05/13/2026
Did You Know?
Due to a recent increase in electric scooter related accidents in our city, we are posting this information as a public safety notice and/or reminder.
Electric Scooter Legality and Regulations in Louisiana:
Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
As of 2026, Louisiana regulates electric scooters under Louisiana Revised Statute § 32:300.1.1. The law classifies these vehicles as "electric scooters" and specifically excludes them from being categorized as motor-driven cycles or motor vehicles. To be legally classified as an electric low-speed scooter in Louisiana, a vehicle must meet specific hardware standards:
Weight: Must weigh less than 100 pounds.
Power: Solely powered by an electric motor or human power.
Speed: Maximum speed capability of no more than 20 mph on a paved level surface.
Components: Must be equipped with handlebars and a floorboard for standing.
Licensing, Registration, and Insurance
License: No driver’s license or specialized permit is required to operate an electric scooter.
Registration: E-scooters are exempt from state title and registration requirements.
Insurance: There is no state-mandated liability insurance required for personal owners.
Age and Helmet Requirements
Minimum Age: Louisiana state law does not specify a minimum age for riding; however, local authorities often set a limit (e.g. 16 years old for unsupervised operation).
Helmet Law: Under RS 32:300.1.1(I), any operator under the age of 17 is strictly required to wear an approved helmet.
Equipment and Technical Specifications
For an electric scooter to be street-legal it must be equipped with:
Braking System: Must have a brake that allows the operator to make the wheels skid on dry, level, and clean pavement.
Night Lighting: A white lamp visible from the front, a red light or reflector visible from the rear, and reflectors or reflective markings on the side.
Visibility Distance: Lights must be sufficient to see persons and vehicles at a distance of 500 feet during unfavorable conditions.
Operational Rules and Riding Areas
Riders are granted the same rights and duties as vehicle drivers, with the following restrictions:
Roadways: Permitted on public roads. Riders must stay as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable.
Sidewalks: Allowed at the state level unless prohibited by local municipal authorities.
Bicycle Paths: Permitted in all bicycle-designated lanes and paths.
Capacity: Limited to one person; carrying passengers is prohibited unless the scooter is specifically designed for two.
Hands on Bars: Operators are prohibited from carrying bundles or packages that prevent them from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.
20 mph: Regardless of motor wattage, if the device is capable of exceeding 20 mph, it no longer qualifies as an "electric low-speed scooter" and may be reclassified as a "motor-driven cycle" (RS 32:1(47)), requiring a license and registration.