Are Electric Scooters Legal in Rhode Island?
RIRhode Island
Legal (License Required)
Quick Facts
Max Speed
Not exceeding 25 mph
Minimum Age
Possess a valid driver's license
Helmets Required?
Yes, for riders under 21 years old or those operating a motorized bicycle for 1 year or less
Summary
Rhode Island’s July 1, 2024 electric-bicycle law finally adopted the Class 1–3 framework, guaranteed Class 1 access to state bike paths, and requires every rider or passenger under 21 to wear a helmet anywhere an e-bike can legally operate.
Detailed Information
Chapter 31-19.7 of the General Laws, enacted in June 2024, now spells out the three national e-bike classes, directs DEM to decide where each class can operate on state properties (while guaranteeing Class 1 access to state bicycle trails), and hard-codes a helmet requirement for every operator or passenger under 21 on roads, trails, parks, school property, or other public rights-of-way. Local police are already reminding residents that those statewide rules interact with existing youth restrictions: Newport PD’s September 2025 bulletin reiterated that Rhode Island law still bans anyone under 16 from operating an electric motorized bicycle of any class and that officers will write citations (or impound devices) if teens ignore the helmet and traffic-law provisions the new statute references.
Official References
Updated on November 10th, 2025
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