There are specific requirements for motorized scooters, including: For electric skateboards, AB604 defines the limitations when using the micromobility vehicle. You want to please him/her with a birthday or Christmas gift, but you are clueless! For example, new e skateboard-friendly laws were recently introduced in Germany and Norway in 2018. By obeying all the set laws, you can ride safely while promoting the safety of pedestrians. Users under 18 are required to wear a helmet when riding. There are also no set rules about electric skateboards in Massachusetts on a state-level. Legal Disclaimer: I am not a professional lawyer, and this article is not to be good as legal advice. In Maine, electric scooters and similar devices are under the definition of a bicycle. People who ride electric skateboards must be at least sixteen years old. The same goes for e-skateboards, so the law encourages helmets and head protection. No wonder many countries have recently introduced laws to allow the use of electric skateboards in public places. However, you must be careful while riding and stay humble if cops stop you. As per law, they should not exceed 750 W or less in power. Here, I've also put together some information about some bigger states that In many places, the law prohibits skateboard riders from crossing the road (except when they cross a street). Why? Figuring out the rules is not only to our benefit but also to those who dont know about this product but come across it. However, after much lobbying, Segway and e bikes were eventually accepted. Vermont has no clear legislation for both e-scooters and e-skateboards. Lets now discuss the legal status of e skateboards in some major US states and abroad. So, you dont have to worry too much about breaching the law, simply obey the signs! 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. You can only ride on roads that have a speed limit of 35mph or less. It is a constitutional right of all Americans. Some states and even local governments have taken it into their own hands to determine a ruling for eboards. Some of the licenses that can serve in this capacity include a drivers license and state identification. They have the same rights and responsibilities as pedestrians. Frankly, no federal laws are regulating the use of electric skateboards, but it does not mean skateboards are allowed. You can find me on Twitter or LinkedIn, or contact me directly. In addition to this, the rider may be required to have a permit. There is no requirement to use an electric skateboard on a road with a speed limit of less than 35 mph. This makes it illegal for road use. Motor vehicles are also not allowed to be operated on footpaths or in bike lanes. Try to adhere to the laws. A person may operate a Class electric bicycle only if he or she is 16 years. [5/11-1506] 06 Apr. It defines them as: Motor assisted scooters are available for ages 18 and above and can pass areas where laws allow bicycles. There are no definite rules for electric skateboards, so its best to refer to your local city ordinance. Bonjorno, Italy legalised electric skateboards. Dear customer, in order to ensure your good experience on our website and to facilitate your management of your registered account on our website. The state of Illinois states that the motor of an electric bike can't exceed 750w. The state leaves it to the cities to enact its ordinance regarding the matter. Do you love skateboards? And what makes things funny is that wiki indicates, They (personal transporters) are growing in popularity, and legislators are in the process of determining how these devices should be classified, regulated and accommodated during a period of rapid innovation. So, in the United States, the answer to the questions in the first paragraph is obvious, which is it depends. Its not clear whether you can ride e skateboards on bike lanes in cities like Vancouver. Owning your electric scooter in New York is legal, and state legislation approved them. At first, US law considered these products as illegal. Thus, its wise to check your county or city regulations. At least one hand shall be kept on the handlebars at all times. Sidewalks are a no-go in business districts, and riders should always yield to pedestrians. North Dakota defines electric scooters under the umbrella of motorized scooters. You can scan some relative questions and answers on this. Its best to use your e-scooters with caution as much as you can. The law explicitly prohibits this, but only in the business districts. What are the restrictions on Motor power or throttle in Illinois? 