Can You Drive Scooters On The US Highways?

Scooter usage on United States highways presents both legal and safety challenges. Most states do not allow standard or electric scooters on highways because these vehicles often lack the speed and structural strength needed to operate safely in high-speed traffic. Scooters are typically lightweight and slow, which increases the risk of serious injury in the event of a collision with a larger vehicle.

Some exceptions exist for scooters that meet motorcycle-level standards. These larger scooters may be allowed on certain highways if they satisfy specific legal requirements such as engine size, registration, insurance, and licensing. However, these situations are not common.

This report outlines the legal restrictions and safety risks of using scooters on highways. It also recommends safer alternatives, including city streets, designated bike lanes, and scooter-sharing services.

Introduction

Scooters are becoming a popular transportation option in cities across the United States. These small, often electric vehicles are convenient for short trips and urban commutes. As scooter usage grows, many riders wonder whether it is legal and safe to ride them on highways.

This report examines that question by analyzing laws from each state. It explores how states define scooters, what power or engine size is required, and whether scooters meet highway speed limits. It also reviews which states explicitly allow or ban scooters on highways.

Beyond the laws, the report looks at the real-world safety risks involved in highway riding. Scooters often lack the visibility, stability, and speed needed for highway traffic. The document also includes a global perspective and highlights safer ways for scooter users to travel in the United States.

Scooter Use on Highways

Highways are designed for high-speed motor vehicles. Scooters are not. Their small size, lower speeds, and reduced visibility pose several problems:

Collision Risk: Scooters offer very little protection in the event of an accident, especially with larger vehicles like cars and trucks.
Speed Limits: Most highways require vehicles to travel at least 40 to 45 mph. Many scooters cannot reach these speeds.
Maneuverability: Scooters have a tight turning radius, which is helpful in cities but problematic on highways. Fast lane changes or wide curves can be difficult to manage.
Visibility: Scooters are harder to see on the road, especially in bad weather or at night.

Because of these issues, most states have strict rules about where scooters can and cannot go.

State-by-State Legal Framework for Scooter Use on Highways

Alabama

Allowed on Highways: No
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: Not applicable
Notes: Electric scooters are often treated like bicycles and are not permitted on interstate highways.

Alaska

Allowed on Highways: No
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: Not applicable
Notes: While rules may vary slightly, scooters are generally not allowed on highways due to low speed and safety concerns.

Arizona

Allowed on Highways: No
Minimum CC/Power: Under 150cc not allowed
Minimum Speed: Not applicable
Notes: Motor-driven cycles under 150cc are banned from limited-access highways.

Arkansas

Allowed on Highways: No
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: Not applicable
Notes: Electric scooters must follow traffic rules and are only allowed on roads with a speed limit under 35 mph.

California

Allowed on Highways: No (some exceptions for motorcycles)
Minimum CC/Power: 150cc or more may qualify as motorcycles
Minimum Speed: Not specified
Relevant Laws: CVC §405, §406, §407.5, §12804.9, §21235
Notes: Motorized scooters are limited to 15 mph and are not allowed on freeways. Scooters with engines over 150cc may be treated as motorcycles.

Colorado

Allowed on Highways: No
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: Not applicable
Notes: Electric scooters are banned from interstates and other limited-access roads.

Connecticut

Allowed on Highways: No
Minimum CC/Power: Up to 50cc for motor-driven cycles
Minimum Speed: Not specified
Notes: Motor-driven cycles are banned from limited-access highways and turnpikes.

Delaware

Allowed on Highways: No
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: Not applicable
Notes: Electric scooters are banned from public streets.

District of Columbia

Allowed on Highways: No
Minimum CC/Power: Up to 50cc or 1.5 brake horsepower
Minimum Speed: 35 mph maximum
Notes: Motorized bicycles are restricted to roads with speed limits under 35 mph.

Florida

Allowed on Highways: No for mopeds and motorized scooters; Yes for motor scooters over 50cc
Minimum CC/Power: Over 50cc required for highway access
Minimum Speed: At least 40 mph for highway travel
Relevant Laws: §316.003, §322.03, §320.02
Notes: Mopeds and scooters under 50cc are not street legal for highway use. Motor scooters over 50cc are treated like motorcycles and must follow the same rules.

Georgia

Allowed on Highways: No for mopeds; Yes for scooters over 50cc
Minimum CC/Power: Over 50cc for scooters
Minimum Speed: 30 mph maximum for mopeds
Relevant Law: §40-6-351
Notes: Mopeds are not allowed on roads with speed limits over 35 mph. Scooters with larger engines must follow motorcycle regulations.

Hawaii

Allowed on Highways: No specific ban found, but typically not allowed due to speed limits
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: Not applicable
Notes: Electric scooters may require DMV registration and are not expected to meet highway speed standards.

Idaho

Allowed on Highways: No clear statewide rule, but unlikely due to speed restrictions
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: Not applicable
Notes: Scooter use on highways is rare and not encouraged due to general traffic speeds.

