Electric scooters began rolling into Detroit and other cities across Michigan in late 2017. Electric scooter accidents, whether it was scooter riders being hit by cars or hitting pedestrians, soon followed. Michigan lawmakers enacted the Michigan electric scooter laws, in September 2018, a series of lawsthat address such issues as scooter insurance, rules of the road for scooters, helmet requirements, age limits, speed limits, sidewalk use and rules regarding passengers.
Below I will analyze the specific Michigan electric scooter laws and the growing dangers of serious injury posed both to scooter operators and the dangers posed by scooters as they spread and grow in popularity. I was one of the first injury lawyers in Michigan to represent a person seriously injured while riding a scooter and the law and the rules involving scooters have been evolving fast.
IMPORTANT UPDATE – NO-FAULT BENEFITS AND SCOOTERS: Michigan Auto Law attorney Brandon Hewitt was interviewed by the Detroit Free Press for its story, “Detroit hospital deals with injury aftermath of electric scooters’ descent on city.” On the subject of No-Fault insurance coverage for medical and/or wage loss benefits for scooter riders who are injured in a crash, Brandon explained that “[i]n order to access Michigan’s No-Fault benefits, you have to, unfortunately, have a motor vehicle involved, which probably means more serious injury.” He also noted that, in light of the fact that the Michigan Electric Scooter Laws allow scooter operators to ride in the road as well as on sidewalks, “[a]s of right now, you can pretty much ride a scooter anywhere.” Finally, attorney Brandon Hewitt shared his scooter safety tips which included cautioning scooter users to drive slowly and wear helmets.
What are the Michigan electric scooter laws?
One of the first things I discovered when I started researching the law was that there are no Michigan electric scooter laws. At least, there are no scooter laws under that name.
In practice, the Michigan electric scooter laws are actually covered by the electric skateboard laws.
Specifically, the laws that were passed in 2018 to control and regulate the use of “electric skateboards.” I don’t know how many people renting scooters in Detroit, Lansing, Ann Arbor or other places are intending to rent “electric skateboards,” but this is the term of art that lawmakers used to encompass and apply to electric scooters.
Consider the Michigan Vehicle Code’s definition of “electric skateboard,” especially the part that says an “electric skateboard may have handlebars”:
An electric skateboard “means a wheeled device that has a floorboard designed to be stood upon when riding that is no more than 60 inches long and 18 inches wide, is designed to transport only 1 person at a time, has an electrical propulsion system with power of no more than 2,500 watts, and has a maximum speed on a paved level surface of not more than 25 miles per hour. An electric skateboard may have handlebars and, in addition to having an electrical propulsion system with power of no more than 2,500 watts, may be designed to also be powered by human propulsion.” (MCL 257.13f)
It certainly sounds imprecise, but I am not alone in reaching the legal conclusion that “electric scooters” and “electric skateboards” can be used interchangeably for purposes of discussing the applicable scooter laws in Michigan.
In a September 16, 2019, article, “E-scooters are fast, unregulated and all over Detroit. What could go wrong?,” Bridge said the following about electric scooters:
They are “essentially electric skateboards with handlebars that can cruise up to 15 mph at the touch of a button.”
They are “[o]fficially regulated under the newly amended Michigan Vehicle Code as ‘electric skateboards with handlebars.’”
Similarly, in an October 15, 2018, “Report of Motorized Electric Scooters,” the Director of the Detroit City Council’s Legislative Policy Division explained:
“In an attempt to regulate the use of electric scooters in Michigan, the State has passed legislation addressing the matter. The Michigan Motor Vehicle Code defines the electric scooter under MCL 257.13f [which is the statutory definition of an “electric skateboard”].”
The Detroit City Council’s interpretation squares with that of the Detroit Greenways Coalition:
“The state’s legal definition of electric skateboards (MCL 257.13f) includes motorized scooters AKA e-scooters (‘An electric skateboard may have handlebars’).”
The Michigan electric scooter laws contradict Mayor Duggan’s claims that scooter injuries are “B.S.”
It’s a good thing that the Michigan electric scooter laws have been put in place because even though they look fun and exciting electric scooters (or skateboards) are proving to be very dangerous and a lot of people are getting seriously hurt.
One has to wonder if there is a “scooter lobby,” and if so, just how much money they are contributing to Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. Frankly, there is no other possible explanation that I can think of to explain Mayor Duggan’s completely absurd comment back in October of 2018 that the increasing number of news reports about injuries from scooter accidents were “such B.S.”
