E-Scooter Regulations & Road Safety by Country/Region (2025 Guide)

Last updated: August 15, 2025

Quick note: Rules change often. Therefore, use this guide as a starting point and, afterwards, confirm details with your local authority.

Why e-scooter rules matter
Europe
North America
Asia–Pacific
Middle East
Common equipment & behavior rules
Road-safety playbook
At-a-glance checklist
FAQ

Why e-scooter rules matter (and what varies most)

E-scooters are now common in many cities. Even so, the laws are not the same everywhere. As a result, riders should learn the basics before they roll out. Most differences fall into a few buckets. First, some places allow riding in bike lanes and on roads, yet others still allow certain footpaths. Second, top speeds vary, usually between 15–25 km/h (9–16 mph). Third, age and licence rules change by location. In addition, a few countries ask for insurance or a small plate. Finally, most places expect lights, reflectors, and a bell, especially at night.

Because these points affect safety, good riders stay predictable. Moreover, they signal early, keep speeds in check, and give people walking plenty of room. In short, know the rule, ride with care, and you will avoid most trouble.

Europe

France

Minimum age: 14+
Top speed: 25 km/h
Where to ride: bike lanes and, when signed, some roads; sidewalks are generally off-limits
Equipment: front and rear lights, reflectors, and a bell; high-vis is wise at night
Penalties: fines for sidewalk use, illegal speed, or de-restricted devices

Safety tip: Ride like a cyclist. Additionally, hold a straight line in bike lanes, and, whenever it is dark or rainy, switch on your lights and slow down.

Germany

Framework: eKFV (small electric vehicles)
Top speed: 20 km/h
Minimum age: 14+
Where to ride: bike lanes/paths first; otherwise the road; sidewalks are not allowed
Insurance: required liability policy with an insurance plate/sticker
Helmet: not mandatory, yet strongly encouraged

Safety tip: Before you ride, check lights and brakes. Furthermore, keep proof of insurance with you, since police often ask for it.

Spain

Vehicle class: VMP (personal mobility vehicle)
Speed: 25 km/h limit
Certification: national VMP certificate already required on new sales; it becomes mandatory on the road for all e-scooters by 2027
Local rules: cities add parking zones, age limits, and extra fines

Safety tip: Check your model’s certificate. Otherwise, you may face impound or a ticket, especially in larger cities.

Italy

Helmet: required for all riders
Insurance & plate: liability insurance and a small plate are mandatory
Where: urban roads up to 50 km/h; many cycle and pedestrian areas are restricted
Parking: tighter curb-side rules, plus more tow-away zones

Safety tip: Do not assume access to bike lanes. Instead, read local signs, carry your documents, and, whenever possible, choose calm streets.

United Kingdom

Private e-scooters: not legal on public roads or pavements (outside trials)
Rental trials: approved schemes with set zones, caps, and parking rules; geofencing is common

Safety tip: In trial cities, use only hire scooters and stay within the marked area. Otherwise, keep private riding on private land.

Sweden

Minimum age: 15+ on public roads
Helmet: mandatory under 15; recommended for others
Where: bike lanes and roads as signed; sidewalks are usually not allowed

Safety tip: Winter brings ice and slush. Therefore, lower your speed, increase your gap, and avoid sudden moves.

North America

United States (varies by state and city)

California (statewide)

Max speed: 15 mph
Sidewalks: not allowed; use bike lanes/paths where signed
Licence: driver’s licence or permit required
Helmet: required under 18; recommended for adults
Riders: one person only

Safety tip: Stop at stop signs, yield to people walking, and, in addition, avoid weaving between parked cars.

New York City

Legal status: personal e-scooters are allowed
Max speed: 15 mph
Where: bike lanes and streets with limits up to 30 mph; sidewalks are off-limits
Helmet: ages 16–17 must wear one; adults should as well

Safety tip: At busy junctions, slow early. Moreover, do not pass buses on the right at stops, since riders can get squeezed.

Canada

Québec

Minimum age: 14+
Helmet: mandatory
Max speed: 25 km/h
Where: roads with limits up to 50 km/h and signed paths; sidewalks are not allowed

Ontario

Provincial pilot: cities choose whether to opt in
Local rules: speed caps, age limits, helmet rules, and sidewalk bans vary by city

Safety tip: Check your city by-law as well as the provincial program. Otherwise, you may ride legally in one town and not in the next.

Asia–Pacific

Singapore

Framework: Active Mobility Act
Where: motorized PMDs are banned on footpaths; use cycling/shared paths where allowed
Speeds: up to 25 km/h on cycling/shared paths
Enforcement: strict; fines and impound are possible

Safety tip: Ring your bell before passing. Likewise, slow to jogging pace around families, pets, and seniors.

Japan

New class (2023): some small scooters can be ridden without a licence if they meet set limits
Age: 16+ for this class
Other models: outside the class, you follow moped-like rules and need a licence
Sidewalks: generally not allowed unless signs say otherwise

Safety tip: Ride with traffic, follow signals, and, when unsure, stay off the sidewalk.

Australia

Victoria

Helmet: mandatory
Age: 16+
Top speed: 20 km/h
Where: shared paths and, when allowed, roads up to 60 km/h; footpaths are usually restricted

Queensland

Framework: PMDs recognized with clear gear and behavior rules
Helmet: mandatory
Checks: police watch for speed, lights, and safe passing

Safety tip: Night riding needs bright lights and reflectors. Additionally, keep your speed down near bars and nightlife areas.

