South Carolina has no specific statewide legislation addressing electric kick scooters. Most consumer e-scooters (under 750W, max 20 mph) fall under the Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device (EPAMD) classification in SC Code 56-5-3310, which explicitly states they are not considered "vehicles" or "motor vehicles."
What This Means: Under the EPAMD classification, no driver's license, registration, or insurance is required at the state level. Scooters exceeding 25 mph would be classified as mopeds under Section 56-1-10 and would require licensing.
Local Regulation: Cities set their own rules. Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville have enacted local ordinances governing shared scooter services, typically requiring helmets for riders under 18 and restricting sidewalk use. Charleston was drafting a comprehensive 2026 micromobility ordinance for historic districts.
Helmet and Age: There is no statewide helmet mandate or minimum age for e-scooter riders. Local ordinances may impose these requirements.