Do you need a license for an electric scooter?

The question of whether you need a license to ride an electric scooter is becoming increasingly rampant. 

This is a genuine query for every e-scooter rider who opts to be compliant with all the rules and in this article, we are happy to provide a detailed response relevant to different states and countries. 

Electric scooter license requirements in different countries and states

Do you need a license to drive an electric scooter in California?

California’s Vehicle Code §21235 is pretty clear on this. To legally ride an electric scooter in California, you need any class of a driver’s license or a learner’s permit, provided you are over 16. Additionally, minors under the age of 18 have to wear a helmet.

The law defines an electric scooter as a two-wheeled vehicle with a motor, a floorboard, and handlebars. It may also have a seat, but not a requirement.   

While you indeed require a legal license or permit to ride an e-scooter in California, you don’t necessarily require any special vehicle registration to ride a motorized scooter on the roads or license plates or even to have insurance for a scooter. 

With the relevant license, you can legally ride your electric scooter on California bikeways, bicycle paths, and trails provided the scooter has a 25 mph speed limit and you don’t exceed a top speed of 15 miles per hour. 

Importantly, also note that you cannot ride an electric scooter on the sidewalks. 

Do electric scooters need a license in the UK?

Yes, those under the trial scheme require a driving license with a Q entitlement. Also, since those who have a provisional license for categories A, B, or AM are entitled to category 8, they can legally ride an electric scooter in the UK. 

If you have an overseas license and are based in the UK, you can also ride the trial scooters provided you have a full license entitling you to ride a motorbike or drive a car. 

Basically, you cannot ride an electric scooter on the UK roads unless you are under the trail scheme and with a license that has the Q entitlement. However, you can ride an electric scooter on private land. 

Can you drive electric scooter without license in Washington DC?

The October 2020 legislation meant to regulate electric scooters doesn’t recognize e-scooters as motor vehicles and as such, no license is required for you to ride an electric scooter in the District of Columbia. 

Even without the license requirements, electric scooter riders have to note that they need to ride at maximum speeds of 10 miles per hour. 

Do I need a license to drive an electric scooter in Florida?

In Florida, riders aged 16 and above can legally ride electric scooters without a driver’s license. 

However, e-scooters in Florida are permitted in operate in bike lanes and follow all the stipulated laws for bikes. 

Does electric scooter need license in Indiana?

Since electric scooters aren’t legally considered motor vehicles in Indiana, one doesn’t require a driving license to ride one. 

However, electric scooters should have a speed limit of 20 miles per hour, be less than 100 lbs, and should follow the rules laid for bicycles. 

Do electric scooters require a license in Kansas?

Electric scooters can only legally be ridden by owners who have a valid driver’s license in Kansas. 

However, it’s crucial to note that these motorized scooters cannot be ridden on the highways or on the sidewalks. 

Do you need a licence to ride an electric scooter in Maine?

Yes, you will need a license to ride an electric scooter in Maine. Additionally, you need to ensure that the peak power is capped at 750W and that the wheels have a diameter of 10” and below. 

The maximum speed for electric scooters in Maine is 20 miles per hour, so this means having a license isn’t enough. 

Does electric scooter need license in Massachusetts? 

Yes, a driver’s license is required to ride an electric scooter in Massachusetts. Besides, the maximum legal speed for e-scooters in the state is 20 miles per hour.

Do I need an electric scooter license in Missouri?

Missouri legalizes electric scooters as motorized bicycles under the Missouri State Highway Patrol. E-scooters can legally be ridden with a driver’s license and should be operated on bike lanes or streets. 

If your scooter can hit a top speed, it’s categorized as a motorcycle and as such, you will need to fulfill the motorcycle riding legislations to legally ride your motorized scooter. 

Do you need a license for an electric scooter in New York?

You don’t need a driver’s license to ride an electric scooter in New York. However, you will need to ensure that your ride has a top speed of 20 miles per hour or less and should not pass on streets with a speed limit of more than 30 miles per hour. 

Do electric scooters require a license in North Carolina?

Yes, electric scooters require a license in North Carolina. Since they are classified as vehicles, e-scooters have to be registered with the DMV.

Additionally, motorized scooters can only be ridden on North Carolina streets that have a top speed limit of less than 25 miles per hour. 

Ohio e-scooter license law

Electric scooters are exempt from registration and licensing in Ohio. However, they should not weigh more than 100 lbs nor exceed a top speed of 20 miles per hour. 

Riders should be 16 and above, and while e-scooters can legally be ridden on the roads, they must give way to pedestrians. 

Does electric scooter need license in Nepal?

Yes, if you own an electric scooter with a peak power output of 350W, you will need to have a valid Nepal driver’s license and register your electric scooter. If the peak power output is below 350W, then no license is required. 

Is license required for electric scooter in India?

The Indian government has categorized electric scooters as powered vehicles and as such, a driving license is required to ride an electric scooter in India. Additionally, these rides need to have license plates. 

Conclusion

Electric scooter license laws vary from state to state and from country to country. There are some American states that don’t require any type of license to make riding a legal activity while for others, riders have to obtain a valid driving/riding license along with registering their e-scooters.