Introduction
Electric scooters are a growing trend in urban transportation. As more people use them, it's important to understand the laws that apply to riding electric scooters in bike lanes. This blog post will examine the legality of riding electric scooters in bike lanes and what you can do to stay safe on the road.
General Rules and Regulations for Electric Scooters
Electric scooters are defined as "a wheeled device that has handlebars and is designed to be stood upon by the operator, powered by an electric motor and with a maximum speed of 20 mph." This definition includes both e-bikes and other micro-mobility devices like Segways.
Electric scooters are subject to the same traffic laws as bicycles, including riding in bike lanes when available. However, they are not required to have lights or reflectors at night time if they don't meet certain requirements (more on this later). They also do not require registration or insurance because they're considered low-speed vehicles under state law.
The main difference between an electric scooter vs ebike is that e-bikes can reach speeds up to 28 miles per hour (mph) while most electric scooters max out at 20 mph or less--so keep this in mind when deciding which one would work best for your commute!
Electric Scooter Use in Bike Lanes: Legalities and Exceptions
The legality of riding electric scooters in bike lanes varies by country, state and city. In some places, you can ride your electric scooter on the sidewalk with no restrictions. In others, you may have to follow certain rules or restrictions depending on your age and where you live.
In general:
If you're over 18 years old (or 16 if accompanied by an adult), then it's legal for you to ride your electric scooter on the street as long as there aren't any signs prohibiting it from doing so--and even then it's still often okay!
If under 18 years old (or 16 if accompanied by an adult), then check local laws regarding whether or not minors are allowed to use motorized vehicles such as e-bikes or hoverboards before riding them anywhere other than private property like your home or school grounds where there aren't any signs prohibiting them from doing so either!
Best Practices for Riding Electric Scooters in Bike Lanes
Be aware of the laws in your state.
Ride with care and follow the rules of the road.
Learn how to use different types of bike lanes and infrastructure, such as shared lanes (sharrows), buffered bike lanes, protected cycle tracks and more.
If you're riding an electric scooter that doesn't have lights or reflectors on it, consider adding them yourself so you can be seen by other drivers at night or during bad weather conditions.
Alternatives to Bike Lanes for Electric Scooter Riders
If you're a rider who uses an electric scooter, you may be wondering whether it's legal for you to ride in bike lanes. The answer depends on where you live and how your city has chosen to regulate the use of these vehicles.
In many places, electric scooters are prohibited from riding in bike lanes--but there are some exceptions. For example:
In some cities (like Los Angeles), e-scooters are allowed on bike paths and multi-use trails but not in roadways with speed limits higher than 25 miles per hour or with more than two lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions.* In other areas (like San Francisco), local governments have designated certain streets as "scooter routes" where e-vehicles can travel safely without interfering with cars or pedestrians.* And then there are still other municipalities that have not yet passed any laws regarding this issue whatsoever.*
Consequences of Riding Electric Scooters in Bike Lanes Illegally
Legal penalties and fines. If you are caught riding your electric scooter in a bike lane, you may be issued a traffic ticket for violating the law. The fine for this offense depends on where you live but can range from $50 to $200.
Safety risks for scooter riders and other road users. Riding an electric scooter in a bike lane puts both yourself and others at risk of injury or death because it reduces visibility between vehicles on the road and pedestrians who are using their bikes as transportation around town.
Public perception and reputation of electric scooter riders: Many people believe that it's dangerous to ride these vehicles on sidewalks or streets because they don't know how fast they go (up to 20 mph) or how much room they take up when parked at intersections or crosswalks--making them difficult obstacles for pedestrians trying to get across safely without being hit by cars!
Staying Informed About Electric Scooter Laws and Regulations
To stay up-to-date on the latest laws and regulations, you can:
Read your state's traffic laws. This is a good place to start if you're interested in learning more about electric scooters, as they will often include specific rules for these vehicles.
Engage with local communities and advocacy groups. Electric scooter riders are often very active on social media platforms such as Twitter or Reddit where they discuss legal issues related to riding their vehicles. They may also be able to provide insight into what types of changes are being made at the city level regarding traffic laws governing e-scooters (for example, some cities have banned them from bike lanes).
Be responsible when riding your electric skateboard or hoverboard! The best way to ensure that everyone stays safe while enjoying this new form of transportation is by following all applicable traffic laws when using one yourself--and making sure others do too!