Electric Scooter Laws in Wisconsin (2026): Rules and Regulations

Most people hop on an electric scooter without giving the law a second thought. But in Wisconsin, these zippy little devices have their own set of rules. And trust me, you’ll want to know them before you ride.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about electric scooter laws in Wisconsin. From where you can ride to what happens if you get caught breaking the rules.

What Is an Electric Scooter in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin has a pretty specific definition of what counts as an electric scooter. According to state law, it’s a device that weighs less than 100 pounds. It has handlebars. And it’s powered by an electric motor.

The scooter can’t go faster than 20 mph on flat pavement. That’s the max speed the motor can achieve. If it goes faster, it might be classified as something else, like a moped.

Here’s what doesn’t count as an electric scooter. Segways are out. So are electric bikes, mopeds, and motorcycles. Wisconsin treats those differently.

Pretty straightforward, right?

Do You Need a License to Ride?

This is where things get interesting. You don’t need a driver’s license to ride an electric scooter in Wisconsin. Seriously. No license required.

You also don’t need to register your scooter. No insurance needed either. The state treats electric scooters more like bicycles than cars.

But hold on. There are some age requirements you should know about.

Age Requirements for Electric Scooter Riders

Wisconsin doesn’t have a statewide minimum age for riding electric scooters. Yep, that’s right. At the state level, there’s no specific age limit.

However, some cities have their own rules. For example, many rental scooter companies require riders to be at least 18 years old. Some municipalities set the age at 16 or even 12 for public roads.

Check your local ordinances. Your city might have stricter requirements than the state. It’s worth looking up before you let your kid hop on.

Helmet Laws in Wisconsin

Wondering if you need to wear a helmet? The answer depends on your age.

Riders under 18 must wear a helmet. The helmet needs to meet federal safety standards. Look for the DOT symbol on the helmet.

Adults over 18 don’t legally have to wear helmets. But honestly, you should anyway. Head injuries are no joke. Studies show helmets can reduce head injuries by up to 85%.

Think of it like a seatbelt. Just because you’re not required doesn’t mean it’s not smart.

Where Can You Ride Electric Scooters?

This is where things can get tricky. State law says one thing. Local cities might say another.

Roads and Streets

You can ride electric scooters on most roads in Wisconsin. But there’s a catch. The road’s speed limit should be 25 mph or less. If the speed limit is higher, you generally shouldn’t be there.

Unless there’s a bike lane. If the road has a bike lane, you can use it even if the speed limit is higher than 25 mph.

Bike Lanes and Paths

Electric scooters are allowed in bike lanes. You can also use shared-use paths and trails. Think of anywhere a bicycle can go.

The speed limit on these paths is usually 15 mph. Even though your scooter can go 20 mph, you need to slow down on bike paths.

Sidewalks

Here’s where it gets confusing. State law technically allows electric scooters on sidewalks. But many cities ban them.

Milwaukee doesn’t allow scooters on sidewalks. Neither does Oshkosh. If you ride on the sidewalk in these cities, you could get fined.

If sidewalk riding is allowed in your area, you must yield to pedestrians. Always. You also need to give an audible warning when passing someone.

Check your city’s rules before you ride on any sidewalk.

Prohibited Areas

You cannot ride electric scooters on freeways or expressways. Ever. This should be obvious, but it’s worth saying.

If you see a sign that says bicycles, scooters, or mopeds are prohibited, stay off. Those signs apply to you.

Rules of the Road

Electric scooters follow most of the same traffic laws as bicycles. You’re basically a bike in the eyes of Wisconsin law.

Stay to the Right

When riding on a road, keep as close to the right edge as you can. This lets cars pass safely. You’re slower than traffic, so stay right.

Exceptions exist. You can move left when passing another vehicle. Or when preparing for a left turn. Or when avoiding hazards like potholes or parked cars.

Makes sense, right?

Riding Two Abreast

You can ride two electric scooters side by side. But only if you’re not blocking traffic. If cars need to get around, single file is the way to go.

On roads with two or more lanes, riders going two abreast must stay in a single lane.

Hand Signals

You need to use hand signals when turning. Left arm out for a left turn. Left arm bent up for a right turn. Left arm bent down to signal stopping.

But wait. If you need both hands to make the turn safely, you don’t have to signal. Safety comes first.

Yielding and Stopping

Obey all traffic signals. Stop at red lights and stop signs. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

When entering a highway from a driveway or side street, yield to traffic already on the road.

Passing Vehicles

When you pass a parked car, give it at least 3 feet of space. Especially if it’s a school bus or motor bus.

Watch out for opening doors. That’s one of the most common causes of scooter accidents.

Equipment Requirements

Your electric scooter needs certain safety equipment. Without this stuff, you could get ticketed.

Lights

If you ride at night, you need lights. A white front light visible from at least 500 feet. A red rear reflector or light, also visible from 500 feet.

Don’t skip this. Visibility saves lives.

Brakes

Your scooter must have working brakes. They need to be able to stop you from your maximum speed.

Test your brakes regularly. Worn brakes are dangerous and illegal.

Can You Get a DUI on an Electric Scooter?

Okay, this part is important. Pay attention.

There’s some debate about this. Wisconsin Act 11 modified the definition of a motor vehicle to include electric scooters for some purposes. But not all.

Some sources say you can be charged with OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) on an electric scooter. Others say electric scooters are exempt from OWI laws.

The safest answer? Don’t ride drunk. Ever. Even if the law is unclear, it’s risky. You could get arrested. You could hurt yourself or someone else.

Some police departments, like Green Bay’s, have stated they will arrest people for OWI on electric scooters. So the risk is real.

Just don’t do it.

