Electric Scooter Laws & Regulations Around the World: What’s Legal and What’s Not?

As micromobility gains momentum, electric scooters are rapidly becoming a go-to solution for short-distance travel in cities around the globe. They’re convenient, efficient, and environmentally friendly—but their popularity also raises a critical question: What are the electric scooter laws in your city or country?

Legal frameworks vary widely from region to region. While some cities welcome electric scooters with open arms and dedicated infrastructure, others place restrictions—or even outright bans—on their use. Understanding these legal variations is essential for riders, fleet operators, and businesses planning to expand into new markets.

Why Understanding Electric Scooter Laws Is Essential

Electric scooter regulations are evolving to catch up with fast-growing adoption. Clear laws help cities balance innovation with public safety, while also offering legal protection for both riders and companies. Without regulatory clarity, issues such as sidewalk congestion, traffic violations, and insurance liability can quickly become major roadblocks.

Whether you're a delivery service exploring last-mile mobility or a traveler hopping on a rental scooter, it pays to know your local rules.

North America: A Patchwork of Regulations

United States

In the U.S., electric scooter laws are managed at the state and municipal levels. While California, Texas, and Florida allow scooters on roads with speed limits under 25 mph, other states have stricter policies. Helmets are typically required for riders under 18, and riding on sidewalks is often prohibited.

Some cities like Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., have launched regulated scooter-sharing programs with designated parking zones and enforced speed limits. However, enforcement and requirements can vary dramatically from one city to the next.

Canada

Canada also exhibits regional differences. Ontario operates under a five-year pilot that permits electric scooters on public roads and bike lanes, provided they don’t exceed 24 km/h and 500 watts in motor power. Quebec, on the other hand, requires scooter registration if the motor power exceeds 500W or the top speed surpasses 32 km/h. Helmet rules and age restrictions also differ across provinces.

Europe: Home to Some of the Most Comprehensive Electric Scooter Laws

Germany

Germany enforces strict electric scooter regulations to ensure safety. Riders must be at least 14 years old. Scooters need insurance coverage, and each unit must display an insurance sticker. The maximum speed is capped at 20 km/h, and riding is only permitted on bike lanes and roads—never on sidewalks.

France

In France, riders must be at least 12 years old, and helmets are mandatory for those under 18. Scooters are banned from sidewalks and must not exceed 25 km/h. Night riding requires a high-visibility vest, and using a phone while riding can result in heavy fines.

United Kingdom

The UK had long prohibited e-scooters on public roads unless part of an approved rental scheme. Now, cities like London and Birmingham are participating in government trials. However, privately owned electric scooters are still illegal on public streets—at least for now.

Many people still ask, “Why are electric scooters illegal in the UK?” — the main reason is that current vehicle classifications haven’t yet been updated to include personal mobility devices. You can learn more details about current policies and trials in our blog Are e-scooters legal in the UK?

Asia-Pacific: Rapid Adoption Meets Tight Controls

China

China is the world’s largest market for electric scooters, but regulations have only recently started to catch up. Some cities now limit top speeds to 20 km/h, require helmet use, and ban scooters from sidewalks. Enforcement varies by city, but new standards are being rolled out to improve safety and order.

Singapore

Singapore takes a structured, safety-first approach. All personal mobility devices (PMDs) must meet weight, size, and speed criteria, and users are required to pass a mandatory theory test. Scooters are restricted to cycling paths, and using one illegally can result in steep fines.

Australia

Australia’s laws vary by state. Queensland allows electric scooters on bike paths and footpaths with a 25 km/h speed limit, while New South Wales restricts them to private property. Helmet use is mandatory across all regions where riding in public is allowed.

Middle East & Africa: Emerging Regulations

United Arab Emirates

Dubai legalized electric scooters for public use in 2022, with restrictions on speed (20 km/h), designated tracks, and helmet use. Riders must also obtain a driving permit. The city supports a shared mobility model, with licensed operators offering fleet services in high-traffic areas.

South Africa

South Africa is still developing its electric scooter laws, and most regulations are handled under existing traffic laws for motor vehicles. This often creates confusion, and there’s a growing call for scooter-specific legal frameworks to clarify permitted use and safety standards.

Latin America: Fast Growth with Gradual Oversight

Brazil

Major Brazilian cities have embraced e-scooter sharing systems, but legal oversight is still catching up. Helmet use is required, and sidewalk riding is banned. However, enforcement is inconsistent and varies between municipalities.

Mexico

Mexico City has taken steps to regulate scooter sharing, mandating speed limits, proper parking, and operational licenses for service providers. Privately owned scooters are less regulated, though safety guidelines are encouraged by local authorities.

Helmet & Age Limit Laws: What Riders Should Know

One of the most common questions is whether helmets are required to ride electric scooters. Most regions now have an electric scooter helmet law, especially for riders under 18. Germany and France mandate helmets for minors, while Australia and Singapore require them for everyone.

Age limits are another key regulation. In most countries, the electric scooter age limit ranges from 14 to 16 years old, though some cities impose stricter rules. Knowing these details not only keeps you compliant but also helps operators design safer fleet programs.

Global Trends in Electric Scooter Regulation

Across continents, common threads are emerging in how governments regulate electric scooter use:

• Speed Caps: Most cities enforce maximum speeds between 20–25 km/h.
• Helmet Requirements: Vary by region, often mandatory for riders under 18.
• Age Limits: Riders must usually be at least 14–16 years old.
• Sidewalk Bans: A growing trend in many cities, as scooters are moved to bike lanes.
• Insurance and Registration: Becoming more common, especially in Europe.

Some regions have even banned electric scooters temporarily to address safety or parking issues, while others are updating frameworks to reintroduce them under tighter control. As cities adapt, they’re also building infrastructure like scooter lanes, designated parking zones, and integrated apps for public transportation.

Our Commitment to Global Compliance in E-Scooter Mobility

At OKAI, we understand the challenges businesses face when navigating diverse electric scooter laws around the world. Whether you're launching a shared fleet or developing a corporate mobility program, compliance isn't just important—it’s essential. That’s why we engineer every OKAI scooter with regional regulations, safety, and durability in mind. Our solutions feature customizable speed settings, integrated GPS, modular swappable batteries, and powerful fleet management systems. With a presence in over 80 countries, we proudly support our partners in staying fully compliant while expanding their operations with confidence and efficiency.

Final Thoughts: Stay Informed, Stay Compliant

Electric scooters are redefining urban transportation, offering a clean and sustainable solution for short-distance travel. However, electric scooter laws are not uniform worldwide, and understanding local regulations is essential—whether you’re an individual rider, fleet operator, or mobility business. For riders and operators who want to explore how European countries regulate e-scooter usage, check our Regional E-Scooter Law Overview.

At OKAI, we don’t just adapt to regulations—we help set the standard. Every OKAI scooter is engineered with regional compliance, safety, and reliability in mind, enabling our partners to expand confidently into new markets while staying aligned with local laws.

So, before you hit the throttle, make sure you know the law—and that your vehicle is built to follow it.