Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
As of 2026, Wisconsin operates under a statewide regulatory framework established by 2019 Wisconsin Act 11. This legislation officially legalized electric scooters and integrated them into the existing traffic code, primarily treating them with the same rights and duties as bicycles. While the state provides the technical definitions, local municipalities are granted the authority to regulate sidewalk use and parking through their own ordinances.
State-level classification and definition
Under Wisconsin Statute § 340.01(15ps), a vehicle is defined as an electric scooter if it meets the following technical criteria:
Design: A vehicle weighing less than 100 pounds that has handlebars and an electric motor.
Power: A vehicle that is powered solely by the electric motor and human power.
Speed: Capable of a maximum average speed that does not exceed 20 mph on a paved level surface.
Exclusion: This definition specifically excludes electric personal assistive mobility vehicles (Segways), electric bicycles, mopeds, and motor bicycles.
2026 Legislative Updates and Local Authority
As of January 2026, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation continues to categorize electric scooters alongside bicycles for most roadway use.
Current Status: Registration and insurance are not required for personally owned electric scooters.
Local Ordinance: Under § 349.237, local governments (such as Milwaukee and Madison) have the authority to prohibit scooters from sidewalks or specific roadways with speed limits exceeding 25 mph.
DUI Laws: Electric scooters are considered "vehicles" for the purposes of operating while intoxicated; state DUI laws are strictly enforced for scooter operators.
Licensing and age requirements
License: No driver’s license or specialized permit is currently required to operate an electric scooter in Wisconsin.
Minimum Age: There is no specific statewide minimum age; however, many municipalities and all shared rental programs require riders to be at least 16 or 18 years old.
Performance and equipment limits
To be street-legal in Wisconsin, a scooter must be equipped with the following:
Brakes: A functional braking system adequate to control the movement of and to stop the vehicle (§ 347.489).
Night Lighting: A white front lamp visible from at least 500 feet is mandatory for operation during hours of darkness.
Rear Visibility: A red rear reflector or red lamp visible from at least 500 feet is required.
Audible Signal: Operators are required to give an audible signal when passing a bicycle or another electric scooter on a sidewalk or bike path.
Prohibitions: The use of sirens or compression whistles is strictly prohibited.
Operational rules and permitted areas
Operators must follow the rules of the road applicable to bicycles (§ 346.80).
Roadways: Permitted on roadways where bicycles are allowed. Riders must stay as far to the right as practicable, except when making a left turn or avoiding hazards.
Sidewalks: Allowed by state law unless specifically prohibited by local ordinance. Riders must always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
Bike Paths: Permitted on bicycle paths and shared-use paths, but speed is strictly capped at 15 mph in these areas (§ 346.804).
Two Abreast: Riders may travel two abreast on roadways provided they do not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.
Helmet laws
Mandatory: There is no statewide helmet mandate for electric scooter riders in Wisconsin.
Local Rules: Some jurisdictions, such as the Village of Harrison, have passed ordinances requiring protective helmets for any person under 16 years of age.
Adults: Helmets are not legally required for riders 16 and older, though they are strongly recommended for safety by the Wisconsin DOT.
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 Wisconsin, 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
