Are Electric Scooters Legal in Vermont?

Vermont has legislation under Title 23, Section 1141a addressing electric scooters, now recognized as EPAMDs (Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices). These devices are generally treated like bicycles, meaning they are allowed to operate on streets and bike lanes where bicycles are permitted. Electric scooters must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and follow the same traffic laws as bicyclists. The law prohibits carrying or transporting hazardous materials as defined in 5 V.S.A. § 2001 on an EPAMD. While state laws provide a framework, municipalities retain authority under 24 V.S.A. § 2291(1), (4), and (5) to regulate the use and operation of EPAMDs. Usage in specific areas may be subject to local ordinances, and some cities may have pilot programs to evaluate integration into the transportation system. Individual cities and towns are responsible for setting their own regulations, which can vary across Vermont, so local regulations should be verified for the most accurate and current rules.