It is illegal to ride an electric skateboard on a sidewalk or road in the business district. [5/11-1506] Illinois State Electric Bike Laws - EVELO The main highlights of the law include: The minimum age requirement for an electric skateboard rider is 16 years. featured article. A link to set a new password will be sent to your email address. There is no specific classification for electric skateboards in Texas, however, it could be argued that it comes under the legal definition of a motor-assisted scooter, in which it would be legal to ride an electric skateboard on the road under certain conditions. Riding e-scooters need users to be at least 18 years old and have a valid drivers license. Electric Skateboard Laws. Hence, it seems most European countries that dont allow e skateboards might change their policies in the future. You are expected to have lights and reflective surfaces to help you be visible to other riders. As for wearing a helmet, it says, only a scooter or electric skateboard operator who is under 19 years of age must wear a crash helmet on his or her herd (MCL 257.658(4)). In Norway, e skateboards are treated the same as bicycles; e skateboards are legal in Iceland, Switzerland, Spain, and Greece. My passion is sustainable transport and energy, and my objective is to make eDrive Planet a pillar of the electric vehicles industry with hopefully millions of site visitors each year. What are the restrictions on Motor power or throttle in Illinois? 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. Electric scooter users in New Hampshire should follow the rules of the road. In this, its possible to consider them as either motor-driven cycles or electric personal assisted mobility devices (EPAMD). 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. In the state of Alabama, there are separate laws regarding electric scooters and skateboards. Are Electric Skateboards Legal Or Not? Laws & Restrictions Skateparks are closed off and thus, there are few or no pedestrians. Generally, the law doesnt consider electric skateboards as vehicles. In addition to this, the rider may be required to have a permit. Interestingly, many e skateboard enthusiasts have noticed that law enforcers don't apply the regulations strictly. Hoosiers riding an electric foot scooter will have "all rights and duties that apply to a person operating a bicycle.". Its best to check with your locale and follow proper safety laws. In most places, the law soon permitted their use on public property. For electric skateboards, there are no clearly defined laws on the state level. They need to have a max output of 1000 W, and the rider needs to be at least 16 years old. In order to operate an electric skateboard on a public road in California, the skateboard must be: Equipped with front white light and red light or red or white reflectors on the side. According to the newest law, people are allowed to operate bicycles with the electric assist on some streets and highways in New York State. Well, it seems the law considers e skateboards as different. Can I ride an electric skateboard on the road? Does the law lump them together with e bikes as legal vehicles? Thus, anyone riding this device on public property does so at his own risk. Even so, riders should keep the safety of everyone as a top priority. Close share Copy link. The UK famously introduced restrictive laws governing the use of hoverboards and Segways. There was a motorized skateboard craze that started in the mid 1970's and this law was passed because a lot of people were riding them in the streets. By obeying all the set laws, you can ride safely while promoting the safety of pedestrians. Users of micromobility devices, including e-skateboards, are free from state fees. You cannot operate these devices on a sidewalk except as authorized by local law or ordinance. Posted on April 6, 2021 April 25, 2021 by paddywu. Florida State has stricter laws on skateboards. Riders are to follow the rules of the road. The law that outlines the road rules of bicycles and mopeds, golf carts, and other low-powered vehicles clearly places an electric skateboard in the motor-assisted scooter category. Taking these into account should keep you and everyone around you safe from harm. We will collect some of your personal data, other more detailed purposes can be viewed in our privacy policy. Electric Skateboards - Reviews | Buying Guide | Infopedia A rider of at least 16 years of age must be riding the board. Each province or municipality is, therefore, free to make its own specific laws. Its not clear whether you can ride e skateboards on bike lanes in cities like Vancouver. Bike lanes have lower speed restrictions than roads so they are safer for electric skateboard riders. E skateboard riders are only allowed to operate on highways or streets with a 35 mph speed limit. In Indiana, electric foot scooters will have to have . This law was created for electric scooters but also applies to electric skateboards. You can find me on Twitter or LinkedIn, or contact me directly. Undoubtedly, the making of laws governing operations of the electric skateboard is something relatively new. These factors include the place (where) the rider uses them, how fast the rider is riding his skateboard, and how fast the skateboard can actually move. If caught, you can have your skateboard confiscated; you may be fined for the offense. As to specific questions, you may feel a little weird since the rules in Michigan are kind of different