06/15/2026
Electric scooters
What Schoolcraft Village Police Department wants you to know
Electric scooter injuries have surged across Michigan cities. Common incidents—often caused by small wheels hitting pavement cracks, sudden stops, or rider inexperience—frequently result in traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, facial fractures, and severe road rash.
Key Statistics & Risks
• Injury Surge: A scientific study by Henry Ford Health in Detroit noted that head and neck injuries associated with e-scooters have skyrocketed.
• National Trends: Studies show that nearly half of all e-scooter accidents result in serious injuries, with up to 45% of victims sustaining head or brain trauma, and 40% suffering broken bones.
• Helmet Usage: Because Michigan law does not require adults to wear helmets when riding electric scooters, head trauma is highly prevalent.
Are there State-Wide electric Scooter laws in Michigan?
There are no specific laws related to electric scooters in Michigan. Instead, Michigan applies the same laws that apply to electric skateboards.
Why? Well, 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
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 of Michigan creates separate regulations for e-scooters, you'll have to follow electric skateboard laws.
Do you need a License to ride an Electric Scooter in Michigan?
No. You don't need a license to ride an e-scooter in Michigan.
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?
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.
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. E-scooter riders must stay as close to the right side of the road as possible and can't ride more than two abreast. This means you must obey all standard traffic laws, including stopping at signs and red lights, yielding to pedestrians, and using hand signals.
Are Electric Scooters allowed on sidewalks in Michigan?
You can legally ride your electric scooter on the sidewalk in Michigan. However, when doing so, you must yield to pedestrians and audibly alert pedestrians when passing. E-scooters are also allowed in bike lanes. 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. Village of Schoolcraft does not yet have a Village Ordinance on e-Scooters.
What is the speed limit in Michigan?
The maximum speed limit for motorized electric scooters in Michigan is 25 mph. This may be disappointing, but this speed limit is similar to most other states.
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?
Michigan's electric scooter laws mirror the electric skateboard regulations, which state that the motor's power can't exceed 2,500 watts.
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.
Do E-Scooter riders need to wear helmets under Michigan Law?
All riders under 19 years old must wear helmets in Michigan. This does apply to the entire Village of Schoolcraft. There are no rules around the type of helmet you need to wear.
Can E-Scooter operators carry passengers?
E-scooter operators 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.
What are the local E-Scooter regulations in Michigan?
Michigan, cities, villages, and townships are allowed to set their own regulations for e-scooters. Be sure to check your local government website for specific regulations in your area. Village of Schoolcraft does not yet have Village Ordinance on e-Scooters.
Final Thoughts
Until Michigan implements specific e-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. It's important you familiarize yourself with the rules in your area of the state to ensure you cruise legally and safely.