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. As electric skateboards may not have lights by default, you may have to buy them specially. There are two exceptions to the rule, as per Clause 12. You can, however, cross a street at an intersection with a higher speed limit as long as you dont go down the street. Paddy is a sport enthusiast. This subjects users to the same rights as bicycle users around the state. Many users ride them almost anywhere with no regulation. It is up to the local city council to provide local city ordinances. Also, consider this: Florida law defines a motor vehicle this way: An automobile or a motorcycle, trailer, semi-trailer, truck, truck tractor or semitrailer combinationused to transport people or property propelled by non-muscular power. Of course, this definition fits the nature of an e skateboard. Their treatment is similar to a vehicle unless the rider is walking with the vehicle in tow. You can ride your devices on roadways, shoulders, sidewalks, and alleys, but not on bike lanes or public paths. (All Tesla Cars Compared). Las Vegas, in particular, defines micromobility devices as electric personal assistive mobility devices. For instance, its technically illegal to use a skateboard on property classified as public. After passing the House Bill 5391, eskaters can now enjoy their rides just as cyclists do. Make sure to watch out for the signage on any road before using it. In OKC, electric scooters cannot operate on sidewalks, and riders need to wear a helmet. Many allow e-skateboarders to ride their devices on sidewalks and bike paths. E skateboard riders are only allowed to operate on highways or streets with a 35 mph speed limit. With such measures, accident levels are reduced and public safety is maintained. Every city will have its ordinance, so its best to check on the city where you are. The new Indiana electric scooter law will specify that an electric scooter is not to be considered a "motor vehicle" as that term is defined in IC 9-21 and IC 9-32. House Study Bill 38 went under the amendment and passed in Feb 2019. Alaska Statute 28.90.990 considers them as scooters and are not for use in sidewalks, bike paths, and recreational trails. Some e-scooters will qualify as electric personal assisted mobility devices (EPAMD). 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. Tennessee is in its pilot program for electric scooters and is initiating legislation for the vehicles. So, the legal definition of a skateboard considerably limits where you can use it. In the state of Alabama, there are separate laws regarding electric scooters and skateboards. Electric scooters cannot go over 15 mph (24 km/h) but are usable anywhere. You are still expected to ride at reasonable speeds to prevent any hazards. Anyone below 16 years old may not use such vehicles. (g) and 31-1-3.(s). This does not mean that the absence of the law means that they are allowed, its actually the opposite. Front lights should be visible from 500 ft (152 m) and 600 ft (183 m) for reflectors. Most states and city laws prohibit the use of micromobility vehicles in sidewalks and pedestrian walkways. The Florida state transportation code has a section that allows Electronic Personal Mobility Devices to be used. Further, you cant ride your board at public schools, state parks, state colleges & universities, airports & county parks, and several other places. Note that a bicycle rider is not considered a pedestrian. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are no exact details about Floridas statutes on electric scooters and skateboards. Even then, there are reports of users receiving no problems when using them on bicycle lanes. The board must not exceed 700 mm in width or 20 kg in weight. Nevertheless, other products successfully faced the hurdle; theres no reason it should be different for the skateboard. They have their restrictions as underscored by HRC 291C-134.5. You can contact local law enforcement for information or interpretation of unclear laws. Laws list skateboarders as pedestrians and allow its use anywhere with limited restrictions. People are only allowed to ride on the sidewalk where there is a high-density area. Exercising caution is the best course of action. No person shall operate a motorized scooter, motorized skateboard, or other similar motorized vehicles on any City-owned or controlled public way, sidewalk, park, playground, recreational areawithout permission. These should be visible from five feet (1.52 m) away, similar to a license plate. It requires riders to have drivers licenses and be rideable on sidewalks and streets. 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. It states that any roller skates, coaster, or toy vehicles should stay on sidewalks. Firstly, you must follow traffic laws, including stopping at red lights and stop signs, riding on the right side of the road, the right of way, stopping for pedestrians at crosswalks, following the speed limit. If necessary, seek legal advice to ensure you obey the law the right way. In fact, the Washington State laws consider anyone riding a skateboard as a pedestrian. Thus, anyone riding this device on public property does so at his own risk. Many states don't have any exact laws at the state level, but city governments regulate electric skateboard laws. Tires must be less than 10 inches in length, and wheels should be no more than 4 inches in length. However, the rules governing e skateboard use are still a little confusing. Individual cities pass their rules and ordinances regarding the details of any ban. I am counting on you, please spread the voice! Pennsylvania has legislation in development concerning e-scooters and micromobility. They have the full rights applicable to a pedestrian. In doing so, they should use the road and follow common road traffic rules. The closest rules classify them as mopeds but miss critical