from the former two states. The closest rules classify them as mopeds but miss critical requirements. The only problem is that not all roadways allow the use of electric skateboards. Is it Legal to Use E Skateboards in Europe? Why? As per law, they should not exceed 20 mph (32 km/h) with 750 W or less in power. Consult forums like Reddit or eSK8 Builder to learn what others say about the latest legal developments. The state fosters riders to exercise the utmost care and sound safety judgments on the road. Now he is exploring more exercise categories and trying different exercise equipment. In this blog, we'll bring your informative content about means of urban mobility! This makes insurance a major need, but it still isnt available as of yet. He loves running, gym work out and travelling. Exercising caution is the best course of action. Thus, while there is no official insurance for electric skateboards, there are things you can do. Arizona has laxer but well-defined laws for electric skateboards and scooters. California Motorized Skateboard Law Summary: Motorized skateboards are not allowed on public roads, sidewalks, bike paths, or hiking trails in California. With new technology also comes newer regulations that ensure everyone is safe. 1-117.7 as electric personal assistive mobility devices. My goal is to provide you with clear, honest information about electric transport, innovations, and regulations in different countries, to make our common dream true. But all is not lost. They need to abide by local traffic laws and should only park in areas that dont impede traffic. 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. Just like the UK, Canada has no explicit nationwide laws governing e skateboard use. Penalties for skateboarding violations include warnings, fines, and (in rare cases) arrest charges. For electric skateboards, there is no specific legislation for this device. Please note: The information below should not be considered legal advice. Illinois Bike Laws - Ride Illinois - Ride Illinois Electric scooters and skateboards are catching up in use and value. Be careful, though; the absence of such laws doesnt mean youre free to use them-indeed, its often the opposite: Skateboards are technically illegal. All riders need to have a helmet and should stay away from bike paths and sidewalks. In that scenario, riding an electric skateboard street is legal by following the same rules as pedestrians from using sidewalks, following red lights, and passing from the pedestrian crossing. For the residents of Illinois or those visiting the state, youll want to know what the law says on the matter. Albuquerque, for example, requires users below 18 years old to use helmets. Do this well before buying or building your skateboard. Moped laws require users to have a drivers license or a motorcycle permit. Federal laws defer to states and even city laws to exercise regulation of low-power electric vehicles. Can You Legally Use E Skateboards in California? Note that all skateboard riders must yield the right of way to other pedestrians. The exceptions to this include: Delaware law also puts further statutes for its use with careless operation in both private and public places. (All Tesla Cars Compared). Electrical engineer, I have a passion for technology in general and modern urban mobility in particular. As for electric skateboards, they qualify under RIGL 31-1-3. Yes, electric skateboards are legal in California as long as they meet certain criteria. Even then, there are reports of users receiving no problems when using them on bicycle lanes. 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. And at the Federal level, the situation isnt much different. About Latest Posts Eddie Founder at Skateboardgeek Anyone below 16 years old may not use such vehicles. Tennessees SB1107 is looking to amend current legislation. You can only ride on roads that have a speed limit of 35mph or less. All other bicycle laws apply. Its best to follow rules of the road and refer to any city ordinance if there are any. 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. There are no Federal laws that either allow or limit the use of eboards. Will My Hoverboard Blow Up? We are world leading NTC Thermistor and Temperature Probe manufacturer. Oklahoma does not have state laws that abide by electric scooters and skateboards. Why? And these boards have the same limitations as bicycles and undergo the same treatment. Find out more about eskate laws in the US. Apart from Austria and Turkey, other European nations dont have explicitly restrictive laws to limit the use of such vehicles; the law often bundles skateboards with Segways and hoverboards and treats them as such. Every city is considering a pilot program to understand its impact. Oregon has specific requirements for using electric scooters. The Missouri State Highway Patrol states that electric scooter riders need a valid drivers license. Here are 14 Must-Have Accessories, How to Choose the Safest Lights for Your Electric Bike or Scooter. Cities, however, have the power to override the law as needed. Can I ride an electric skateboard on the road? Its best to exercise common sense safety and follow the rules of the road. Regardless, your skateboard is unlikely to qualify for registration or insurance as a vehicle. So, the million-dollar question is, are electric skateboards legal in Illinois?. The license required isnt to determine competence or expertise, rather, it is for identification purposes. For nighttime use, they should have the necessary front lights and rear reflectors. It would need to follow all rules that pertain to motorcycles. Its best to go around cities with safety and respect for road rules in mind. 