North Carolina defined and legalized electric standup scooters through SB 469 (SL 2018-145), which amended G.S. 20-4.01. Under this law, electric standup scooters are classified as "vehicles" but explicitly not motor vehicles, which means no driver's license, registration, insurance, or inspection is required.
Key Requirements: Riders must be at least 16 years old. Helmet use is required for riders under 16. The device must have a maximum speed of 20 mph. Scooters must be equipped with a front light and rear reflector for nighttime riding.
Where You Can Ride: Electric scooters may be operated on streets, bike lanes, and bicycle paths. Municipalities have authority to set additional local rules regarding sidewalk use and designated zones. Asheville, for example, amended its micromobility ordinance in August 2025 to allow personal scooters in bike lanes and on greenways.
Important Distinction: SB 469 specifically removed scooters from the moped definition. Earlier references to moped-style requirements (Class D/G/M license, FMVSS 218 helmet) do not apply to electric standup scooters.