For electric skateboards, there are no clear, defined laws or any legislation in Louisiana. There may be ways to get around this as medical insurance can cover any medical expenses. The majority of states in the US have not yet legalized electric skateboards. In the state of Alabama, there are separate laws regarding electric scooters and skateboards. So, in a way, you can ride your device as long as you do not infringe on others property. An electric skateboard cannot be driven at more than 25 mph. As per law, they should not exceed 20 mph (32 km/h) with 750 W or less in power. Many allow e-skateboarders to ride their devices on sidewalks and bike paths. On a cycle path, the limit is 25 km/h. It defines them as: Motor assisted scooters are available for ages 18 and above and can pass areas where laws allow bicycles. This can include skateboarding on public sidewalks, streets, and parks in states like New York, Alabama, and Florida. The new Illinois ebike law will define a statewide mandate for clearly labeling the classification of all pedal assist bicycles operated in the state of Illinois that are purchased after January 1 2018. At that time, some slapped gas engines on skateboards. They are not available for use on sidewalks or public walkways. Electric skateboards . Gift ideas for electric scooter and kick scooter riders. Right now, both e-scooters and e-skateboards are new technology. In British Columbia, e skateboards are illegal and cannot be insured. Electric skaeboards are a recent trend, it is expected to make law sshould be managing their use in public places. 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.. Cities, however, have the power to override the law as needed. They are unusable in sidewalks and can go to most areas allowed for bicycles. Which Tesla Is the Best for Me? In Georgia, there are no clear, defined laws that refer to electric scooters and skateboards. North Carolina does not have specific legislation about electric scooters and skateboards. Under MVC Section 257.13f, they define both as: They are usable only on streets and highways with a speed limit of 25 mph (40 km/h). Overall, e skateboards arent yet street legal in much of Europe. While they dont need registration and titling, the rider needs to have insurance. To help make the decision easier, here are some of the most common places electric skateboarders use. Can You Legally Use E Skateboards in California? Ill spare you the history and the nitty-gritty of the law because it is quite long and I spent many hours trying to decipher all the legal speak. No person shall ride a motorized vehicle including skateboard on any brickwork, cobblestone or ornamental surface, picnic table, tennis court, fountain area, planter, or sculpture located in a Park. E-scooters are termed "low-speed electric scooters" and follow the same rules as bicycles. There are no definite rules for electric skateboards, so its best to refer to your local city ordinance. Overall, e skateboards fall in the same category as Segways and hoverboards- thus, they are illegal when used on public property within the UK. Also, in many countries, the law recognizes disabled persons who use self-propelled tricycles, wheelchairs, or quadricycles as pedestrians. But if you want to read about the regulations you can check out Bill AB-604 Electrically motorized boards (2015-2016). There is no requirement to use an electric skateboard on a road with a speed limit of less than 35 mph. So far, there are only a few cities and towns that are considering electric micromobility. But all is not lost. Virginia Code 46.2-908.1 specifies ground rules with both electric scooters and skateboards. Different states have particular rules towards this new toy, or even if there are no exact regulations of electric skateboards, some similar laws might apply to electric skateboards. In many places, the law prohibits skateboard riders from crossing the road (except when they cross a street). In fact, the Washington State laws consider anyone riding a skateboard as a pedestrian. If necessary, seek legal advice to ensure you obey the law the right way. So, the legal definition of a skateboard considerably limits where you can use it. A valid state ID card may suffice in this capacity. Albuquerque, for example, requires users below 18 years old to use helmets. Omaha follows rules of the road and is strict in its implementation. The only problem is that not all roadways allow the use of electric skateboards. However, you must follow the basic safety rules while you are riding your electric skateboard on the sidewalk to avoid any unwanted accidents. The minimum operator age is 12 years old. The authorities in Texas have laws that regulate electric skateboards just as bicycles and mopeds are regulated. With electric skateboards being a headache for many local departments, there is a new emerging device, which is known as onewheel electric skateboard. Other counties and states may have different laws on the use of skateboards. Well, the question is more complex than youd think. Its best to still follow common-sense safety and traffic laws in your area. However, there isnt a special license for electric skateboard riders. There have been incidents in Texas where police have not acted favourably towards people riding electric skateboards. The way bike lanes are set up in the city, it would be difficult to use a skateboard for transportation and comply with the ordinance. There are no clear lines where electric