One of the first questions that people ask before buying an electric skateboard is, are electric skateboards legal? and what are the laws that surround them?
The answer, unfortunately, is not a straightforward one as it differs from country to country. In some countries, there are no laws surrounding electric skateboards, while others have very strict regulations.
It’s important to research the laws in your area before riding an electric skateboard. In this article, we will discuss electric skateboard laws and whether or not they are legal.
Can you Ride an Electric Skateboard on the Road?
This is a question that we get asked a lot. The answer, unfortunately, is that it depends on the country/state you’re in. In some states, you are allowed to ride on the road, while in others, you are not.
Riding an electric skateboard on the sidewalk is generally considered to be legal, however, there are some areas where this is not the case. Again, it’s important to research the laws in your area before riding on the sidewalk.
Some states have laws that allow electric skateboards on the road as long as they meet certain criteria. Let’s briefly look at the laws.
Electric Skateboard Laws in some States of USA
Are Electric Skateboards Legal in California?
Yes, electric skateboards are legal in California as long as they meet certain criteria. 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.
- Have a motor with a maximum power of 1000 watts.
- Only be ridden on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph and 15 mph on public property.
- The operator must be 16 years of age or older.
- The rider must wear a helmet that meets the standards set by the US Department of Transportation.
- The rider should not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Are Electric Skateboards Legal in New York?
No, electric skateboards are not currently legal in New York City. The NYC Department of Transportation considers them “motorized vehicles” and therefore they are not allowed on city streets or sidewalks.
If you’re caught riding an electric skateboard in NYC, you can be fined up to $500. So, if you’re planning on skating in the city, be sure to check the laws before you go.
Are Electric Skateboards Legal in Florida?
Riding an electric board is Illegal on public property in Florida unless it meets certain conditions as specified in Florida Statute.
An electric skateboard is only legal if:
- They are ridden on private property or gated communities.
- The owner has registered the electric skateboard with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles.
Are electric skateboards legal in Texas?
Electric skateboards are legal in Texas but there are a few things you need to know.
- First, electric skateboards are only legal on streets where the speed limit is 35 mph or less.
- Second, you are allowed to ride an electric skateboard on sidewalks or bike lanes.
- Third, you cannot ride them at night.
Are Electric Skateboards Legal in Michigan?
Yes, electric skateboards are legal in Michigan. The state laws do not specifically mention electric skateboards, but they are considered “low-speed vehicles”.
That means they have the same rules that apply to cyclists. As a result, you can use an electric skateboard by following these guidelines:
- Ride them on any road with a speed limit of 25 mph or less.
- You can also ride them on sidewalks and bike lanes.
- The power must not be greater than 2500 watts.
Electric Skateboard Laws in Other Countries
Are electric skateboards legal in the UK?
The electric skateboard laws in the UK are confusing because they are not specifically mentioned in the law.
However, according to the Highway Act of 1835, electric skateboards are considered “powered transporters”.
That means they are subject to the same rules as other powered vehicles, such as Hoverboards and Segways.
The Highway Act of 1835 is enforced in England and Wales, which states that “driving or riding animals of animals on footpaths is banned”.
Unlike England and Wales, Scotland uses a more modern Roads Act of 1984. This act does not specifically mention electric skateboards but this act also prohibits almost the same things.
However, there have been calls for the law to be updated to specifically mention electric skateboards. In the meantime, it is advisable to use them on private property or off-road only.
Are electric skateboards legal in Canada?
There are currently no national laws in Canada regulating the use of electric skateboards. However, each province and municipality has its own rules and regulations regarding the use of motorized vehicles on public roads and sidewalks.
In general, electric skateboards are treated like any other motorized vehicle when it comes to laws and regulations.
This means that you will need to follow the same rules of the road as cars, motorcycles, and scooters. This includes obeying traffic signs and signals, wearing a helmet, and not riding on the sidewalks.
There have been a few instances where electric skateboarders have been ticketed for riding on the sidewalks. In Toronto, a man was fined $500 for riding his electric skateboard on the sidewalk.
The police said that they had received several complaints from pedestrians about people riding electric skateboards on the sidewalks.
You might need to contact your local police department to find out the specific laws and regulations regarding electric skateboards in your area.
Are electric skateboards legal in Australia?
In Australia, there is no specific law that governs the use of electric skateboards. However, there are several laws that could potentially apply to their use.
For example, under Australian road rules, electric skateboards are considered “wheeled recreational devices”. This means that they can only be used on footpaths and shared paths, and not on roads or in bicycle lanes.
They don’t consider electric skateboards to be “motor vehicles”, so you can’t ride them on the road or on bike paths.
There are also several other laws that could apply to electric skateboard users, such as public nuisance laws and laws about riding dangerously.
So, while there is no specific law governing the use of electric skateboards in Australia, there are several laws that could potentially apply to their use.
How to Ride an Electric Board without getting in trouble?
Here are a few tips to help you stay on the right side of the law when riding your electric skateboard:
Wear a helmet: This should go without saying, but wearing a helmet will protect you in the event of a fall. It is also the law in many states.
Stay off the sidewalks: In many states, it is illegal to ride an electric skateboard on the sidewalk. Stick to the streets and bike lanes.
Don’t go too fast: Electric skateboards can reach speeds of 30 mph or more. But, in most states, the speed limit for electric skateboards is 15 mph.
Watch for pedestrians: Electric skateboards are quiet and can startle pedestrians. Be sure to give them plenty of space and be aware of your surroundings.
Obey all traffic laws: As if you were on a bicycle or any other type of vehicle. This includes stop signs, traffic lights, and yield signs.
Following these tips will help you stay safe and legal when riding your electric skateboard. Just remember to
Final Words
Electric Skateboards are a new technology that’s why the laws are not so clear about them. We hope this article helped you understand a little better about the legal side of electric skateboarding. As always, be sure to check with your local laws before riding to ensure you are following all the rules. Ride safe!
