Best Street Legal Electric Scooters

Let’s just cut to the chase. Here’s a list of 5 e-scooters that are allowed on the road. Some of them require driver’s license, some of them do not, which, again, varies from state to state. Go through the options and hopefully you’ll get an idea of what will fit your needs best. The summary of current laws and regulation pertaining to electric scooters in several states can be found further down in this post.

What we liked

• The size is comfortable for adults to ride
• Adjustable seat and handlebar
• 16″ large pneumatic tires
• Rear luggage rack with basket included
• It is very affordable

What we didn’t like

• Short range
• Maximum recommended load is only 220lbs
• No ignition key, only the ON/OFF button

It’s hard not to fall in love at first sight with this charming little electric scooter. Looking like a vintage bike, Razor EcoSmart Metro is pretty unique in many ways. This scooter has many features that make it completely road-ready: 16-inch pneumatic tires, rear disc brakes, adjustable seat and handlebar.
EcoSmart Metro can go up to 18 mph, thanks to the 500W motor and 12V battery. It also comes with a nice bonus – its own set of tools. We are not sure if this scooter is technically “street legal”, but we have seen people riding it on the road, without problems. Just make sure that you wear helmet and get some bike lighting and reflective decals if you plan riding it at night.

What we liked

• Two heavy-duty shock absorbers
• Large front basket
• Anti-theft alarm system
• It is a disabled-friendly scooter

What we didn’t like

• Little on the expensive side
• No covers included

This charming Vespa-like ride with a classic paint job from the 50’s is a three-wheel scooter ready for the streets. On a twist of the throttle it delivers the top speed of 18 mph and an amazing drive range of 40 miles on a single charge. The EW-11 is jam-packed with features that make for a comfortable and safe ride, a front fork suspension, dual rear shocks, dual mirrors, a retro style headlight, a padded backrest as well as foot rests for added comfort.
The EW-11 has all types of on-board storage: a large front basket, an under seat compartment, and a rear storage compartment, too. It is also equipped with an anti-theft alarm system and remote on/off key fob so you can park scooter and feel safe knowing your scooter won’t be stolen or used while you are not around.

What we liked

• Super comfortable
• Great for two people
• Hydraulic brake system and front and rear shock absorption

What we didn’t like

• Not the best on uneven terrain

As the electric scooter industry evolves, new design ideas pop up so fast, that it is hard to keep track. But some of the looks seem to stick around, just like this fat-tire electric scooter inspired by minimalist choppers with oversized tires. This electric scooters is powered by 1000W hub motor, and it’s very fun to ride. Low decks with low centers of gravity make for a great ride feel and handling, and you can turn by leaning, so the steering is kept at minimum.

The top speed is up tp 20mph, and the lowest range is 20 miles, while the 60V battery models can go up to 23 miles on a single charge. The scooter is very stable and robust it can haul up to 450 lbs of weight, but it is also pretty heavy, weighing over 100 lbs. List of features of  Citycoco electric scooter includes LED Front Light, Keyed ignition with digital gauge, hydraulic disk brake system, front suspension.

What we liked

• Fully equipped with lights and signals
• Good suspension and brakes
• Available in six colors

What we didn’t like

• Has pedals, but it’s too heavy for pedaling
• Load capacity is only 250lbs

This is a 750w motorized bike that goes around 20 mph and reaches up to 35 miles per charge (in ideal circumstances). Because it is technically classified as an electric bicycle GigaByke Groove can be ridden without a license or insurance in most US states. It can comfortably transport two riders, and even has a foldable pegs for the passenger.
Because of the steel frame and Lead Acid batteries it is heavy (148lbs) and rather uncomfortable for pedaling. However the motor makes up for this with the smooth ride and the ability to control speed with twist throttle. It also has lights, fenders, mirrors and a very sturdy build with front and rear suspension. All in all, it is a great deal, considering it is truly a proper vehicle at a very decent price.

California Law

California laws recognize “motorized scooter” as any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, a deck that is designed to be stood upon when riding, and is powered by an electric motor. Motorized scooters are not defined as motor vehicles, so they do not require registration; additionally, no insurance is required and license plates do not have to be displayed.

Electric scooters may be operated on a trail, bicycle path, or bikeway; however, if the governing body of a local agency or local authority has jurisdiction over a trail, path, or bikeway, these governing bodies may prohibit the operation of an electric scooter by ordinance. You are not allowed to operate an e-scooter on the sidewalk. The driver must be at least 16 years old and must wear properly fitted bicycle helmet meeting regulated safety standards.

