With new technology also comes newer regulations that ensure everyone is safe. The state encourages the use of helmets, and e-scooters should park in bicycle parking areas. On a state level, they fall under motorized non-standard vehicles and are not for use in roadways. The closest laws for such vehicles come from Chicagos Ordinance 9-80-200. Interestingly, some say that the Florida authorities dont enforce the law whenever they spot anyone using the e skateboard- instead, they seem to consider e skateboards as safe to use. Instead, Japanese law forbids roller skating in crowded areas. Well, the question is more complex than youd think. Make sure to watch out for the signage on any road before using it. California Motorized Skateboard Law Summary: Motorized skateboards are not allowed on public roads, sidewalks, bike paths, or hiking trails in California. However, since Texas is a large state, laws, and regulations might be different in different cities and areas, which means youd better call the local police to figure out. Electric Skateboard Laws. This pretty much rules out all public places to ride an electric skateboard.. Electric skateboards were made legal in Michigan in 2018. Check what your local law says. In some areas, sidewalks and bike paths are fair game for e-scooters. Wyoming does not have any laws or definitions that fit electric scooters. In keeping with this, you may not be able to insure your electric skateboard in the state. The legislature defines e-scooters as: The law notes that electric scooters have the right to use bike lanes but not sidewalks. link to Are Kick Scooters Good For Long Distance? You may only ride an e skateboard on private property (your driveway or the gated community). They are only allowed to ride on private land. Or can I ride an electric skateboard on the sidewalk? Evidently, the same law applies to skateboards. According to the newest law, people are allowed to operate bicycles with the electric assist on some streets and highways in New York State. Of course, the laws differ from country to country regarding how skateboards should be used. Either way, the rider should stay away from sidewalks and ride only on bike lanes. Wet Weather FAQ, Electric Scooter Motors Guide: Everything You Need to Know, How to Fix an Electric Scooter: A Troubleshooting Guide, The Electric Scooter Suspension: What Is It and How to Maintain It, How to Select the Best Off-Road Electric Scooter in Town. Minnesota defines e-scooters as motorized foot scooters and classifies e-skateboards under the umbrella. Every city will have its ordinance, so its best to check on the city where you are. Bonjorno, Italy legalised electric skateboards. A rider of at least 16 years of age must be riding the board. In most places, the law soon permitted their use on public property. The electric skateboard laws are rider friend with them being legal to ride in public areas, however, there are a few rules that need to be followed in order to comply with the law. Electric Skateboard laws are falling far behind the capabilities of technology, however, we are starting to see mainstream uptake of electric skateboards which means regulators will be forced to do something about them. The top speed should be no more than 30 mph (48 km/h), and the user should have a valid license. If you must use your skateboard, do so discreetly without endangering public order or causing damages. Basically, here is what you need to adhere to in regards to eskate laws in California: Riding an electric skateboard in public areas is illegal in the state of Florida. Bike lanes have lower speed restrictions than roads so they are safer for electric skateboard riders. A person riding on the road shall yield the rule of right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing any pedestrian. This makes insurance a major need, but it still isnt available as of yet. With such measures, accident levels are reduced and public safety is maintained. Do this well before buying or building your skateboard. Skate parks dont necessarily qualify as paved surfaces and thus, the limit doesnt apply. However, in case of doubts, make sure you consult your local authority laws. Most states and city laws prohibit the use of micromobility vehicles in sidewalks and pedestrian walkways. In Burlington, e-scooters and the like will follow rules of the road. Can I ride an electric skateboard on the road? According to riders, electric skateboards are not under strict ruling in some cities. If the rider dismounts, they have rights similar to pedestrians. Indeed, the legal status of e skateboards mostly depends on several factors. Your email address will not be published. If available, the state mandates they stay on bike lanes. There are no clear laws about e-skateboards, with officials defining them as novelty. Even then, future legislation is in the works to help distinguish them and provide rules. For e-scooters, they have a definition under the same grain as bicycles. Herere the Tips! No person shall ride an electric skateboard on a sidewalk, or across a roadway on a crosswalk. Also, you cannot ride on a one-way road with multiple unmarked lanes- neither can you ride them on the road at night. Electric skateboards have specific rules in every city and subject to city ordinance. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Under House Bill 19-1221, electric scooters should be now for use on roadways. There was a motorized skateboard craze that started in the mid 1970's and this law was passed because a lot of people were riding them in the streets. We are world leading NTC Thermistor and Temperature Probe manufacturer. Now, are electric skateboards regulated just like hoverboards and Segways? In that scenario, riding an electric skateboard street is legal by following the same rules as pedestrians from using sidewalks, following red lights, and passing from the pedestrian crossing. Existing law defines e-bikes, consistent with the federal Consumer Product Safety Act, as a bike with operable pedals, a motor of less than 1 horsepower and a maximum speed of less than 20 mph. This can help prevent any possible issues with other pedestrians. If you're really nice the law librarian may help you (but cannot give you legal advice). It is a constitutional right of all Americans. Luckily for electric skateboard riders, there are signs to help guide