Are Electric Scooters Legal in Milwaukee?
Updated on December 1st, 2023
The operation of electric scooters in Milwaukee is governed by state and city regulations that align closely with the rules for bicycles. Riders must adhere to traffic laws, such as stopping at red lights, yielding to pedestrians, and using hand signals for turning when feasible. While electric scooters are motorized, they are exempt from motor vehicle registration requirements. However, Milwaukee's local ordinances mandate that e-scooters should not be ridden on sidewalks, particularly in the downtown area, to ensure pedestrian safety. Despite initial setbacks, including sidewalk riding and temporary program halts, electric scooters have integrated into the city's transit options. In Milwaukee, electric scooters can be used on bike lanes and streets that do not have bike lanes, as long as the rider follows the same rules applicable to cyclists. Riders should be aware that electric scooters are prohibited on expressways and freeways, and violations may result in fines.
Reference Link
https://city.milwaukee.gov/MilwaukeebyBike/Shared-Mobility1/Dockless-Scooter-Pilot-Study.htm#.XUsi1JNKhTZ
https://milwaukee-criminal-lawyer.com/electric-scooters-legal-in-milwaukee/
How does the law treat electric scooters? For starters, many of the rules related to e-scooters are the same as bicycles. For example, riders need to follow the rules of the road. Riders are expected to use hand signals to indicate turns, though they don’t need to do so if both hands are required for the turn. And while electric scooters are motorized, they are exempt from motor vehicle registration requirements.
At the state level, electric scooters can be operated on both sidewalks and roadways. But Milwaukee, for example, expressly prohibits the operation of e-scooters on the sidewalk. And no one may operate an electric scooter on an expressway or freeway (more on that below). There has been some backlash in Milwaukee about people not following the rules. In fact, Mayor Barrett temporarily halted the electric scooter program in early August due to users riding on the sidewalks. And on August 19, Marquette University banned electric scooters from campus. Despite some of these restrictions, it appears however that e-scooters are here to stay.
To be clear, it is illegal to operate e-scooters on a freeway or expressway. The penalty range for violating this law is a fine between $30-$300. If you receive a citation from police related to your operation of an electric scooter, we can help you out.
Max Speed
15 mph
Minimum Age
16 years old
Helmets Required?
No, helmets are not legally required for electric scooter riders in Milwaukee, but their use is strongly recommended for safety.
