ARE ELECTRIC SKATEBOARDS LEGAL? ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ELECTRIC SKATEBOARD LAWS

Electric skateboards have taken the world by storm, but their legal status is often unclear. Before you hit the streets on your trusty e-board, it's important to understand the laws surrounding their use. Whether you're a seasoned e-boarder or a newcomer to the scene, this article has you covered. So let's get started and find out everything you need to know about electric skateboard laws!

 

Are Electric Skateboards Legal In The US?

The legality of electric skateboards varies by state in the United States. Some states have enacted specific laws or regulations regarding the use of electric skateboards, while others have not.

States such as California and New York, have laws specifically addressing the use of electric skateboards on public roads and sidewalks. In these states, electric skateboards are legal to use in certain circumstances, such as on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less in California and on roads with a speed limit of 25 mph or less in New York.

Other states, such as Florida and Arizona, do not have specific laws regarding the use of electric skateboards. Electric skateboards may be considered a form of low-speed vehicle and may be subject to the same laws and regulations as bicycles or electric ooterssc in these states. 

In Illinois and Indiana, the use of electric skateboards is prohibited on public roads and sidewalks. In these states, electric skateboards can only be used on private property with the owner's permission

Are Electric Skateboards Legal in the UK?

Electric skateboards aren’t legal in the uk. However you can use them on private property.  The use of electric skateboards on public roads and sidewalks is governed by the Road Traffic Act 1988, which classifies them as "powered transporters" and requires them to be registered and insured. Most electric skateboards do not meet the requirements for registration and insurance, so their use on public roads and sidewalks is not permitted.

The UK government introduced rental trial schemes for electric skateboards on certain roads on June 30, 2020. The purpose of these schemes is to study the possibility of legalizing the use of e-boards on public roads. By allowing the use of electric skateboards in specific areas, the government hopes to gather data and information that will help inform their decision on whether to legalize the use of e-boards on public roads

Are Electric Skateboards Legal in Australia?

In Austrailia, the legality of riding an electric skateboard varies. In certain Australian territories, such as Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia, and Tasmania, the use of electric skateboards is permitted on roads and paths.

However, in other states and territories such as New South Wales, Victoria, South Austrailia, Nothern territory  electric skateboards can only be used on private properties and are prohibited from being ridden on roads, footpaths, shared paths, and public areas. 

Are Electric Skatebsoard Legal in Europe?

Europe doesn't have any specific laws for electric skateboards. Each country has its own individual rules and regulations. It is important to check the local laws and regulations in your specific area before using an electric skateboard in Europe to ensure that you are using it legally.

Are Electric Skateboards Legal in Germany?

Electric skateboards are not legal in Germany. They are classified as motor vehicles under the German Road Traffic Act, and any motorized vehicle with a maximum speed of more than 6 km/h must be registered under the Vehicle Registration Ordinance. However, it is currently not possible to register an electric skateboard in Germany, and those who use them without registering them can be fined.

Are Electric Skateboards Legal in Japan?

Electric skateboards are now legal in Japan. The new Road Traffic Law classifies electric skateboards as a new type of vehicle with a maximum speed of 20 km/h. A driver's license is not required to operate an electric skateboard, but the user must be at least 16 years old and must wear a helmet.

Are Electric Skateboards Legal in Canada?

In Canada, the laws regarding electric skateboards vary by province and territory. Here is a general overview of the rules that apply to electric skateboards in some of the major provinces:

• British Columbia: Electric skateboards are considered "personal mobility devices" and are allowed on sidewalks, bike lanes, and shared-use paths, but not on roads. Riders must be at least 16 years old and must wear a helmet.

• Alberta: Electric skateboards are not allowed on sidewalks, bike lanes, or shared-use paths, but are allowed on roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less. Riders must be at least 14 years old and must wear a helmet.

• Saskatchewan: Electric skateboards are allowed on sidewalks, bike lanes, shared-use paths, and roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less. Riders must be at least 14 years old and must wear a helmet.

• Manitoba: Electric skateboards are not allowed on sidewalks, bike lanes, or shared-use paths, but are allowed on roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less. Riders must be at least 14 years old and must wear a helmet.

• Ontario: Electric skateboards are allowed on sidewalks, bike lanes, shared-use paths, and roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less. Riders must be at least 16 years old and must wear a helmet.

• Quebec: Electric skateboards are not allowed on sidewalks, bike lanes, or shared-use paths, but are allowed on roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less. Riders must be at least 16 years old and must wear a helmet.

Summary

In conclusion, the legality of electric skateboards varies by location and is often subject to specific laws and regulations. In some areas, electric skateboards may be treated similarly to traditional skateboards and subject to the same rules and restrictions, while in other places they may be classified as low-speed vehicles and subject to additional regulations. It is important to familiarize with the laws in your  specific location to ensure you  are using electric skateboard safely and legally.