you. Until then, its best to keep common-sense safety laws to heart. Under Kentucky law referencing to House Bill 258, Kentucky recognizes electric scooters and skateboards as motor scooters. In Australia, you cannot ride your e skateboard on any road with a median strip or dividing line or one with a speed limit exceeding 50 mph. Federal laws defer to states and even city laws to exercise regulation of low-power electric vehicles. My passion is sustainable transport and energy, and my objective is to make eDrive Planet a pillar of the electric vehicles industry with hopefully millions of site visitors each year. Florida classifies a motor vehicle an automobile, motorcycle, truck, trailer, semitrailer, truck tractor and semitrailer combination, or any other vehicle operated on the roads of this state, used to transport persons or property, and propelled by power other than muscular power.. There are no specific rules about electric skateboards. And these boards have the same limitations as bicycles and undergo the same treatment. For electric skateboards, they qualify as e-bike per their wattage and power. Almost every electric skateboarder has electric skateboard legal problems after receiving the toy and before riding it, are electric skateboards legal? If necessary, seek legal advice to ensure you obey the law the right way. Many users ride them almost anywhere with no regulation. Good news for Californians. Oklahoma does not have state laws that abide by electric scooters and skateboards. Users under 18 are required to wear a helmet when riding. This includes roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks (where applicable). We find the paper of the city of Springfield, MA (Massachusetts), in the Article of Motorized scooters, indicating: Some players have questions like, can I ride an electric skateboard in Portland. This means you can ride your electric skateboard on roads and sidewalks as long as its not in the business district . Some states and even local governments have taken it into their own hands to determine a ruling for eboards. At that time, some slapped gas engines on skateboards. Here, Ive also put together some information about some bigger states that. It is illegal to ride an electric skateboard on a sidewalk or road in the business district. There are also no clear legislations about electric skateboards in West Virginia. The main highlights of the law include: The minimum age requirement for an electric skateboard rider is 16 years. The speed limit cannot go above 20 mph (32 km/h). There may be ways to get around this as medical insurance can cover any medical expenses. For example, new e skateboard-friendly laws were recently introduced in Germany and Norway in 2018. As for electric skateboards, they qualify under RIGL 31-1-3. Streets and roads where bicycles are permitted. And at the Federal level, the situation isnt much different. I want to keep updating this post to cover each individual state, but as you can imagine, that is a ton of work, so, keep checking back to see if your state has been added. Riders should follow rules of the road, go slow, and wear a helmet. Some e-scooters will qualify as electric personal assisted mobility devices (EPAMD). While normal traffic rules and common sense are expected to be obeyed, there are other laws as well. Las Vegas, in particular, defines micromobility devices as electric personal assistive mobility devices. As a result, you can operate freely without too much worry of hurting anyone! I'm Mike Reyes, a guy behind eDrivePlanet.com. Its best to follow rules of the road and refer to any city ordinance if there are any. 41 Sc 12 Provision 4198N, Electric scooters and skateboards in Idaho, electric personal assistive mobility devices, specific rules about electric skateboards, A self-balancing vehicle with two non-tandem wheels, Has a top speed less than 15 mph (24 km/h), A valid drivers license or instruction permit, A fastened helmet for anyone under 18 years old, Travel by carrying a cargo that hampers the riders ability to hold the handlebars, On the highway with chopper-style handlebars above the shoulder line, On roads with posted speeds higher than 25 mph (40 km/h) unless in, The rider should be 16 years old or above, Not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Riding on roads with a speed limit under 35 mph (56 km/h), The board should have an average power of 1000 watts or less, Prohibited to ride in public property more than 15 mph (24 km/h), At night, the rider or the board must have a white front headlight, yellow side reflectors, and red reflectors on the rear, A seat height not less than 26 inches (66 cm), Special events with prearranged schedules under permit from the government, With a motor with a maximum output of 750 W, Uses handlebars and floorboards that the rider stands on, Powered by an electric motor no faster than 20 mph (32 km/h), Are not motor-driven cycles, motor vehicle, or motorcycle, One headlamp and rear lamp during nighttime use, Floorboard designed no more than 60 x 18 inches (76.2 x 45.7 cm), An electric propulsion system no more than 2500 watts, Maximum speed no more than 25 mph (40 km/h), At least two wheels in contact to the ground, Either handlebars and deck design for one person to stand on or handlebars with a seat, Anyone below 14 years old should have immediate supervision of a person at least 18 years old, Usability in highways with speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h), Use in crosswalks for the sake of crossing. The electric skateboard cannot have more 2,500W of power and must only transport one person at a time. As electric skateboards are still a developing trend, the law hasn't yet been extended to account for . Use common safety and traffic rules as a baseline when riding in public. Electric scooters cannot go over 15 mph (24 km/h) but are usable anywhere. Let's translate this and see how it applies to real-life electric skateboarders. Now, electric scooters should be used on roadways, regulated and riders should face the same consequences for traffic violations as anyone else using the road on a bicycle or electric bicycle. Users should wear bicycle helmets and cannot exceed 20 mph (32 km/h). Interestingly, many e skateboard enthusiasts have noticed that law enforcers don't apply the regulations strictly. However, there are several places in the