Electric Scooter Laws In Michigan

Daniel Foley
Written By: Daniel Foley
Published on: 1/26/2025

In a state renowned for its automotive industry, you'd think Michigan would be a leader in electric scooter regulation. Well, think again.

Despite being embraced since 2017 by residents and local governments as a convenient and eco-friendly transport solution, electric scooters remain largely unregulated in the state.

Yep, this means there are no specific electric scooter laws in Michigan. Unfortunately, this isn't that surprising, as several other states have the same issue.

So, what rules do riders need to follow?

In this guide, we'll show you. We cover speed limits, registration requirements, local regulations, and everything else you need to know for safe and legal riding in The Great Lakes State.

Are There State-Wide Electric Scooter Laws In Michigan?

As with some other states like South Carolina, there are no specific laws related to electric scooters in Michigan. Instead, Michigan applies the same laws that apply to electric skateboards.

Why? Well, although it seems a bit strange at first, electric scooters fit all the criteria used to define electric skateboards under Michigan law. These criteria include:

  • Having two wheels
  • Having a floorboard to stand upon when riding
  • Being designed to transport one person at a time

Of course, we know that e-scooters and electric skateboards aren't the same thing, and it doesn't really make sense for them to be categorized as such. However, until the state creates separate regulations for scooters, you'll have to follow electric skateboard laws.

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Do You Need A License To Ride An Electric Scooter In Michigan?

You don't need a license to ride an e-scooter in most states, and thankfully, you don't need one in Michigan, either.

Do Electric Scooters Need To Be Registered In Michigan?

As your e-scooter is classed as an electric skateboard in Michigan, rather than a motor vehicle, it doesn't need to be registered or insured.

How Old Do You Have To Be To Ride An Electric Scooter In Michigan?

When it comes to age limits, Michigan has some of the most lenient regulations in the US. You only need to be 12 years old to ride an e-scooter unlike in some other states where the minimum age limit is 18.

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Can I Ride An Electric Scooter On The Road In Michigan?

It's legal to ride electric scooters on the road in Michigan, but only on roads with speed limits of 45 mph or less.

Plus, e-scooter riders must stay as close to the right side of the road as possible and can't ride more than two abreast.

Some other rules also apply to motorized scooters on the road, such as:

  • E-scooter riders can't pass other vehicles between lanes of traffic.
  • E-scooter riders can ride on roads with speed limits exceeding 45 mph, but only to cross them.

It's legal to ride electric scooters on the road in Michigan,

Are Electric Scooters Allowed On Sidewalks In Michigan?

Unlike in many other states, you can legally ride your electric scooter on the sidewalk in Michigan. However, when doing so, you have to yield to pedestrians and audibly alert pedestrians when passing. E-scooters are also allowed in bike lanes.

However, municipalities in Michigan can set their own laws around e-scooters and sidewalks. So, make sure you check the local regulations before you hit the streets.

What Is The Speed Limit In Michigan?

The maximum speed limit for motorized electric scooters in Michigan is 25 mph. This may be disappointing if you own one of the fastest electric scooters available, like the Slack Core 920R, but this speed limit is similar to most other states.

Do Electric Scooters Need Number Plates In Michigan?

Since electric scooters don't need to be registered with the Michigan DMV, they also don't require number plates.

Are There E-Scooter Size Limits In Michigan?

As e-scooters are subject to the same laws as electric skateboards, they have the same size requirements, which are:

  • The deck can be no more than 18 inches wide
  • The deck can be no more than 60 inches long

Are There E-Scooter Power Limits In Michigan?

Again, Michigan's electric scooter laws mirror the electric skateboard regulations, which state that the motor's power can't exceed 2,500 watts.

At Unagi, we offer two rental scooters, the Model One Classic and the Model One Voyager, which can achieve a max power of 800 watts and 1,000 watts, respectively. So, when you rent one of our scooters, you'll be all set to start cruising Michigan's streets.

Do Electric Scooters Need Lights In Michigan?

In Michigan, electric scooters are required to have a rear red reflector and a white front lamp. If your scooter doesn't have these lights, you can't ride on the roads between one half-hour after sunset and one half-hour before sunrise.

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Do E-Scooter Riders Need To Wear Helmets Under Michigan Law?

All riders under 19 years old must wear helmets in Michigan. Yet, unlike in some other states, there are no rules around the type of helmet you need to wear.

Can E-Scooter Riders Carry Passengers?

E-scooter riders aren't allowed to carry passengers in Michigan. They're legally defined as being designed to carry one person, and all riders have to stick to this.

E-scooter riders aren't allowed to carry passengers in Michigan.

What Are The Local E-Scooter Regulations In Michigan?

In Michigan, cities, villages, and townships are allowed to set their own regulations for e-scooters. For instance, some local governing bodies may prohibit the use of scooters in:

  • Bicycle lanes
  • Downtown or central business districts
  • Areas open to pedestrians that are on a trail under its jurisdiction or adjacent to waterfronts

Be sure to check your local government website for the specific regulations in your area.

Final Thoughts

Until Michigan implements specific electric scooter laws, you'll need to follow the regulations for electric skateboards. While these laws apply state-wide, local authorities do have the power to set some of their own regulations.

So, it's important you familiarize yourself with the rules in your area of the state to ensure you cruise legally and safely.

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Daniel Foley
Daniel Foley

Daniel tests all the latest e-scooters and currently enjoys the Unagi Voyager as a daily driver for it's light weight, good range, and stylish look.

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