You are wrong, Mr. Mayor. People are getting seriously injured on electric scooters, just as people who are on bikes or walking as pedestrians get seriously hurt, or even killed, when they are hit by cars and careless drivers.
Many are now being represented by the lawyers at this law firm!
In a September 16, 2019, story, “Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan claimed scooter injuries are ‘BS.’ They’re not,” Bridge reported as follows:
The “Detroit Receiving Hospital – which is part of the DMC – averages 10-20 patients per month in its emergency room because of scooter accidents . . .”
The Medical Director of Detroit Receiving’s ER stated: “It’s not a matter if there’s going to be a death, it’s just a matter of time. Given the types of injuries and the pattern of injuries, it’s very clear to me it’s going to happen.”
Studies of scooter-related accidents in Austin, Texas, and Los Angeles, California, show that head injuries occurred in 40% to 50% of crashes and that helmet use by scooter operators was 1% to 4%.
Using data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance system, one study concluded that the “incidence of motorized scooter related craniofacial trauma is rising, resulting in thousands of ED visits annually. Many patients are experiencing morbid traumatic injuries and may not be wearing appropriate protective equipment.”
Significantly, investigations by Consumer Reports show the reality of the danger posed by electric scooters:
At least 1,500 riders across the country have been injured in scooter-related accidents since electric scooters became available in late 2017.
There have been 8 deaths resulting from scooter-related accidents. (“8 Deaths Now Tied To E-Scooters,” Consumer Reports, June 3, 2019)
Do I need insurance for electric scooters?
No. Under Michigan electric scooter laws, only vehicles that qualify as a “motor vehicle” as that term is defined in Michigan’s No-Fault auto insurance law must be covered by car insurance. Electric scooters (or electric skateboards) do not meet the definition of a “motor vehicle” because neither is “a vehicle . . . that is operated or designed for operation on a public highway by power other than muscular power and has more than 2 wheels.” (MCL 500.3101(3)(i))
Do the laws affect a person’s No-Fault benefits?
No. According to Michigan electric scooter laws, the operator of an electric scooter or electric skateboard who is injured in a crash with a car or truck will be able to collect No-Fault auto insurance benefits. He or she will be treated as a non-occupant or a pedestrian under the No-Fault priority rules, which are the rules that determine from whom No-Fault benefits to cover medical expenses and wage loss benefits will be collected.
Do the laws require scooter drivers to follow the rules of the road?
Yes. The Michigan electric scooter laws state that anyone who rides an electric scooter (or electric skateboard) on a Michigan road “has all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle . . .” (MCL 257.657)
Do the laws mention anything about allowing passengers to ride?
Yes. The Michigan electric scooter laws state that a scooter or electric skateboard “shall not be used to carry more than 1 person at a time.” (MCL 257.658(3))
Do you need wear a helmet for an electric scooter?
According to Michigan electric scooter laws, only a scooter or electric skateboard operator who is under 19 years of age must “wear a crash helmet on his or her head.” (MCL 257.658(4))
Is there an age limit for riding on electric scooters?
Yes. Under Michigan electric scooter laws, kids under 12 cannot ride an electric scooter or electric skateboard “on a public highway or street.” (MCL 257.658(9))
Can you drive an electric scooter on the road?
According to Michigan electric scooter lawsa person driving an electric scooter or an electric skateboard on a public road must do the following:
Drive the electric scooter as far to the right side of the road as possible.
Not ride more than 2 abreast.
Use a designated path when required by a local ordinance to do so.
Not pass between lanes of traffic. (MCL 257.660(1), (2), (3) and (4))
Can you drive an electric scooter on the sidewalk?
Yes. According to Michigan electric scooter laws, if you’re driving an electric scooter or electric skateboard on a sidewalk, then you must “yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian” and you must “give an audible signal before overtaking and passing the pedestrian.” (MCL 257.660(5)
What is the speed limit under Michigan electric scooter laws?
An electric scooter or electric skateboard cannot be driven at more than 25 mph. (MCL 257.660(10))
Additionally, a scooter or skateboard without handlebars cannot be driven on a road with a speed limit of 25 mph, except to cross. For scooters or skateboards with handlebars, they cannot be operated on roads with speed limits of 45 mph or more, except to cross.
What do theMichigan scooter laws say about parking?