skateboards go in New Yorks legislature. Colorado Colorado laws allow for electric scooters to ride on streets with a speed limit of 30 mph or less. Further, you cant ride your board at public schools, state parks, state colleges & universities, airports & county parks, and several other places. You cannot operate these devices on a sidewalk except as authorized by local law or ordinance. Their top speed should cap at 15 mph (24 km/h), and any rider under 18 years old should wear a helmet. Is it Legal to Use E Skateboards in Europe? Electric scooters have no clear definition under West Virginia law. Florida law also requires all motor vehicles to be legally operated and registered. Interestingly, some law enforcers ignore e skateboard riders (unless they act recklessly or endanger order). Las Vegas, in particular, defines micromobility devices as electric personal assistive mobility devices. Then I searched Portland Government and got the rules in the following: As to those states not presenting apparent rules and regulations towards electric skateboards, where rules are not obvious, device operators shall at least follow the common sense of the motorized bicycles. There are two exceptions to the rule, as per Clause 12. Are you wondering if electric skateboards can go uphill? 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. People are only allowed to ride on the sidewalk where there is a high-density area. We have the link to theAB-604file, if you want to know more about this, please check the paper. Police are lenient towards electric skateboards because lawyers can invoke the freedom of movement clause. Electric scooters, e-bikes, and mopeds are under the category of motor-driven cycles. Under local DMV laws, users would need a motorcycle license with a B-restriction. Illinois Laws for Mopeds, Scooters and Electric Bicycles You'll typically need to register and insure scooters and mopeds, but not motorized bikes. They will go on roadways instead of sidewalks and will adjust legislation as it goes by. About Latest Posts Eddie Founder at Skateboardgeek As to specific questions, you may feel a little weird since the rules in Michigan are kind of different from the former two states. However, they can be pushed if they're in neutral mode or if their drive train is disengaged. In this light, anyone using an e skateboard anywhere within the US must carefully adhere to a minimum set of standards touching on design; again, note that most e skateboards fall short on this. If you cannot attach the lights to your electric skateboard, you can attach it or hang it on yourself. 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. The UK famously introduced restrictive laws governing the use of hoverboards and Segways. Using e-skates on public roads or streets for the first time can lead to fines amounting to $115. It is a constitutional right of all Americans. Electric scooters classify as mopeds under South Dakota Law. Does the law lump them together with e bikes as legal vehicles? Texas has no statewide legislation regarding electric scooters and skateboards. In Finland, the law requires e skateboard riders to register the vehicles; it also requires them to insure the boards as light motorcycles (classified according to their speed). Bonjorno, Italy legalised electric skateboards. 06 Apr. On a sidewalk, if the person operating the device yields the right-of-way to pedestrians and gives an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian. This subjects users to the same rights as bicycle users around the state. Electric scooter users in New Hampshire should follow the rules of the road. This can help prevent any possible issues with other pedestrians. Now, electric scooters should be used on roadways, regulated and riders should face the same consequences for traffic violations as anyone else using the road on a bicycle or electric bicycle. For the residents of Illinois or those visiting the state, youll want to know what the law says on the matter. Before buying one, consider several things. Electric skateboards are permitted on roads with speed limits of up to 50 km/h, but their own top speed is prohibited at 25 km/h (15 mph), and they must have lights and reflectors. Once passed, the bill will set electric scooters with the same laws as bicycles. Motor vehicles are also not allowed to be operated on footpaths or in bike lanes. At an intersection, to cross a road or street even if the road or street has a posted speed limit of more than 25 miles per hour. You can, however, cross a street at an intersection with a higher speed limit as long as you dont go down the street. Penalties for skateboarding violations include warnings, fines, and (in rare cases) arrest charges. You are expected to have lights and reflective surfaces to help you be visible to other riders. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year (more than Hawaii does), outdoor activities are part of the Centennial State's lifestyle. Overall, Florida classifies the e skateboard as a vehicle but fails to provide a way to register it as such. The Power of your board shall be an average of 1000 watts or less. With new technology also comes newer regulations that ensure everyone is safe. Hope we share the same hobby and communicate with each other. Considering this, make sure youre acquainted with local laws governing the use of skateboards in your country. Its best to follow rules of the road or local ordinance if available. Some places, like Cincinnati, outright bans e-skateboards. Wet Weather FAQ, Electric Scooter Motors Guide: Everything You Need to Know, How to Fix an Electric Scooter: A Troubleshooting Guide, The Electric Scooter Suspension: What Is It and How to Maintain It, How to Select the Best Off-Road Electric Scooter in Town. Federal laws defer to states and even city laws to exercise regulation of low-power electric vehicles. It is illegal and extremely dangerous to skateboard at 30km/h on a sidewalk. Currently, the Illinois Vehicle Code provides some guidance regarding e-bikes. However, there are a handful of places in America where you can legally ride your electric skateboard, which I outline a little further below. The exact definition lists them: The exact law neither underscores nor defines rules for electric skateboards and scooters. The state fosters riders to exercise the utmost care and sound safety judgments on the road. Minnesota defines e-scooters as motorized foot scooters and classifies e-skateboards under the umbrella. I have a background in electrical engineering and I was interested into technology since my early age. 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. As weve noted, many states have not made laws touching on the use of skateboards. They are only usable on bike lanes and should follow the rules of the road. All riders need to have a helmet and should stay away from bike paths and sidewalks. Yes, the e skateboard is traveling familiar legal territory. Riders should follow rules of the road, go slow, and wear a helmet. Lets translate this and see how it applies to real-life electric skateboarders. You cannot ride on public property at more than 15 mph. He loves running, gym work out and travelling. So below I have outlined a few states in which electric skateboarding is legal. Don't cross the 15 mph speed limit and be sure to use the brakes when you need it. They also need appropriate lights or reflective markings as warning devices. Its best to refer to the local ordinance for their legality in Ohio. 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. Take care not to travel alongside more than one pedestrian wherever you can legally ride. With such measures, accident levels are reduced and public safety is maintained. I want to keep updating this post to cover each individual state, but as you can imagine, that is a ton of work, so, keep checking back to see if your state has been added. featured article. They are under the umbrella of motorized scooters and operable only with a drivers license. Anyone below 16 years old may not use such vehicles. A rider of at least 16 years of age must be riding the board. Before HB19-1221 became the law, the toy vehicles could only be operated on sidewalks. Users of micromobility devices, including e-skateboards, are free from state fees. There are also no clear legislations about electric skateboards in West Virginia. You can only ride on roads that have a speed limit of 35mph or less. Figuring out the rules is not only to our benefit but also to those who dont know about this product but come across it. A person may operate a Class electric bicycle only if he or she is 16 years. Paddy is a sport enthusiast. Wisconsin passed 2019 Senate Bill 159 that treats e-scooters like a bicycle. When crossing, follow the rule of the right of way. If you must use your skateboard, do so discreetly without endangering public order or causing damages. According to the newest law, people are allowed to operate bicycles with the electric assist on some streets and highways in New York State. 1 attorney answer. Safety reminder: Always wear your helmet while riding a skateboard. This law was created for electric scooters but also applies to electric skateboards. They need to abide by local traffic laws and should only park in areas that dont impede traffic. Electric skateboards dont have any specific regulations and are subject to local state ordinances. 18 Fastest Electric Skateboards You Can Buy Today, Best Mini Electric Skateboards & Penny Boards, Best Electric Skateboards For Kids and Teenagers, Best Electric Skateboard DIY Conversion Kits, The Best Electric Skateboards Australia in 2023, Best Electric Skateboards Amazon Has To Offer, The 10 Best Electric Skateboard Lights in 2023, The 5 Best Snowboard Helmets with Bluetooth and Audio, Are Electric Skateboards Worth It? link to Gift ideas for electric scooter and kick scooter riders. electric skateboard laws illinoisjogging in the park logic grid answer key. Section 2068 Electric personal assistive mobility devices; regulations, 2011 Florida Statutes: Electric scooters and bicycles and other unregistered vehicles, New York State: HB19-1221 Regulation of electric scooters, Colorado: Chapter 311 Skateboards and scooters, City of Springfield, MA. There are specific requirements for motorized scooters, including: For electric skateboards, AB604 defines the limitations when using the micromobility vehicle. There are no specific rules about electric skateboards. Electric skateboards that go under 20 mph are under the definition of bicycles. They also need to wear approved helmets for crash protection. Consider these essential points: Does the law allow you to ride an e skateboard on public roads? It states that any roller skates, coaster, or toy vehicles should stay on sidewalks. They have their restrictions as underscored by HRC 291C-134.5. Alaska Statute 28.90.990 considers them as scooters and are not for use in sidewalks, bike paths, and recreational trails.