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. Take care not to travel alongside more than one pedestrian wherever you can legally ride. The top speed should be no more than 30 mph (48 km/h), and the user should have a valid license. Thus, skateboarders, highway construction workers, and ordinary pedestrians are collectively known as pedestrians. Yes, you need a license to operate an electric skateboard in Illinois (source). It is illegal and extremely dangerous to skateboard at 30km/h on a sidewalk. Split down the middle by the vast Rocky Mountains and jam-packed with national parks, Colorado is a rad place to ride an electric skateboard. However, Australia treats e skateboards differently- the law considers them the same as motorized or regular scooters- but e skateboard riders are considered pedestrians, not riders. You cant ride on roads with 35 mph speed limits. This means you can ride your electric skateboard on roads and sidewalks as long as it's not in the business district . For one, the state defines electric scooters as motor-driven vehicles. There have been incidents in Texas where police have not acted favourably towards people riding electric skateboards. These include using them only on bike lanes with a max allowed speed of 15 mph (24 km/h). They are only allowed to ride on private land. Neither Lumbuy nor its authors are liable for incomplete or incorrect information. This does not mean that the absence of the law means that they are allowed, its actually the opposite. Electric Skateboard Laws USA - Where Are They Legal? - eSkate Hub 41 Sc 12 Provision 4198N, Electric scooters and skateboards in Idaho, electric personal assistive mobility devices, specific rules about electric skateboards, A self-balancing vehicle with two non-tandem wheels, Has a top speed less than 15 mph (24 km/h), A valid drivers license or instruction permit, A fastened helmet for anyone under 18 years old, Travel by carrying a cargo that hampers the riders ability to hold the handlebars, On the highway with chopper-style handlebars above the shoulder line, On roads with posted speeds higher than 25 mph (40 km/h) unless in, The rider should be 16 years old or above, Not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Riding on roads with a speed limit under 35 mph (56 km/h), The board should have an average power of 1000 watts or less, Prohibited to ride in public property more than 15 mph (24 km/h), At night, the rider or the board must have a white front headlight, yellow side reflectors, and red reflectors on the rear, A seat height not less than 26 inches (66 cm), Special events with prearranged schedules under permit from the government, With a motor with a maximum output of 750 W, Uses handlebars and floorboards that the rider stands on, Powered by an electric motor no faster than 20 mph (32 km/h), Are not motor-driven cycles, motor vehicle, or motorcycle, One headlamp and rear lamp during nighttime use, Floorboard designed no more than 60 x 18 inches (76.2 x 45.7 cm), An electric propulsion system no more than 2500 watts, Maximum speed no more than 25 mph (40 km/h), At least two wheels in contact to the ground, Either handlebars and deck design for one person to stand on or handlebars with a seat, Anyone below 14 years old should have immediate supervision of a person at least 18 years old, Usability in highways with speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h), Use in crosswalks for the sake of crossing. Electric skateboards that go under 20 mph are under the definition of bicycles. (g) and 31-1-3.(s). They also need to wear approved helmets for crash protection. Interestingly, some say that the Florida authorities dont enforce the law whenever they spot anyone using the e skateboard- instead, they seem to consider e skateboards as safe to use. So far, there are only a few cities and towns that are considering electric micromobility. Utahs 2019 SB0139 lists electric scooters as motor-assisted scooters. It is however worth noting that speed limits on roads are higher than that allowed for electric skateboards. Some of the licenses that can serve in this capacity include a drivers license and state identification. Users should wear bicycle helmets and cannot exceed 20 mph (32 km/h). But if you want to read about the regulations you can check out Bill AB-604 Electrically motorized boards (2015-2016). On a state level, they fall under motorized non-standard vehicles and are not for use in roadways. San Antonio, Austin, Houston, and Corpus Christi have their pilot programs and local laws too. For e-skateboards, Traffic Code 76.03 asks riders to follow local ordinance laws for their use. Tennessee is in its pilot program for electric scooters and is initiating legislation for the vehicles. In 2017 the law allowed e skateboard riders in Singapore to operate on footpaths and cycle paths. Electric scooters in South Carolina qualify as e-bike per their wattage and power. The electric skateboard cannot have more 2,500W of power and must only transport one person at a time. However, you must follow the basic safety rules while you are riding your electric skateboard on the sidewalk to avoid any unwanted accidents. However, there are several places in the US where the law allows you to ride your