Electric Scooter Laws in Michigan (2024)

FAQs

Can I ride an electric scooter on the sidewalk in Michigan? ›

Using scooters on sidewalks is legal under electric scooter laws in Michigan. It is important to note here that the Michigan statute that governs electric scooters gives municipalities the final say in where e-scooters can ride.

Currently, electric scooters can only be used on private land with the landowner's permission. It is effectively illegal to use them on public roads, on pavements, in cycle lanes and in pedestrian-only areas.

No person under 18 years of age may ride a motor scooter unless wearing a helmet. Scooters do not have to be registered but must meet all federal highway safety standards. Electric Scooters are legal to ride under 15 mph. A helmet and license are not required.

Riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet at all times. This is true not only of e-scooters but of any motorized vehicle.

Michigan permits e-cycling on all roadways where traditional bicycles are permitted. This includes streets, highways, road shoulders, and bike lanes designated for bicycle use. This applies to all classes of e-bikes. All classes of e-bikes are also permitted on motorized, natural surface trails.

Helmet use; Moped - A moped operator less than 19 years of age shall wear a crash helmet. MCL 257.658(4). Crash Helmet Standards - When required, all helmets must meet the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. Mich.

The most common injuries are cuts, fractures and head injuries. Some of these injuries are severe. Many of these injuries are caused by incidents with motor vehicles or user-control issues of the e-scooter.

In short, electric scooters ARE legal to ride in the USA thanks to a federal law that covers two and three-wheeled motorized vehicles.

E-scooters (stand-up electric scooters) are legal to ride on public streets with speed limits below 35 mph. You don't even need a driver's license to operate one. You can ride on the road, in a bicycle lane, and on the sidewalk.

In the City of Chicago and the state of Illinois, you DO NOT need a license to ride an electric scooter. The only requirement is that you be at least 18 years old or 16 years old and have the consent of a parent or legal guardian.

What kind of scooter does not require a license in Ohio? ›

Electric scooter riders in Ohio do not need a license to ride a scooter as they are classified differently from moped scooters. Similarly, riders are not legally required to wear helmets.

Under North Carolina law, all operators and passengers on motorcycles and mopeds must wear a motorcycle safety helmet of a type that complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. A motorcycle helmet must have a firm inner liner of polystyrene foam that is about 1-inch thick.

If you do not wear an approved helmet while riding, police have the power to stop you and issue either a warning or a fine. Fines for failing to wear a helmet or carrying a passenger who is not wearing a helmet range from $231 to $925, depending on whether you decide to take the matter to court.

We recommend that you wear a helmet any time you use any of our scooters, preferably Snell, CPSC, ANSI or ASTM-approved.

If you plan to ride at 20 mph (32 kph) or below, more or less as a daily commuter, a bicycle helmet that meets safety standards should be fine. If you still want more protection, staying at 20 mph or below, you might opt for a BMX helmet. They are tested for higher impact ratings.

* Never operate a moped on freeways, more than two side-by-side, between lanes of traffic or on sidewalks and bicycle paths. * Never allow an unlicensed operator to use your moped. * Only carry up to one passenger - it is illegal to carry more than one passenger.

Bicycles are permitted on sidewalks but bicyclists must yield to the right-of-way of pedestrians and give an audible signal when overtaking and passing pedestrians. Check local ordinances for variations on this rule. Michigan bicyclists are not required to ride in or upon bike lanes or paths.

Do you need a special license to operate a moped in Michigan? You can operate a moped if you have a valid driver's or chauffeur's license. If not, and you are at least 15 years old, you can apply for a moped license. Applicants must pass a vision test as well as general knowledge and traffic sign tests.

Riders are asked to stay on the right edge of the road and out of the flow of traffic. Michigan Secretary of State says on the website to never operate on freeways or between traffic or on sidewalks and bicycle paths.