An electric scooter is an extremely thrilling ride for any youngster out in the world. You may see some people riding such a scooter out in the street and you may desire for you to have one as well.
But, then a question arises in your mind whether you need a license to ride this scooter or not. Well, that depends on the region and the country of the world you are living in. Some require a license for this, others do not. If you are struggling with the same question, do not worry, you are at the right place.
Do you need a license for an electric scooter? The necessity of having a license for riding an electric scooter depends on the country and city you are residing in. In some cities, you do not need a license to ride an electric scooter freely, while in some you need to have a license on you. The types of licenses could be different for different scooters in some places like the United Kingdom.
Further in this article, you will get a detailed insight into the laws for possessing a license to ride an electric scooter in different countries and their regions. So, stick around till the end.
Why Are Licensing Laws Important for Electric Scooters?
Ever since the development of the electric scooter, its popularity has increased greatly all over the world. It has become even more popular and preferred than cars among youngsters. When such a huge number of people go over to such a thing, then laws become necessary for that thing. Also, in the case of an electric scooter, it is sometimes considered a motor vehicle. So, licensing is of utmost importance.
Laws about Licensing for an Electric Scooter in Australia
In Australia, there is not a single law that deems it necessary for a person to have a license for an electric scooter. But, in some parts of the country, a license is a necessity if you want to ride an electric scooter and in other parts, it is not. You can ride freely on the electric scooter.
So, let’s take a look at the regions of Australia where a license is necessary under certain conditions for an electric scooter. They are;
1. Victoria
In Victoria, you can ride your electric scooter freely without a license if it has a power of under 200 watts and a speed of 10 kilometers per hour. If your electric scooter’s output exceeds this limit, then you must have a license to ride your electric scooter freely.
This is because when a vehicle’s output exceeds this limit, then it enters the category of motor vehicles and you need to have a license to drive or ride such vehicles. Other than that, you may ride your electric scooter as you please.
2. Brisbane
The matter of riding an electric scooter without a license is much more relaxed in the state of Brisbane of Australia. Here, an electric scooter does not enter the list of motor vehicles unless its output is exceeding the limit of 25 kilometers per hour. So, if it does not make the list of motor vehicles, then you do not need a license for it.
But, there is another extra condition with this one if your electric scooter’s output is less than this, then you can only ride on footpaths. Other than that, it is illegal for you without a proper license.
3. Queensland
In Queensland state of Australia, the regulations regarding the license requirement are pretty much the same as that of Brisbane, but there are some changes. The electric scooter must be less than 25 kilometers per hour and you can only ride on pathways having a speed limit of a maximum of 50 kilometers per hour.
If your electric scooter is deemed a motor vehicle, then you need to obtain a license to ride the scooter. Also, if you are riding the electric scooter without a license under the above-designated regulations, then you must be at least 16 years old. These are the basic conditions mandatory for you to ride an electric scooter without a license in Queensland, Australia.
Laws for Licensing of Electric Scooters in the USA
In the USA, you can ride on an electric scooter without a license most of the country, but there are still some states that require you to have a proper license for your electric scooter. So, without any further ado, let’s hop into the parts of the country where the regulations for licensing your electric scooter are important. These states are;
1. Alabama
It may sound shocking to you, but electric scooters were made legal in the state of Alabama only in the recent year 2019, before then it was illegal to ride one. As it was made legal just recently, some laws require all the riders to have a kind of license on them. This license is the M-type motor vehicle license.
Under such circumstances, if you are under the age of 14, you can not ride an electric scooter. Also, if your age is less than 16, you must wear a helmet whenever you ride the electric scooter.
2. California
The state of California takes a much strict road to deal with the licensing of electric scooters. This is because it is very popular among youngsters in that state and a lot of accidents can happen as well. In California, you must have a proper driver’s license to ride an electric scooter in public. They give you as much liberty that you do not need to register it with the authorities.
Other than this, whenever you are riding in public, you can only stay on the roads and away from sidewalks. Also, if your age is under 18, then you must wear a helmet and keep a minimum speed of 15 miles per hour.
3. Delaware
Delaware is counted amongst the most strict states in the USA. They completely deem the rides on electric scooters illegal in public without a proper driver’s license. You can not ride an electric scooter in public unless you are 18 years of age and have a driver’s license.
Other than this, you can ride an electric scooter that is private and can only ride on private property. Also, a person must wear a helmet while riding this electric scooter.