US where the law allows you to ride your e skateboard without a hassle. Before buying one, consider several things. For electric skateboards, there are no set state-level rules and regulations. Required fields are marked *. Speed limits are a common feature for all road-worthy vehicles and electric skateboards are no exception. Take care not to travel alongside more than one pedestrian wherever you can legally ride. There are specific requirements for motorized scooters, including: For electric skateboards, AB604 defines the limitations when using the micromobility vehicle. Some sidewalks may prohibit the use of electric skateboards outside the business districts. According to Wikipedia, electric skateboards belong to personal transporter, being a class of compact vehicles for transporting an individual at speeds that do not normally exceed 16 mph. Motorized Skateboard Laws in California. In OKC, electric scooters cannot operate on sidewalks, and riders need to wear a helmet. Riders must be 17 years or older and should possess a license for riding an electric scooter. The State of Hawaii defines electric scooters and skateboards as toy devices and allowed on the sidewalks. Are Kick Scooters Good For Long Distance? Cities, however, have the power to override the law as needed. The state DMV of California states that motorized scooters dont require registration, license plates or insurance. Nebraska prescribes micromobility vehicles to follow the rules of the road. When riding on the sidewalk, you must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian and you must give an audible signal before overtaking and passing the pedestrian.. 1 attorney answer. About Latest Posts Eddie Founder at Skateboardgeek Does the Law Consider the Electric Skateboard a Vehicle? The code defines EPAMDs as a self-balancing 2-non tandem-wheeled device. Of course, that doesnt describe a skateboard. Once passed, the bill will set electric scooters with the same laws as bicycles. In many places, the law prohibits skateboard riders from crossing the road (except when they cross a street). You are still expected to ride at reasonable speeds to prevent any hazards. The state outlaws the use of electric scooters on roads and sidewalks. You could also go to the police dept, and if you are very respectful and ask in the very nicest way you may also get some . These should be visible from five feet (1.52 m) away, similar to a license plate. While they dont need registration and titling, the rider needs to have insurance. The European Union has no formal laws on e skateboards; instead, individual EU member nations have their own homegrown policies. Vermont has no clear legislation for both e-scooters and e-skateboards. This is a person traveling on foot or other human-propelled conveyance (like skateboards or skates). Why? Well, it seems the law considers e skateboards as different. Youve got a relative or a friend who loves riding scooters or electric scooters. The closest law comes from Georgias low-speed vehicles code. Anyone below 16 years old may not use such vehicles. North Carolina does not have specific legislation about electric scooters and skateboards. Electrical engineer, I have a passion for technology in general and modern urban mobility in particular. (MCL 257.658(9)). Under MVC Section 257.13f, they define both as: They are usable only on streets and highways with a speed limit of 25 mph (40 km/h). Its best to follow the same rules as electric scooters if you plan on riding one. Want to Make Your Electric Scooter Go Faster? And at the same time, there is a law about all EPAMD (electric personal assistive mobility devices), presenting these devices can be used: In practice, the regulation of electric skateboards in Michigan is referred to as the law of electric scooters. If youre going to drive your electric skateboard on the road between 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise, then you must have a white-light, front lamp that is visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and a rear, red reflector or a rear, red-light lamp visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear may be used in addition to the red reflector.. New Mexico does not have all-encompassing rules and regulations about micromobility vehicles. Nutcase VIO Skate Helmet with MIPS and Lights. B-restriction limits motor-driven cycle use for anyone 14 years old or above. This subjects users to the same rights as bicycle users around the state. They are regulated as basic bicycles and should use bike paths. In Alaska, any motorized vehicle that is not 100% human-powered is not a bicycle under law. All other bicycle laws apply. Do you live in Texas? You can only ride on roads that have a speed limit of 35mph or less. In British Columbia, e skateboards are illegal and cannot be insured. The way bike lanes are set up in the city, it would be difficult to use a skateboard for transportation and comply with the ordinance. Every city can override these laws for their own needs. You can operate these devices on highways with a posted speed limit of 30 MPH or less. Actually, Texas uses the same law. In addition to this, you are expected to always wear a helmet when operating in public. While common sense is a broad term, you are expected to apply it when riding. They need to abide by local traffic laws and should only park in areas that dont impede traffic. A Complete Pricing Guide, Using An Electric Skateboard Remote: Your In-Depth Guide, How To Stay Safe When Riding An Electric Skateboard, Bill AB-604 Electrically motorized boards (2015-2016), discussions happening online about New York eskate laws, law that outlines the road rules of bicycles and mopeds, golf carts, and other low-powered vehicles, incidents in Texas where police have not acted favourably towards people riding electric skateboards, A New Way To Control Your Electric Skateboard Possway Air Glove, A New Era of Electric Skateboards Eovan GTO Silo, 17 Fastest Electric Skateboards You Can Buy, Best Electric Skateboards For Kids & Teenagers, You cannot be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, You can only ride on roads with a speed limit of under 35mph, Your eboard must not be capable of travelling at a speed of more than 20mph, The power of your electric skateboard must be under 1000W, Your speed cannot exceed 15mph when riding on public property.