Undoubtedly, the making of laws governing operations of the electric skateboard is something relatively new. This is a person traveling on foot or other human-propelled conveyance (like skateboards or skates). There are no clear laws about e-skateboards, with officials defining them as novelty. Even then, future legislation is in the works to help distinguish them and provide rules. There have been incidents in Texas where police have not acted favourably towards people riding electric skateboards. The closest laws for such vehicles come from Chicagos Ordinance 9-80-200. Speed limits are a common feature for all road-worthy vehicles and electric skateboards are no exception. Electric Skateboard Colorado: the local scene. This is the first question that rushes to mind whenever some think about buying or building these devices. What are the local laws in your area, and how far-reaching are they? While normal traffic rules and common sense are expected to be obeyed, there are other laws as well. But at the same time, they are inseparable from other electric transportation tools. They are not available for use on sidewalks or public walkways. The use of electric skateboards is increasing daily and it seems like a fun activity. Exercising caution is the best course of action. This can include skateboarding on public sidewalks, streets, and parks in states like New York, Alabama, and Florida. No person shall park in a manner that impedes the normal movement of pedestrian or other traffic or where such parking is forbidden by official traffic control devices. California has among the most complicated but well-defined laws concerning electric vehicles. There are some great discussions happening online about New York eskate laws so hopefully, we can all rally together to change the minds of lawmakers in the state. It is not legal to skateboard on public roadways in Honolulu. As a result, you can have any form of valid identification to serve this requirement. Indeed, the legal status of e skateboards mostly depends on several factors. There are no specific laws about electric skateboards, so its best to follow common-sense traffic laws. Operators of Class 3 electric bikes must be at least 16 years of age. 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). So far, most US states havent legalized the use of e skateboards. Moped laws require users to have a drivers license or a motorcycle permit. Good news for Californians. It is however worth noting that speed limits on roads are higher than that allowed for electric skateboards. Illinois has passed certain rules and regulations about electric scooters which have not been acted upon yet. Colorado changed its laws that excluded electric scooters as toys. Electric skateboards are defined by law as devices on two or more wheels that are powered by an electric motor and have a maximum speed of no more than 20 miles per hour on paved surfaces. It is illegal and extremely dangerous to skateboard at 30km/h on a sidewalk. This subjects users to the same rights as bicycle users around the state. Scooters require special licensing (Class M or L), but you can ride (1) Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. This law was created for electric scooters but also applies to electric skateboards. Essentially, as an emerging product, electric skateboards are outside of the existing rules and regulations. It would need to follow all rules that pertain to motorcycles. You can ride an electric skateboard on any road with a speed limit under 25mph and your maximum speed also cannot exceed that limit. For e-skateboards, Traffic Code 76.03 asks riders to follow local ordinance laws for their use. It is up to the local city council to provide local city ordinances. September 21, 2022. The limit on a footpath is 15 km/h. What else matters? Why? In doing so, the user needs: Parking follows the same rules as bicycles. Note that in many places, the idea of electric skateboarding is relatively new. For the next offenses, the amount can reach $230. In Indiana, electric foot scooters will have to have . The precise definition lists them: The 2019 Florida Statute 316.2068 states that they are usable on streets and roads allowed for bicycles. For Segway-style scooters, they are under the coverage of Sec. So, when riding an electric skateboard, ensure you have a valid form of identification on you. Even then, there are reports of users receiving no problems when using them on bicycle lanes. Take care not to travel alongside more than one pedestrian wherever you can legally ride. Elon Musks Tesla is one of the best, if not the best, electric cars on the market today. Some of the licenses that can serve in this capacity include a drivers license and state identification. They have the full rights applicable to a pedestrian. Currently, the Illinois Vehicle Code provides some guidance regarding e-bikes. Nebraska prescribes micromobility vehicles to follow the rules of the road. After all, electric skateboards are different from ordinary skateboards. These vehicles, however, go under referral as motorized cycles and toys. However, after much lobbying, Segway and e bikes were eventually accepted. Wyoming does not have any laws or definitions that fit electric scooters. Electric skateboards that go under 20 mph are under the definition of bicycles. Have a motor with a maximum power of 1000 watts. This includes roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks (where applicable). In the state of Arkansas, a new 2019 act allows electric scooter companies to set up shop. Safety reminder: Always wear your helmet while riding a skateboard. Ohio passed House Bill 62 that, among other things, regulates electric scooters. Each province or municipality is, therefore, free to make its own specific laws. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In many places, the law prohibits skateboard riders from crossing the road (except when they cross a street). The code defines EPAMDs as a self-balancing 2-non tandem-wheeled device. Of course, that doesnt describe a skateboard. 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. 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. They leave it to the city to set their laws for the use of such devices on their roads. Check what your local law says. Skate parks offer the best option for electric skateboarders as they are designed specifically for them. In Burlington, e-scooters and the like will follow rules of the road. You are expected to have lights and reflective surfaces to help you be visible to other riders. 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.. Australia classifies e skateboards as wheeled recreational devices. Just like the UK and Canada, Australia has no specific laws governing the use of e skateboards. In Maine, electric scooters and similar devices are under the definition of a bicycle. Overall, e skateboards fall in the same category as Segways and hoverboards- thus, they are illegal when used on public property within the UK. Yes, the e skateboard is traveling familiar legal territory. Illinois law requires registration of electric bikes. You can contact local law enforcement for information or interpretation of unclear laws. In California, an electrically motorized board is described as a wheeled device with a floorboard (less than 60 inch. 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. Basically, here is what you need to adhere to in regards to eskate laws in California: Riding an electric skateboard in public areas is illegal in the state of Florida. Go to the county law library and review the city/village ordinances. Owning your electric scooter in New York is legal, and state legislation approved them. There are also no set rules about electric skateboards in Massachusetts on a state-level. Alaska Statute 28.90.990 considers them as scooters and are not for use in sidewalks, bike paths, and recreational trails. Interestingly, many e skateboard enthusiasts have noticed that law enforcers don't apply the regulations strictly. No, you dont legally need to insure your electric skateboard before you can operate it in public in Illinois. In this ordinance, it is illegal to ride toy vehicles on a sidewalk or roadway near a business district. Under House Bill 19-1221, electric scooters should be now for use on roadways. Under state law, "motorized skateboards" are not allowed on public highways, roads, and streets under any circumstances. So, you dont have to worry too much about breaching the law, simply obey the signs! Many users ride them almost anywhere with no regulation. Close share Copy link. 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. Of all sections about electrically motorized skateboards, in short as the following: And if your electric skateboard does not fit all of these requirements or you do not follow these requirements, your behavior is considered to be illegal. The law is similar to those of electric scooters and you can read a more comprehensive version here. However, the law is rather vague as it doesn't exactly talk about electric skateboards. This sets a precedence for similar transportation types to be legally accepted in the future. 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. A person riding on the road shall yield the rule of right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing any pedestrian. Your email address will not be published. New York City (NYC) has always been a heated location concerning this topic because it isNew York. (All Tesla Cars Compared). Overall, since e skateboards are not designed with a place to attach reflective lights (like bicycles), it means you cant ride at night. Frankly, no federal laws are regulating the use of electric skateboards, but it does not mean skateboards are allowed. Before buying one, consider several things. Many areas of Nashville, for example, dont allow skateboarding on public walkways and roads. Let's translate this and see how it applies to real-life electric skateboarders. Hoverboards being motorized 2-wheeled scooters that dont actually hover wasnt the only reason it blew up in 2015. Every city can override these laws for their own needs. In this blog, we'll bring your informative content about means of urban mobility! You can ride your devices on roadways, shoulders, sidewalks, and alleys, but not on bike lanes or public paths. They can only operate on the streets or bike lanes if available. Electric scooters and skateboards in Idaho dont have clear definitions. 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. Minnesota defines e-scooters as motorized foot scooters and classifies e-skateboards under the umbrella. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. If you must use your skateboard, do so discreetly without endangering public order or causing damages. Interestingly, some law enforcers ignore e skateboard riders (unless they act recklessly or endanger order). Electric scooter and skateboard laws in America vary from state to state. Electric scooters in South Carolina qualify as e-bike per their wattage and power. I have a background in electrical engineering and I was interested into technology since my early age.