4. Kansas
In Kansas, you can ride an electric scooter on public roads only if you have a driver’s license. Also, you must be at least 16 years of age. Other than this, you can not ride on sidewalks and highways because it is too dangerous for you. Also, helmets are a compulsion for anyone who rides an electric scooter.
Kansas is a moderate state regarding the licensing laws of electric scooters. Although they do require you to have a proper driver’s license before riding any kind of electric scooter.
Laws for Licensing of Electric Scooters in the UK
In the United Kingdom, the licensing of an electric scooter depends on its type. If it is a folding scooter, then you can not take it out on public roads because it is not allowed. But, if it is a kickstand scooter then you need to have a license to take it out on public roads. Let’s dive deeply into it to get more information.
1. Folding Electric Scooters
In the United Kingdom, you can not take folding electric scooters on public roads. You can only ride the private electric scooters on private properties. Other than that, it is illegal to ride one. This is because the folding electric scooters have a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour and can not be taken on a road under any circumstances.
Also, you do not need a license to ride it.
Also, you have to wear a helmet while riding the electric scooter even in private places because of the law. Another thing is that you must be over 14 years of age to ride an electric scooter.
2. Kickstand Electric Scooters
In the United Kingdom, any vehicle that exceeds the speed of 30 miles per hour is included in the list of motor vehicles. In the case of a kickstand electric scooter, it does have a maximum speed of greater than 30 miles per hour. So, you can ride them on public roads, but away from sidewalks only if you have a proper driver’s license for it.
Also, you must wear a helmet every time while riding an electric scooter. Otherwise, it would be charged illegal if you are caught without a helmet.
Laws for Licensing of Electric Scooters in Canada
Canada is another one of the countries where electric scooters have gained a lot of popularity among youngsters as well as adults. But, in major parts of this country, riding an electric scooter on public roads is not allowed and you also need a permit to ride it in private places. Other than this, there are some parts of the country where you can ride an electric scooter if you have a driver’s license.
1. Major Areas of the Country
In major areas of the United Kingdom, you can only ride an electric scooter owned by yourself, in private properties owned by you. These electric scooters are not allowed to be run on public roads. This is because an electric scooter is on the very end of the motor vehicles and can not match the speed and output of other vehicles which could lead to accidents. This is why they are illegal on public roads.
Other than this, you can ride rented electric scooters approve by the government on the public roads because they have passed a series of tests and are suitable for roads.
2. Some Parts of the Country
In some regions of Canada like Quebec and British Columbia, you can ride an electric scooter on public roads and spaces if you have a driver’s license. Also, the road on which you are riding must have a speed limit of fewer than 50 kilometers per hour and your scooter must have a top speed of less than this.
If your electric scooter meets these requirements, then you can go get your driver’s license now without even registering your electric scooter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an electric scooter is a very convenient and environment-friendly way of traveling. As far as its licensing is concerned, you do not need to worry because, I n most of the world, you do not need one to ride the electric scooter. Although in some parts, a license is required, it is not that difficult to acquire.
So, you can ride your electric scooter even in the public without a license, if your local authorities allow it.
FAQs
Can anyone ride an electric scooter?
Riding an electric scooter is not a problem in any country. But, if it is a private electric scooter, then you can only ride it on private land and spaces, not in public. To ride such a scooter in public, you must rent one, otherwise, it would be deemed illegal.
Will police take your e-scooter?
The police will only take and seize your electric scooter if it is private and you are riding it in the public. But, if it is a publicly rented one, then no one will take it from you because it is legal as per the instructions given by the government.
Is e-scooter legal in Singapore?
In Singapore, an electric scooter that has gone through a process of various testing and has been awarded the UL2272 certificate can only be taken as legal. This is because the tests run on the scooter are for motor vehicle safety and hence, are necessary.
What happens if caught with an electric scooter?
Different countries have different laws dealing with electric scooters, but in the United Kingdom, if you are found riding a private electric scooter in public, then it will be illegal and you could face a fine of up to 400 pounds sterling.
My name is Sarah and I am a Content writer at eRidesAdvice. I have been writing about electric scooters for over seven years, and I am passionate about helping people find the perfect product for their needs. I am also an experienced rider, and I am always on the lookout for the latest and greatest electric scooters. I have got a degree in Automotive Engineering Technology from Ferris State University. Meet our team