Penalties for Breaking Electric Scooter Laws

Violating electric scooter laws can cost you. Let’s talk penalties.

Traffic Violations

Most electric scooter violations are treated like bicycle violations. You could face fines up to $10 for minor infractions.

For example, not using proper hand signals might cost you $10.

Operating on Prohibited Areas

If you ride on a sidewalk where it’s banned, expect a fine. In Oshkosh, it’s $15 plus court fees.

If you ride on a freeway or expressway, the penalty jumps. You could face fines between $30 and $300.

Equipment Violations

Riding without proper lights at night can get you ticketed. Same with broken brakes.

These are safety violations. Courts take them seriously.

Reckless Operation

Electric scooters are subject to reckless driving laws. If you’re riding dangerously, you could face criminal charges.

Reckless operation is a serious offense. It can mean jail time, not just fines.

Special City Regulations

Wisconsin lets cities create their own electric scooter rules. This means what’s legal in one city might not be legal in another.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee bans electric scooters from sidewalks. You must ride on streets or bike lanes.

The city also has rules about where you can park rental scooters. You need to use designated parking areas.

Rental companies need permits to operate in Milwaukee.

Oshkosh

Oshkosh doesn’t allow electric scooters on sidewalks or park paths. You can’t ride on roads with speed limits over 25 mph unless there’s a bike lane.

The fine for sidewalk riding is $15 plus court costs.

Green Bay

Green Bay partnered with Bird to provide rental scooters. The city enforces all state laws, including potential OWI charges.

Other Cities

Always check your local ordinances. Every city is different. What’s fine in Madison might get you ticketed in Eau Claire.

Electric Scooters vs. Other Vehicles

Let’s clear up some confusion. Electric scooters are not the same as mopeds, motorcycles, or electric bikes.

Mopeds

Mopeds have engines (not just electric motors). They need to be registered and titled. You need a driver’s license to operate one.

Mopeds require license plates. Electric scooters don’t.

Motorcycles

Motorcycles require a special Class M license. They need registration, insurance, and license plates.

Electric scooters need none of that.

Electric Bikes

Electric bikes (e-bikes) have pedals. They’re classified separately. Some e-bikes require helmets for riders under 16.

E-bikes can go faster than electric scooters in some cases. Class 3 e-bikes can reach 28 mph.

Rental Scooters vs. Personal Scooters

The same laws apply to both rental and personal electric scooters. But rental companies might have extra rules.

Most rental companies require riders to be 18 or older. They make you agree to terms and conditions. You might need to provide ID and payment info.

Personal scooters give you more freedom. But you’re also responsible for maintenance and safety equipment.

Safety Tips for Electric Scooter Riders

The law is one thing. Staying safe is another. Here are some tips.

Always Wear a Helmet

Even if you’re over 18, wear a helmet. Your brain will thank you.

Stay Visible

Wear bright colors. Use lights at night. Make sure drivers can see you.

Watch the Road

Potholes, gravel, and wet pavement can make you crash. Pay attention. Scan ahead.

Don’t Ride Distracted

No texting while riding. No headphones. You need to hear traffic around you.

Know Your Scooter

Understand how your scooter handles. Practice braking. Know your turning radius.

Respect Pedestrians

Pedestrians always have the right of way. Slow down around them. Give them space.

How to Report Electric Scooter Violations

See someone riding recklessly? Or blocking a sidewalk with a parked scooter?

You can report it to local police. Many cities have non-emergency numbers for this.

Some rental scooter companies have apps where you can report improperly parked scooters. Use them.

Future of Electric Scooter Laws in Wisconsin

Electric scooter laws are still evolving. Wisconsin passed Act 11 in 2019 to legalize and regulate scooters.

More cities are adopting their own rules. As scooters become more popular, expect more regulations.

Stay informed. Laws can change. What’s legal today might not be tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to ride an electric scooter in Wisconsin?

No, you don’t need a driver’s license. Electric scooters are treated more like bicycles than motor vehicles.

Can I ride my electric scooter on the sidewalk?

State law allows it, but many cities ban sidewalk riding. Check your local ordinances before riding on sidewalks.

What’s the maximum speed for electric scooters in Wisconsin?

The scooter’s motor can’t exceed 20 mph on flat pavement. On bike paths, you’re limited to 15 mph.

Do I have to wear a helmet?

If you’re under 18, yes. The helmet must meet federal safety standards. Adults aren’t required to wear helmets, but it’s strongly recommended.

Can I get a DUI on an electric scooter?

This is unclear. Some authorities say yes, others say no. The safest choice is to never ride while intoxicated.

Final Thoughts

Electric scooters are a fun, eco-friendly way to get around Wisconsin. But they come with rules you need to follow.

Stay to the right. Wear a helmet. Use lights at night. Obey traffic laws. And never ride drunk.

Check your local city ordinances. What’s legal in one place might not be legal in another. When in doubt, ask local authorities or look it up.

Ride safe out there.

References

1. Wisconsin State Legislature – Chapter 340.01(15ps): Electric Scooter Definition – https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/340.01(22e)
2. Wisconsin State Legislature – Chapter 346.80: Riding Electric Scooter on Roadway – https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/346.804
3. Wisconsin Department of Transportation – Motorcycle, Moped and Other Two-Wheeled Motorized Vehicles – https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/motorcycles/mc-how-aply/cycle.aspx
4. Wisconsin State Bar – Inside Track: On the Road Again: OWI Law and Electric Bikes and Scooters – https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/InsideTrack/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=14&Issue=14&ArticleID=29274
5. Gruber Law Offices – Wisconsin Electric Scooter Laws: Are They Street Legal? – https://www.gruber-law.com/faqs/are-electric-scooters-street-legal-in-wisconsin/