requirements. Are there any age restrictions to riding an electric bike in Illinois? If this is the case, riding an electric skateboard in Texas is legal while adhering to the following rules: Keep in mind that this is not an explicit law for electric skateboards and any encounter with an officer where they say you need to get off your eboard, you must comply with his direction. The law requires e skateboards to meet the same safety standards and regulations as bicycles. Here are 14 Must-Have Accessories, How to Choose the Safest Lights for Your Electric Bike or Scooter. But take care- its entirely illegal to ride e skateboards in Florida. As for electric skateboards, they are under explicit ban under New Jersey law. Thus, the law banning the use of motorized boards was first made in California in the 1970s. According to AB-604, the legal document about electrically motorized boards, which was released on October 11, 2015, regulating the operation of electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric skateboards included. They also need to wear approved helmets for crash protection. Required fields are marked *. Your vehicle should be: If your e-scooter or skateboard qualifies, you should be good to go. Every city will have a different ordinance for each. Allowed to circulate in urban areas, prior municipal deliberation, in pedestrian areas, on footpaths and cycle paths, in cycle lanes and reserved lanes, in zones and on roads with a speed limit of 30 km/. In New Jersey, SB 731 allows electric scooters with a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h). Each province or municipality is, therefore, free to make its own specific laws. The nearest definition lumps them in with motorized personal mobility devices. The Power of your board shall be an average of 1000 watts or less. Colorado Colorado laws allow for electric scooters to ride on streets with a speed limit of 30 mph or less. eSkate Hub explains where electric skateboards are legal and where they are not. Where bike lanes exist, they are the best option for you to ride your electric skateboard and should be your first choice. You cant ride on roads with 35 mph speed limits. The closest laws for such vehicles come from Chicagos Ordinance 9-80-200. Electric scooters and skateboards in Idaho dont have clear definitions. Every city will have its ordinance for the matter. Let's translate this and see how it applies to real-life electric skateboarders. Indeed, the legal status of e skateboards mostly depends on several factors. First, who is a pedestrian? In Alaska, any motorized vehicle that is not 100% human-powered is not a bicycle under law. Coming down to the state level, the vast majority of states have not made an effort to cater for electric skateboards so well need to assume they will lean on the Federal Laws and consider them technically illegal. Thus, the state classifies e skateboards as Motor Assisted Scooters. Also, under these laws, e skateboards are described as electric personal assistive mobility devices, neighborhood electric vehicles, or motor-assisted scooters.. This has caused massive public outrage and the state government hasnt made any effort to reconsider its intentions for electric skateboard laws in New York. Overall, its illegal to ride an e skateboard in Singapore. All motor vehicles must be registered in order to be ridden on the road, and unfortunately, we are unable to register an electric skateboard due to them not meeting minimum safety and design requirements. But we know how fast technology moves- many times, it moves faster than the government can cope. Property and damage insurance may also be able to protect the electric skateboard in case of damage. The only problem is that not all roadways allow the use of electric skateboards. The license required isnt to determine competence or expertise, rather, it is for identification purposes. Evidently, the same law applies to skateboards. Motorized Skateboard Laws in California. Best Electric Skateboards 2022 [Buying Guide & Reviews] Latest articles. Electric Skateboard Laws in Illinois What we find on Reddit says, Ordinance 9-80-200 says you can't use skateboards on roadways or sidewalks in business districts. As the law states where you cant ride your electric skateboard, it can leave you searching for a place to ride. If you are a Illinois ebike commuter or trail rider, the law asks to define the class of your electric bicycle for road and trail enforcement. These boards have the same limitations as bicycles and will undergo the same treatment. Its best to refer to the local ordinance for their legality in Ohio. Grey area. It would need to follow all rules that pertain to motorcycles. Lets translate this and see how it applies to real-life electric skateboarders. The same law seems to lump together hoverboards and Segways. Lets consider one example of a past product that underwent a similar legal situation, coming off victorious. Skateboarding is prohibited at/in/around public transportation, like streetcars, cable cars, motor coaches, trolley coaches, or their stations. Riders are to follow the rules of the road. Does the law lump them together with e bikes as legal vehicles? 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.