Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant local regulations.
As of 2026, Vermont still does not have a comprehensive statewide statute dedicated specifically to electric kick scooters.
Instead, the legal landscape is managed through a 'Bicycle Parity' model where scooters are typically categorized as motor-assisted bicycles or personal mobility vehicles.
While the state provides the basic definitions, the actual "rules of the road" for scooters are determined by individual municipal ordinances in cities like Burlington, Montpelier, and South Burlington.
State-level classification and definition
Under the Vermont Statutes (Title 23, § 1136), electric scooters are often grouped with motor-assisted bicycles provided they meet specific criteria.
Design: Any vehicle with two or three wheels and an electric motor.
Power: A motor with a power output of not more than 1,000 watts (1.3 horsepower).
Speed: Capable of producing a top speed of no more than 20 mph on a paved level surface.
Status: These vehicles are generally governed as bicycles, meaning operators possess all the rights and are subject to all the duties applicable to bicyclists under Vermont law.
2026 Legislative Updates and Pedestrian Signals
Note: A major update to the Vermont traffic code (passed in 2025) goes into effect on July 1, 2026, regarding how riders interact with intersections.
Pedestrian Signals: Starting in July 2026, e-scooter and bike riders may legally proceed through a signalized intersection when the pedestrian "walk" signal is active, even if the traffic light is red.
Bike Signals: The 2025/2026 laws have officially defined "bike signals" in state law to ensure uniform meaning across all Vermont municipalities.
Current Status: Registration, titling, and insurance are not currently required for electric scooters that fall under the 1,000-watt power limit.
Licensing and age requirements
License: No driver’s license or specialized permit is required to operate an electric scooter in Vermont.
Minimum Age: There is no statewide minimum age for private scooter use; however, city-specific shared programs (like the one in Burlington) almost always require riders to be at least 18 years old.
Class 3 Restriction: If a vehicle is categorized similarly to a Class 3 e-bike (speeds up to 28 mph), the operator must be at least 16 years of age.
Performance and equipment limits
To be street-legal in most Vermont jurisdictions, a scooter must be equipped with the following:
Brakes: A functional braking system capable of bringing the vehicle to a controlled stop.
Night Lighting: For use between sunset and sunrise, state law requires a white front lamp and a red rear light or reflector.
Audible Signal: Riders must provide an audible warning (bell or voice) before passing pedestrians on shared paths.
Speed: Most local ordinances, including South Burlington’s 2026 draft updates, cap speeds at 15 mph on multi-use paths and 20 mph on roadways.
Operational rules and permitted areas
Operators generally must follow the same rules as traditional bicyclists.
Roadways: Permitted on public streets and highways. Riders must travel in the same direction as traffic and obey all traffic signals.
Sidewalks: Strictly Prohibited in Burlington and many other urban centers. As a general rule in Vermont, sidewalks are reserved for foot traffic; riders must use bike lanes or the roadway.
Bike Paths: Generally permitted on paved recreation paths, though some municipalities may restrict motorized use during peak pedestrian hours.
Yielding: Operators must always yield to pedestrians and stay to the right side of the path except when passing.
Helmet laws
Mandatory: Under state law, helmets are required for any person under 16 years of age.
Adults: Those 16 and older are not legally required to wear a helmet.
Shared Programs: Local rental ordinances in cities like Burlington may mandate helmet use for all users regardless of age.
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 Vermont, 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