Electric Scooter Laws and Regulations Around the World

Electric scooter law is a patchwork. Some countries treat private e-scooters like bicycles with a speed cap; some allow them only on private land; many delegate the detail to states, provinces and cities, and most have changed their rules at least once in the last five years. This overview summarises the position in several major markets with references to official sources. It is general information, not legal advice, and it will go out of date: always check the current rules for the exact place you ride.

Overview written November 3, 2026. Rules change frequently; the official sources linked below are the authority, not this article.

United Kingdom

Privately owned e-scooters are classed as “powered transporters” and may only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission. Riding one on public roads, cycle lanes or pavements is illegal; only rental scooters in government-approved trial areas may be used on roads. Source: GOV.UK, “Powered transporters” guidance (www.gov.uk/government/publications/powered-transporters).

Germany

E-scooters have been legal on public roads since June 2019 under the Elektrokleinstfahrzeuge-Verordnung (eKFV). Vehicles need a general operating permit (ABE) and an insurance plate, are limited to 20 km/h, must use cycle paths where available, and riders must be at least 14. Source: eKFV, published at gesetze-im-internet.de.

France

Décret n° 2019-1082 of October 2019 brought “engins de déplacement personnel motorisés” into the Code de la route: 25 km/h maximum, cycle paths or roads limited to 50 km/h, no pavements, one rider, lights and a horn required. The minimum age was raised from 12 to 14 in September 2023. Source: Légifrance and the French government’s service-public.fr pages on trottinettes électriques.

United States

There is no federal rule; states and cities decide. California defines “motorized scooters” in Vehicle Code §21235 and surrounding sections (helmet required under 18, no riding over 15 mph, use of bike lanes). New York State legalised e-scooters in 2020 with a 15 mph limit and lets localities opt in or out; New York City adopted its own rules in 2020. Many cities add their own restrictions. Sources: California Legislative Information (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov); New York State DMV and NYC DOT pages on e-scooters.

Australia

Rules are set by state. Queensland permitted private e-scooters in 2018 with speed limits by path type; Victoria legalised private e-scooters on roads and paths in 2024 after a trial; New South Wales has allowed only shared-scheme trials and continues to review private use. Source: each state’s transport department website (e.g. Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, VicRoads/Transport Victoria, Transport for NSW).

Netherlands

Only e-scooters type-approved by the RDW (as a “bijzondere bromfiets” or under the newer light electric vehicle framework) may be used on public roads; most imported private scooters are not approved. Source: RDW (rdw.nl) and the Dutch government’s pages on elektrische steps.

Singapore

Motorised personal mobility devices have been banned from footpaths since November 2019 and may be used only on cycling paths. Devices must be UL2272-certified, registered with the Land Transport Authority, and riders must pass an online theory test. Source: LTA (lta.gov.sg) “Active Mobility” rules.

Japan

Since July 2023, e-scooters meeting the “specified small motorised bicycle” (特定小型原動機付自転車) class — 20 km/h maximum, size limits, required lights and indicators — may be ridden by anyone 16 or over without a licence, with helmets recommended. Non-compliant scooters remain classed as mopeds. Source: National Police Agency of Japan (npa.go.jp).

Common threads

• Speed caps of 20–25 km/h are the norm where private scooters are allowed; 32 km/h is rare and mostly North American.
• Pavement riding is almost universally prohibited.
• Minimum ages of 14–16, lights and a bell or horn are common requirements.
• High-power dual-motor scooters generally exceed public-road limits everywhere and are sold for private-land use.

Before buying, check the rules for your city as well as your country, and buy the speed and power that fit them. We sell every scooter on the understanding that the rider will use it lawfully.