Electric scooters are permitted on roads that do not have bicycle lanes as long as the speed limit for that road is no more than 25 mph. Unless turning left or passing, the scooter must be ridden close to the right hand curb.

Florida Law

Florida statutes point out the difference between motorized scooters, motor scooters, mopeds, and motorized bicycles. According to Laws of Florida “motor vehicle” is “any self-propelled vehicle not operated upon rails or guideway, but not including any bicycle, motorized scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, or moped.”

Motorized bicycle is defined as a vehicle propelled by a combination of human power and an electric helper motor capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of not more than 20 mph on level ground.

Moped is “any vehicle with pedals to permit propulsion by human power, having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels; with a motor rated not in excess of 2 brake horsepower and not capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 mph on level ground; and with a power-drive system that functions directly or automatically without clutching or shifting gears by the operator after the drive system is engaged.” These vehicles can be operated on the roadways, no title is required, but registration is. However, if the top speed is limited to 20 mph even if it looks like a moped, it can be classified as electric bikes and thereby avoid the registration requirements for mopeds (e.g. Gigabyke Groove fits this category).

A Motorized scooter is any vehicle or micro-mobility device that is powered by a motor; it can come with or without a seat or saddle for the rider, and has less than three wheels, and is not capable of propelling the vehicle at speeds greater than 20 miles per hour on level ground. A motorized scooter, from 6.18.2019 and onward, doesn’t require licensing, registration, insurance or a driver’s license.

Motor scooters (like Razor EcoSmart Metro) are motor vehicles, so they are allowed on Florida roadways.

Update: As of 6/18/2019, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that legalized electric scooter sharing in Florida. The House Bill 453 is effective immediately. E-scooter companies such as Bird, Lime, Jump and Spin can operate anywhere under the regulation of Florida counties, cities and towns. This is a big win for the scooter sharing companies, but local governments and cities in Florida still have the final say if they’ll allow rideshare scooters on their streets.

Also, motorized scooters are now permitted in the streets and bike lanes after the legislation lifted a restriction that previously limited them to sidewalks.

New York Law

If you love the idea of riding an e-scooter on city streets, but happen to live in New York, you’re outta luck, the electric scooters and the electric bikes are illegal. Here’s a list of vehicles that cannot be registered or operated on New York State sidewalks, streets or highways, according to the DMV.

• Motorized Scooter – a device with a motor attached and a handlebar for a standing rider.
• Mini-bike – a small, motorized device with two wheels, created for off-road use that doesn’t qualify as a moped, a motorcycle or an ATV.
• Off-road Motorcycle (Dirt Bike) – A motorcycle designed for off-road use.
• Go-Kart – a small, motorized device with four wheels, created for off-road use, which is neither a motor vehicle nor ATV.
• Golf Cart – a small motorized device with four wheels designed to carry people.
• Motor-assisted Bicycle – a bicycle to which a small motor is attached. It doesn’t qualify for a registration as a motorcycle, moped or ATV and doesn’t have the same equipment.

Maybe this won’t stop you from rebelliously decide to zip around NYC on your e-scooter, but if you get pulled over, you might be facing a ticket. Or going to jail. However, the future looks bright for pedal-assist bicycles. The Department of Transportation recently published a new rule clarifying the legality of so-called pedal-assist bikes. The rule, which took effect July 28, 2018 legalizes electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, with motors that turn on only when the cyclist is pedaling and turn off when the speed hits 20 MPH.

UPDATE April 1st, 2020: New York State lawmakers have reached tentative Budget Agreement that includes a provision that would legalize throttle-based electric bikes and scooters. The budget language almost exactly mirrors a bill that passed the New York State Legislature last year, but was vetoed at the last minute by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The bill creates three classes of electric bicycles based on speed, and also electric scooters with speeds up to 15 mph will be legalized. However, riders under 18 years of age will be required to wear a helmet, as well as all rides that ride class 3 bicycles.

Texas Law

The state of Texas defines electric bikes as a device that is designed to be propelled by an electric motor, exclusively or in combination with human power and cannot attain a speed of more than 20mph in electric only mode. Electric bikes may not exceed a weight of 100lbs. There are no licensing and registration requirements for electric bikes. The department or a local authority may not prohibit the use of an electric bicycle on a highway that is used primarily by motor vehicles.