Illinois

Allowed on Highways: No for mopeds; Yes for scooters over 150cc
Minimum CC/Power: Over 150cc for highway use
Minimum Speed: 20 to 30 mph for mopeds
Notes: Mopeds are limited to 30 mph and are generally not allowed on highways. Scooters above 150cc must follow motorcycle rules.

Indiana

Allowed on Highways: No for mopeds; Yes for qualifying scooters
Minimum CC/Power: Up to 50cc for mopeds
Minimum Speed: 35 mph maximum for mopeds
Notes: Mopeds are not permitted on highways. Scooters that qualify as motorcycles may be allowed if they meet all legal requirements.

Iowa

Allowed on Highways: Possibly on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less
Minimum CC/Power: Up to 50cc for mopeds
Minimum Speed: 30 to 35 mph for mopeds
Relevant Law: §321.1
Notes: Mopeds may use certain highways with lower speed limits, but electric scooters face limitations.

Kansas

Allowed on Highways: Yes with conditions
Minimum CC/Power: 50cc for mopeds
Minimum Speed: Not specified
Notes: Mopeds may be allowed with additional safety regulations. Scooters that meet motorcycle standards may also be permitted.

Kentucky

Allowed on Highways: No specific law found, but highway use is unlikely
Minimum CC/Power: Up to 50cc for mopeds
Minimum Speed: 30 mph for mopeds
Notes: Electric scooters are not permitted on highways and are best suited for city streets.

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Louisiana

Allowed on Highways: Possibly on roads with a 25 mph speed limit
Minimum CC/Power: 50cc for mopeds
Minimum Speed: 25 mph for electric scooters
Notes: Electric scooters may be used on local roads with low speed limits. Use on highways is not supported.

Maine

Allowed on Highways: Not officially banned, but unlikely for smaller scooters
Minimum CC/Power: 50cc for mopeds
Minimum Speed: 30 mph for mopeds
Notes: Electric scooters have a power limit of 750 watts and are unlikely to meet highway requirements.

Maryland

Allowed on Highways: Possibly on roads with speed limits under 50 mph
Minimum CC/Power: 50cc for mopeds
Minimum Speed: 30 mph for mopeds
Notes: Electric scooters must follow bicycle laws. They are not permitted on higher-speed roadways.

Massachusetts

Allowed on Highways: No
Minimum CC/Power: 50cc for mopeds, 20 mph max for electric scooters
Minimum Speed: 25 mph for mopeds, 20 mph for scooters
Relevant Laws: M.G.L. c.90 §1E, §1B
Notes: Mopeds and electric scooters cannot be operated on state highways or limited-access roads.

Michigan

Allowed on Highways: No
Minimum CC/Power: 100cc for mopeds
Minimum Speed: 30 mph for mopeds
Relevant Law: MCL-257-660
Notes: Mopeds are prohibited on freeways. Electric scooters can operate on roads with speed limits up to 45 mph, but are capped at 25 mph.

Minnesota

Allowed on Highways: No clear ban found, but not likely
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: Not specified
Notes: Electric scooters are not allowed on sidewalks but may be used on certain roads. Highway use is discouraged.

Mississippi

Allowed on Highways: Only if minimum speed of 40 mph is met on certain roads
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: 40 mph minimum on some highways
Relevant Law: §63-3-509
Notes: General speed limit on two-lane highways is 55 mph. Most scooters cannot legally use these roads.

Missouri

Allowed on Highways: Not officially banned, but unlikely for small scooters
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: Not specified
Notes: Electric scooters are typically only allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or lower.

Montana

Allowed on Highways: No specific ban, but impractical due to speed requirements
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: Not specified
Notes: With a general speed limit of 55 mph on two-lane roads, scooters are not suitable for highway use.

Nebraska

Allowed on Highways: Possibly, depending on speed limits
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: Not specified
Notes: Electric scooters are prohibited from sidewalks but may be used on local roads. Highway travel is not practical.

Nevada

Allowed on Highways: Only on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: Not specified
Notes: Electric scooters are restricted to low-speed roads and are not permitted on interstates or high-speed highways.

New Hampshire

Allowed on Highways: No clear ban, but legal definitions are unclear
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: Not specified
Notes: Electric scooter regulations remain undefined. Highway usage is not recommended.

New Jersey

Allowed on Highways: Only on roads with speed limits of 19 mph or less
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: 19 mph maximum for electric scooters
Notes: Electric scooters are considered low-speed and must follow strict roadway limitations.

New Mexico

Allowed on Highways: Not officially banned, but generally not allowed
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: Not specified
Notes: With general speed limits around 55 mph on rural roads, scooter highway use is discouraged.

New York

Allowed on Highways: No
Minimum CC/Power: Up to 40 mph for Class A; 20–30 mph for Classes B and C
Minimum Speed: Class C: 20 mph, Class B: 30 mph, Class A: 40 mph
Notes: Electric scooters are not allowed on highways. Class B and C mopeds can only use right lanes or shoulders.

North Carolina

Allowed on Highways: No
Minimum CC/Power: 50cc for mopeds
Minimum Speed: 25–30 mph for electric kick scooters and mopeds
Notes: Scooters may use roads with speed limits under 25 mph. Highways are not permitted.