e skateboard without a hassle. For any type of vehicle to be permitted on the road, it needs to adhere to a minimum set of design standards, which electric skateboards, unfortunately, do not meet. When riding on the sidewalk, you must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian and you must give an audible signal before overtaking and passing the pedestrian.. Do you recognize that electrically motorized skateboards and motorized skateboards arent the same thing? The nearest definition lumps them in with motorized personal mobility devices. And at the same time, there is a law about all EPAMD (electric personal assistive mobility devices), presenting these devices can be used: In practice, the regulation of electric skateboards in Michigan is referred to as the law of electric scooters. However, you must be careful while riding and stay humble if cops stop you. In the darkness, equip your board with a front white headlight, yellow reflectors on the side, and equip riders with a red reflector on the rear. The code defines EPAMDs as a self-balancing 2-non tandem-wheeled device. Of course, that doesnt describe a skateboard. Don't cross the 15 mph speed limit and be sure to use the brakes when you need it. Note that this code applies only to Segways. 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. To sum up the laws in Seattle on electric skateboards: What we find on Reddit says, Ordinance 9-80-200 says you cant use skateboards on roadways or sidewalks in business districts. However, the rules governing e skateboard use are still a little confusing. Are Electric Skateboards Legal in US? It is up to the local city council to provide local city ordinances. However, there are a handful of places in America where you can legally ride your electric skateboard, which I outline a little further below. While there are bills that are set to streamline electric scooter use in Massachusetts, there are no strong legislations that provide clear laws for or against them. Every city will have a different ordinance for each. Its best to use your e-scooters with caution as much as you can. While they dont need registration and titling, the rider needs to have insurance. You could also go to the police dept, and if you are very respectful and ask in the very nicest way you may also get some . There are also no set rules about electric skateboards in Massachusetts on a state-level. It requires riders to have drivers licenses and be rideable on sidewalks and streets. You are still expected to ride at reasonable speeds to prevent any hazards. Electric Skateboard Colorado: the local scene - Evolve Skateboards USA deep and 18 inch. Your email address will not be published. Try to adhere to the laws. First, onewheel laws-related questions. Are electric skateboards allowed on planes, etc? But make no mistake about this- electric skateboards are still illegal in the UK. Electric skateboarding is still a relatively new thing and its only just starting to hit the mainstream now and as we already know, technology moves a lot faster than governments do and so, we are now stuck at a point where eskaters are waiting for the laws to catch up. Also, you cannot ride on a one-way road with multiple unmarked lanes- neither can you ride them on the road at night. In fact, the Washington State laws consider anyone riding a skateboard as a pedestrian. Motorized Scooter, Bicycle, Tricycle, Skateboard, and Moped Laws There are two exceptions to the rule, as per Clause 12. Police are lenient towards electric skateboards because lawyers can invoke the freedom of movement clause. Overall, since e skateboards are not designed with a place to attach reflective lights (like bicycles), it means you cant ride at night. The use of electric skateboards is increasing daily and it seems like a fun activity. There are no laws in Illinois prohibiting electric skateboard use. They have the full rights applicable to a pedestrian. 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? In Maryland, electric scooters are under the same definition as a bicycle for Maryland vehicle laws. Riders can use bicycle paths, trails, or bikeways but not sidewalks. Electric skateboards have specific rules in every city and subject to city ordinance. Are E-skateboards Legal in America? Electric Skateboard Laws Sign up to get access to exclusive discounts and the latest electric skateboard news and reviews. Electric skateboards are illegal on public roads and sidewalks. As such, they have the same rights and responsibilities as users of a bike. Even then, the license plate clause doesnt have to enable legislation, keeping the law murky. 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. How to Identify the Best Electric Skateboards on the Market. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, you cannot register an e skateboard. Thus, a board that can travel faster is not subject to these laws. Nevertheless, other products successfully faced the hurdle; theres no reason it should be different for the skateboard. Evidently, the same law applies to skateboards. Youve got a relative or a friend who loves riding scooters or electric scooters. Take a look at our comprehensive list and make sure to follow them when you get out. The state encourages the use of helmets, and e-scooters should park in bicycle parking areas. Their operating rules are similar to bicycles, banning operation on sidewalks as per MN 169.225. The law explicitly prohibits this, but only in the business districts.