Under the Michigan law it states that there are different rules depending on whether you’re parking on a sidewalk or on the street:
Sidewalk: You can park your electric scooter or electric skateboard “equipped with handlebars” on a sidewalk so long as it doesn’t impede “the lawful movement of pedestrians or other traffic.” (MCL 257.660d(1) and (2))
On the street: You can park your electric scooter or electric skateboard “equipped with handlebars” on the street wherever cars and trucks can park. You can also park at an angle to the curb or edge of the highway. Additionally, you can park abreast of another scooter or skateboard that is “equipped with handlebars.” However, you cannot park your electric scooter or electric skateboard “equipped with handlebars on a highway or street in such a manner as to obstruct the movement of a legally parked motor vehicle.” (MCL 257.660d(3) and (4))
Are lights required on electric scooters?
Yes. According to the Michigan electric scooter laws, if you’re going to drive your electric scooter or 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.” (MCL 257.662(1))
Scooters are only allowed on streets or highways with speed limits of less than 45mph, except when crossing. Must be ridden as near to the right side of the roadway as is practicable. Operators must ride no more than 2 abreast (side-by-side). Cannot pass other vehicles between lanes of traffic.
Is a Special License Required for Mopeds and Other Electric Vehicles in Michigan? Licensing rules vary according to the operator's age and the type of vehicle. It is legal to operate a moped with a valid driver's or chauffeur's license. Otherwise, those 15 and older can apply for a moped license.
In November 2021, the Met Police announced they would stop routinely seizing e-scooters (much to the chagrin of Northamptonshire MP Paul Bone). However, the Met Police were the only police force that had been taking any real action against e-scooter riders in the UK.
Driving a motor vehicle with no insurance - you could be liable for a fixed penalty of £300 and six points on your driving licence. Driving vehicles on pavements is generally an offence - this applies at all times to all types of e-scooters and powered transporters.
with a £300 fine and six penalty points on your licence for having no insurance. up to £100 fine and three to six penalty points for riding without the correct licence.
If caught riding an e-scooter, fines you may receive can include: a Fixed Penalty Notice for no insurance; with a £300 fine and six penalty points. a Fixed Penalty Notice for no driving licence, up to £100 fine and three-six penalty points.
The government will introduce legislation to fully legalise the use of e-scooters as part of a new transport bill announced in the Queen's speech. Although it is currently legal to buy an e-scooter, it is illegal to use a privately owned one on public roads.
Michigan requires that all mopeds in the state be registered unless they will be driven exclusively on private property. Furthermore, if you plan to drive a moped in Michigan, you must have a valid driver's license or a chauffeur's license.
New rules will restrict what types of unlicensed motorized devices may be used on interior roads at state parks and recreation areas in Michigan, and will exclude golf carts, motorized skateboards, battery-powered scooters and little, plastic Barbie Jeeps.
Because at the moment, electric scooters in the UK are illegal. Sort of. Well…it's complicated. The Department for Transport (DfT) classes electric scooters as 'Personal Light Electric Vehicle (PLEV)' because they're powered by a motor and says they can only be used on private property.
E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988 . Which means the rules that apply to motor vehicles, also apply to e-scooters including the need to have a licence, insurance and tax.
If your e-bike is classified under L2b, L3, L4, and L5, then it needs to be registered with the LTO and its driver must possess a valid driver's license as stated above. E-bikes that can reach a maximum speed of up to 50 kph, those with a pedal, and electric kick scooters do not require license and registration.
Just as with petrol scooters, you can't legally ride an electric scooter on the pavement. The Go has a top speed of 30mph, and so would be dangerous to ride in a space intended for pedestrians.
Class 2 and Class 3 electric bikes can be allowed on asphalt, crushed limestone, or similar surface, or a rail trail if allowed by local authority or state agency.
Electric scooters are growing more-and-more popular – but it's illegal to ride them in a public place. Under UK law, it's permitted to ride an electric scooter on private land as long as you have the landowner's permission. But it's an offence to ride them in public – including on paths, pavements and roads.
The end date for e-scooter trials has been extended to spring 2022. Local areas have been able to run e-scooter rental trials, for use on roads, cycle lanes and tracks only, since 4th July last year. While it is legal to buy or sell an e-scooter, riding them on public roads, pavements or cycle lanes is against the law.
So, how fast do e-scooters go? On average, electric scooters' speed ranges from 15 to 30 miles per hour (24 to 48 kilometers per hour). However, some extra-speedy e-scooters can reach even greater top speeds.
The electric scooters legal for 16-18 years of age will have a motor that makes a maximum of four kilowatts. Under the current law, teenagers are only permitted to ride two-wheeler powered by a 50cc engine, however, the smallest engine available in India is 100cc.