North Dakota

Allowed on Highways: No specific ban, but not allowed due to speed
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: Not specified
Notes: Electric scooters are banned from sidewalks and bike paths. Highway access is not feasible.

Ohio

Allowed on Highways: Yes for motor scooters; No for electric scooters
Minimum CC/Power: 50–100cc for motor scooters
Minimum Speed: 20 mph for electric kick scooters
Relevant Law: §4511.512
Notes: Motor scooters require motorcycle licenses. Electric kick scooters are banned from highways.

Oklahoma

Allowed on Highways: Only on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: Not specified
Notes: Electric scooters are allowed in bike lanes and local roads, but not on highways.

Oregon

Allowed on Highways: No
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: 15 mph for electric scooters
Notes: Scooters are only permitted on roads with speed limits under 25 mph.

Pennsylvania

Allowed on Highways: No
Minimum CC/Power: Up to 50cc, 25 mph for pedalcycles
Minimum Speed: 25 mph for certain vehicles
Notes: Electric scooters are not street legal. They do not meet state inspection and registration rules.

Rhode Island

Allowed on Highways: No specific ban, but smaller scooters not allowed
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: Not specified
Notes: Electric scooters are permitted on local roads and bike lanes only.

South Carolina

Allowed on Highways: No statewide rule; local laws apply
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: Not specified
Notes: Local jurisdictions decide if electric scooters can use certain roads. Highway access is not standard.

South Dakota

Allowed on Highways: No specific ban, but speed limits prevent use
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: 15 mph for electric scooters
Notes: Highway speeds make scooters unsuitable.

Tennessee

Allowed on Highways: No
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: 15 mph for electric scooters
Notes: Electric scooters cannot meet highway requirements.

Texas

Allowed on Highways: No
Minimum CC/Power: Under 50cc for mopeds
Minimum Speed: 30–35 mph max for scooters
Notes: Mopeds and scooters are not permitted on roads with speed limits over 45 mph unless a bike path is available.

Utah

Allowed on Highways: Only on roads with speed limits of 15 mph or less
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: 15 mph for electric scooters
Notes: Highway use is not allowed.

Vermont

Allowed on Highways: No specific ban, but not practical
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: General roads are 50 mph
Notes: Scooters are not capable of safe operation on highways.

Virginia

Allowed on Highways: No for mopeds on interstates; electric scooters allowed on low-speed roads
Minimum CC/Power: 50cc for mopeds; 100 lbs and 20 mph limit for electric scooters
Minimum Speed: 35 mph for mopeds, 20 mph for electric scooters
Relevant Laws: §46.2-914, §46.2-908.1
Notes: Electric scooters may use roads under 25 mph. Mopeds are banned from interstates.

Washington

Allowed on Highways: No for scooters on fast roads
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: 15 mph for electric scooters
Notes: Scooters can only use local roads under 15 mph speed limits.

West Virginia

Allowed on Highways: No clear ban, but unlikely
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: 55 mph on non-interstates
Notes: Scooters are not suitable for these speeds.

Wisconsin

Allowed on Highways: No for mopeds where banned; electric scooters restricted
Minimum CC/Power: 50cc or 130cc for mopeds
Minimum Speed: 15 mph for electric scooters
Notes: Mopeds cannot use freeways or restricted roads. Electric scooters have a max speed of 15 mph.

Wyoming

Allowed on Highways: Not clearly defined
Minimum CC/Power: Not specified
Minimum Speed: Not specified
Notes: Riders are advised to check with local county offices for guidance

Safety Assessment

Scooters pose serious risks on highways due to their size, speed, and limited protection. Their low visibility, small wheels, and tight turning radius make them unsuited for high-speed traffic. Many scooter accidents occur in urban areas, but the dangers are far greater on highways, where traffic moves faster and vehicles are larger.

Scooters cannot match the pace of highway vehicles, increasing the likelihood of collisions or dangerous overtaking situations. Weather conditions and poor lighting can make scooters even harder to see. Signs on highways often include minimum speed limits that exclude most scooters.

Global Comparison

Internationally, regulations vary. Some European countries allow larger scooters on highways if they meet strict engine and safety standards. Others prohibit them entirely. In North America, especially the US and Canada, scooters are typically banned from highways. Some countries in Asia and South America allow scooters on certain highways, but only under specific rules.

Safer Alternatives

Safer transportation options include:

City streets with speed limits under 45 mph
Dedicated scooter and bike lanes
Low-traffic county roads
Scenic backroads (where safe)
Scooter-sharing services in cities
Combining scooter travel with buses or trains
Carpooling or ridesharing for long-distance travel

Conclusion

Scooters are not designed for highway use. Most states prohibit them due to safety concerns and legal limitations. Even in states where larger scooters are allowed, they must meet strict standards and are usually treated like motorcycles.

Safer, more practical alternatives are widely available. Until scooter technology and infrastructure improve, it is best to avoid highway travel and choose routes that match scooter capabilities. Prioritizing safety benefits both riders and all other road users.