New Zealand

Status: low-powered vehicles
Helmet: not required by law, yet wise
Where: roads (keep near the edge) and footpaths with care; cycle lanes are usually off-limits

Safety tip: On footpaths, ride at walking pace and, before passing, call out or ring your bell.

Middle East

United Arab Emirates (Dubai)

Minimum age: 16+
Permit: RTA e-scooter permit or a valid UAE/international driver’s licence
Where & speed: designated tracks and zones; typical caps near 20 km/h

Safety tip: Complete the online course first. Then, stick to marked corridors and obey slow zones to avoid fines.

Common equipment & behavior rules

Lights and reflectors: use a white front light and a red rear light at night; add side reflectors for better side-on visibility.
Bell or warning: use a bell or voice before passing; this reduces surprise and, consequently, conflict.
One person only: no passengers, no towing, and no hanging onto vehicles.
No sidewalks/footpaths unless signs say yes. If allowed, ride at walking pace and give way to people on foot.
Follow bike-like rules: stop at red lights, yield at crosswalks, and signal every turn.
Insurance/registration: some places require it; carry proof when needed.

Road-safety playbook for e-scooter riders

Be seen, be steady, and be patient. Most crashes happen at junctions or when riders weave. Consequently, a few simple habits help a lot.

Helmet first. Even when optional, a helmet cuts head injury risk. Choose one that fits well and, after any hit, replace it.
Pick safer routes. Prefer protected lanes. If none exist, ride near the curb, yet take the lane through narrow gaps so drivers do not squeeze you.
Master stops. Load your weight back, use both brakes, and look where you want to go. Because panic grabs cause skids, practice in a quiet lot.
Slow for conflict areas. Bus stops, school fronts, and waterfront paths demand lower speed and extra space.
Use clear signals. Point early, make eye contact, and, whenever needed, wave drivers through.
Night kit. Use steady lights, add reflective ankle bands, and avoid all-black clothing after dusk.
Check your scooter. Before each ride, squeeze brakes, tug the stem, and check tires and lights. As a result, most mechanical issues never reach the street.
Stay sober. DUI rules often apply. Besides, alcohol slows reactions and raises risk.
Do not de-restrict. Tuning a scooter to go faster is unsafe and, in many places, illegal.
Respect geofences. Share fleets slow down in certain zones and stop outside allowed areas; bypassing those systems can lead to penalties.

At-a-glance: checklist by country/region

France: 14+, 25 km/h, no sidewalks; lights at night; fines for de-restricted devices.
Germany: 14+, 20 km/h, insurance plate; bike lanes/roads only; helmet advised.
Spain: 25 km/h; national VMP certificate; cities add parking and zone rules.
Italy: helmet + insurance + plate; urban-road access only; many cycle/pedestrian areas are restricted.
United Kingdom: private scooters not legal on public roads; rentals only in approved trials.
California (US): 15 mph; licence required; no sidewalks; helmet under 18.
New York City (US): 15 mph; bike lanes and ≤30 mph streets; sidewalks banned; helmets for 16–17.
Québec (CA): 14+, helmet mandatory, 25 km/h; sidewalks not allowed.
Ontario (CA): city pilots; rules differ by municipality.
Singapore: no PMDs on footpaths; 25 km/h on cycling/shared paths; enforcement is strict.
Japan: 16+ without licence only for the “specified small” class; others need a licence; sidewalks mostly banned.
Victoria (AU): 16+, helmet mandatory, 20 km/h; shared paths and some roads up to 60 km/h.
Queensland (AU): helmet mandatory; gear and behavior rules enforced.
New Zealand: roads and footpaths allowed with care; helmet recommended; cycle lanes usually not allowed.
Dubai (UAE): 16+, RTA permit/licence; designated corridors; typical 20 km/h cap.

FAQ (People Also Ask)

Are e-scooters legal in the EU?

Yes, yet rules vary by country and, sometimes, by city. Generally, speeds sit between 20–25 km/h, and riders use bike lanes or the road instead of sidewalks. In addition, some places ask for insurance or a small plate.

Can I ride a private e-scooter in the UK?

Not on public roads or pavements. However, you can ride in Government-approved rental trials. Otherwise, private scooters must stay on private land with permission.

Do I need insurance?

It depends on where you ride. For example, Germany and Italy require it, while other countries do not. Even so, personal cover helps if you ride often in busy traffic.

What is the usual speed limit?

Most places set 20–25 km/h (12–16 mph). Meanwhile, some US cities use 15 mph, and share fleets often cap speeds even lower in crowded areas.

Where are sidewalks/footpaths allowed?

In many places they are not allowed. When they are, ride at walking pace, warn before passing, and, above all, give way to pedestrians.

What changed lately (2024–2025)?

Several countries tightened rules. For instance, Italy now requires helmets, insurance, and plates. Likewise, Spain rolled out national certification. At the same time, many cities expanded slow zones and stepped up enforcement.

Want this tailored to your city? Tell us where you ride. Then, we will create a one-page checklist with exact speeds, allowed areas, age and helmet rules, plus a simple print-friendly safety list.