Motor-assisted scooter is defined as a self-propelled device with:

• at least two wheels in contact with the ground during operation;
• a gas or electric motor not exceeding 40 cubic centimeters (40cc is approx. 1.2 hp, or just under 900W);
• a deck designed to allow a person to stand or sit while operating the device;
• the ability to be propelled by human power alone.

This does not include a pocket bike or a mini motorbike.

A motor-assisted scooter may be operated only on a street or highway for which the posted speed limit is 35 mph or less. Traffic laws which apply to bicycles also apply to motor assisted scooters and the operator must obey the usual traffic laws that bicycle operators must obey such as speed limit, signal turns, etc. TRC 551.302(d) states that some laws that apply to a motor vehicle do not apply to these scooters, which means you do not need safety inspection, driver’s license, registration or insurance to operate an electric scooter with up to 750w motor.

If you planning on taking an electric scooter on the road you are highly recommended to familiarize yourself with any local or municipal legislation. The best source of information is your state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV). Start by going to their website and looking for Transportation Code that applies to you.

If you’ve somehow managed to clear the confusion about whether you are allowed to take your scooter on the road, let’s now talk about whether you should do it.

Riding small, toy-like electric powered scooters on the road is generally not allowed, and for a good reason. They are just not sturdy, fast or safe. Unlike smaller electric scooters that are designed for recreational operation, roadworthy scooters have to be sturdy enough and powerful enough to keep up with the traffic on the types of roads it travels. Street legal electric scooters have to be equipped with right tires, suspension system and steering for road driving and certain safety features, such as review mirrors, lights, turn signals, horn (requirements can vary by state.)

When you are riding your bicycle, skateboard, scooter or other device on the road, the road rules apply to you. And regardless of the regulations in your state, we always recommend wearing a helmet.

What makes a battery powered scooter street legal?

To be allowed on streets, a vehicle needs to meet the requirements determined by the authorities to be allowed on public roads and be compliant with certain safety standards. This includes having specific configurations of lighting, signal lights, and safety equipment.

Are electric scooters allowed on streets?

There is no laws that specifically restricts an adult from riding the scooter on streets, but whether you can legally ride your electric scooter on roads depends on a confusing mix of state and local laws. In many places, e-scoters’ regulation still falls into gray areas, and city officials and residents have conflicting attitudes toward them.

Are electric scooters allowed on the sidewalk?

Riding scooters on sidewalks is only officially banned in 11 states, but it is at the very least frowned upon in many urban areas. It’s always best to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles as to whether this is legal or not.

Where to legally ride electric scooters?

There are few general laws that are somewhat consistent from state to state. Electric scooters in the US are allowed without license on roads that lack bicycle lanes so long as they don’t exceed the speed limit of 25 mph. You are not allowed to drive a full-sized electric scooter on a sidewalk or bike path. These scooters are battery powered equivalents of 50cc motor scooters, able to reach speeds up to 60+ mph. Smaller e-scooters are generally reserved for bike lanes, with some exceptions.

Can I ride electric scooter without license?

We get a lot of questions about what kind of electric moped does not require a license. The US2002 Federal Law stipulates that an electric bike will be classified as street legal if it has a top speed of less than 20 mph and a motor power below 750W. If yours falls within this range, it will not require registration or a license in most US states. For lack of better laws, US federal law governing electric bikes is normally applied to electric scooters as well.

Which is the fastest street legal scooter?

Electric scooters have become really fast. There are models that can go well over 40mph. For example, Kaabo Wolf Warrior and Dualtron Thunder can reach 50 mph, while the new Apollo Ultra supposedly has a top speed of 60mph.

However, have in mind that electric scooters that can reach the speeds over 25mph probably require some kind of license, and you still absolutely need to obey the speed limit. Just because a scooter can go 50+mph, doesn’t mean you should.

How much does a street legal e-scooter cost?

To be allowed on the road cannot be bare frame, wheels and motor, which definitely affects the price. If you need a scooter that can perform in traffic you have to spend over $500. The realistic price point of street legal, road worthy electric scooters is about $1000-$2000 though, while Vespa-like electric mopeds with all the features like side mirrors, lights and turning signals, seat, horn and maybe even storage compartments cost several hundred dollars.