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All around the globe, e-scooters have become the most popular vehicles. These vehicles provide you with an easy, fast, and efficient way of traveling. When you need to get around in the streets, an electric scooter is the fastest way to do so.
However, in many countries, driving an e-scooter is subject to many rules and regulations. These rules and laws regarding scooter use may vary from one state to another, so it is important to know what your state’s laws are.
Further, electric scooter driving has an age requirement like many other forms of transportation. But this requirement may not be needed in each state. Many countries also do not have specific laws regarding the age of riders or the usage of electric scooters in their country.
A lot of people generally want to know what the legal age is to drive an electric scooter before purchasing one. So, we have put together this handy guide to help you understand when you are legally allowed to drive an electric scooter. Let’s start now.
Types of e-scooters
Electric scooters in full-size
Electric scooters that are full-sized are like motorcycles, and you have to have a license to drive them. Further, the legal age for driving these e-scooters is 19 or older, indicating that they are designed for mature people. Typically, the top speed of full-sized scooters is 70mph, and this speed is appropriate for adults. It is essential that you get a legitimate license and register your e-scooter properly if you intend to drive this type of scooter. Additionally, street riding is permitted with this type of scooter.
Electric scooters for kids
Children’s e-scooters usually have small sizes, and these can be ridden by children who are 12 years old or younger. Pedestrian areas, neighborhood parks, and residential areas are the only places where these scooters can be driven. They are meant for amusement only.
Legal age for E-Scooter driving
There is no age requirement or specific age limit for riding electric scooters in many countries around the world. In Europe, most countries have an age requirement of 14 or 16. The UK has no age requirement for electric scooters yet. Earlier, I mentioned that the age requirements differ from state to state, so let’s discuss a few of the age requirements in different countries.
USA
In the US, States with an age requirement of 16 years or older include Alabama, Nevada, Connecticut, North Carolina, Florida, Kansas, Arkansas, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Tennessee. In Mississippi, the minimum age requirement is 14, and in Michigan and Minnesota, it is 12.
Turkey
In Turkey, e-scooters can only be driven or ridden by persons over 15 years of age in accordance with rules and regulations. Any adult over the age of 15 can drive an e-scooter, which is a very convenient way to travel. In addition, on average, people in Turkey who use e-scooters are 27 years old.
UAE
The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai regulates the use of electric scooters. You are only allowed to ride an e-scooter in Dubai, if you are at least 14 years old. Further, the authority strongly encourages people to wear all the necessary safety gear and to follow all driving rules when driving an e-scooter or any other vehicle.
Singapore
In Singapore, you must possess a valid license to drive an e-scooter. And when you reach the age of 16, you are eligible to get this license. By the time you turn 16, you are legally permitted to drive your e-scooter.
South Africa
Electric scooters can only be driven by 18-year-olds in South Africa. In addition, a driver’s license is not required for e-scooters after the age of 18. Your e-scooter driving can be completely safe and enjoyable without requiring a license.
India
If you are 16-18 years old, you need a valid driving license to operate an e-scooter in India. India’s road and transport ministry mandates that the legal driving age is 16 years old for e-scooters. If you are under 16 years of age you cannot ride an e-scooter, and if you are 16 or older you will not be fined for driving an e-scooter.
What to remember while operating an e-scooter
To make your e-scooter driving as safe and as easy as possible, there are several rules that must be followed.
- First, you need to make sure you have read the entire manual carefully. In addition to reading the review about e-scooter riding, you will get a lot of information about the e-scooter in terms of its features, benefits, and perks. Having read all the instructions, you will be able to go for a safe ride.
- The next step is that you should have all the safety gears, like pads and a helmet, these gears will protect you from injury or any harm in case of an accident.
- After buying your e-scooter, do not immediately hop on it and start riding it. Since you are not an experienced person, you will need to start slowly and practice.
- Make sure you are aware of the traffic around you and the laws that govern it. You must abide by all the laws and rules set out by your state or city, even though every state and city have its own laws.
- Moreover, park your scooter in the correct spot. Scooters are sometimes left parked carelessly throughout the city after they have been used, causing numerous incidents. Parking your e-scooter properly means following three simple rules: Keep your scooter to the side of the road, stay out of the way of pedestrians, and keep it upright.
Final Thoughts
As a conclusion to this article that is about what is the legal age to drive an electric scooter, I would like to clarify that whichever state or city you live in, you have to own an e-scooter when you turn 18 because at the age of 18 you will be fully aware of how to drive e-scooters.
However, if you are very enthusiastic about e-scooters, then you can buy one, but make sure not to use it for traveling outside until you have a valid license and experience. Instead, you need to use it around the neighborhood where there is no traffic and where you feel safe.
Also, I’d like to advise you that regardless of the scooter you have or where you are driving, all you have to do is ensure that you have the appropriate precautionary gears, and you should follow all the road rules.
Lastly, remember to share this article and comment your thoughts in the comment section if you find it helpful.
