and a red rear reflector visible from 100 to 600 feet.
Audible Signal: Operators are required to give an audible signal (such as a bell or horn) before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.
Operational rules and permitted areas
Operators are granted the same rights and are subject to the same duties as bicyclists when riding on public ways.
Roadways: Permitted on public streets and highways. Riders must obey all traffic signals and yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians.
Sidewalks: State law allows sidewalk use by default, but major cities have passed specific bans. Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati currently prohibit riding electric scooters on sidewalks in business districts or citywide to protect pedestrians.
Shared-use Paths: Permitted on paths and roadways designated for the exclusive use of bicycles unless local signs indicate otherwise.
Curfews: Some cities, including Cincinnati, may enforce operational curfews (typically 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.) for shared mobility devices.
Helmet laws
Requirement: Ohio does not have a statewide helmet mandate for adult electric scooter riders. Minors: Local municipalities frequently impose stricter rules. In New Albany and Upper Arlington, any rider under 18 years of age is legally required to wear a helmet while operating a scooter or bicycle on public property.
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 Ohio, 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