To qualify as an e- bike in Michigan, the bike must meet the following requirements: It must have a seat or saddle for the rider to sit. There must be fully operational pedals. It must have an electric motor of no more than 750 watts (or 1 horsepower).
In order to ride a moped in Michigan, it must first be registered. Once registered, you must have a valid drivers license or moped license to drive it on public roads, and must be at least 15 years old.
Michigan law (section 257.32b) defines a moped as having: An engine that doesn't exceed 100 cc's piston displacement,A power drive system that doesn't require the operator to shift gears, and. A top speed of 30 mph or less on a level surface.
Basically, if there's a platform where you can put your feet while you are riding, what you are riding is a scooter.If it's under 50cc then legally it's classed as a moped. Generally, scooters are more expensive than mopeds, which is unsurprising given their advantages in terms of power and engine size.
You have to be at least 15 years of age to operate a moped according to Michigan moped laws. Those who do not have a valid driver's or chauffeur's license are eligible to apply for a moped license. In addition, if you are under 18, your application must be signed by a parent or guardian.
There is no charge to bring an electric scooter, power wheelchair, or manual wheelchair from the mainland to Mackinac Island. Star Line Mackinac Island Hydro-Jet Ferry and Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry have accessible parking available at both their Mackinaw City and St. Ignace locations.
Scooter riders may not ride on trails, creek ways, plazas, and parks, including the Riverwalk, Alamo Plaza, La Villita, Main Plaza, and Market Square. But scooter riders may ride on public streets and sidewalks that intersect parks and plazas.
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy has posted signs restricting scooters from some portions of the Detroit RiverWalk such as Cullen Plaza. Some scooters will automatically govern their speed when on the RiverWalk. This is to reduce conflicts in the higher-use pedestrian areas.
The use of privately-owned e-scooters on public roads (including pavements) is unlawful and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and City of London Police have been enforcing this in London.
Private e-scooters can only be used on private land and not on public roads, cycle lanes or pavements. The only e-scooters that can be used on public roads are those that are rented as part of government-backed trials.
Since the invention of the first scooters, kids have loved to ride them. With the advancement of the electric scooter, they can now enjoy an even more thrilling method of transport that is not only safe but also provides endless hours of fun.
Michigan law (section 257.32b) defines a moped as having: An engine that doesn't exceed 100 cc's piston displacement,A power drive system that doesn't require the operator to shift gears, and. A top speed of 30 mph or less on a level surface.
In order to ride a moped in Michigan, it must first be registered. Once registered, you must have a valid drivers license or moped license to drive it on public roads, and must be at least 15 years old.
Private e-scooters can only be used on private land and not on public roads, cycle lanes or pavements. The only e-scooters that can be used on public roads are those that are rented as part of government-backed trials.
Michigan law (section 257.32b) defines a moped as having: An engine that doesn't exceed 100 cc's piston displacement,A power drive system that doesn't require the operator to shift gears, and. A top speed of 30 mph or less on a level surface.
Class 2 and Class 3 electric bikes can be allowed on asphalt, crushed limestone, or similar surface, or a rail trail if allowed by local authority or state agency.
Yes, if you have a full car licence you can ride a 125cc scooter or motorbike off-road. However, you must take and pass your compulsory basic training (CBT) before riding on the road.
Michigan requires that all mopeds in the state be registered unless they will be driven exclusively on private property. Furthermore, if you plan to drive a moped in Michigan, you must have a valid driver's license or a chauffeur's license.
New rules will restrict what types of unlicensed motorized devices may be used on interior roads at state parks and recreation areas in Michigan, and will exclude golf carts, motorized skateboards, battery-powered scooters and little, plastic Barbie Jeeps.
To qualify as an e- bike in Michigan, the bike must meet the following requirements: It must have a seat or saddle for the rider to sit. There must be fully operational pedals. It must have an electric motor of no more than 750 watts (or 1 horsepower).
If your e-bike is classified under L2b, L3, L4, and L5, then it needs to be registered with the LTO and its driver must possess a valid driver's license as stated above. E-bikes that can reach a maximum speed of up to 50 kph, those with a pedal, and electric kick scooters do not require license and registration.
In the USA the regulations state that the maximum speed allowed in this kind of operation is 20mph although the e-bike may be technically capable of going faster than 20mph.
Are there any age restrictions to riding an electric bike in California? You need to be older than 16 years old to ride an e-bike if your electric bike can reach 28 mph or more.
Introduction: My name is Aracelis Kilback, I am a nice, gentle, agreeable, joyous, attractive, combative, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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