Cities That Have Banned Electric Scooters: A Comprehensive List

The rise of electric scooters as a popular mode of alternative transportation has led to a complex and evolving regulatory landscape worldwide. While these devices have revolutionized urban mobility in many cities, they have also sparked heated debates about safety, infrastructure, and public space usage. This has resulted in a growing number of cities enacting restrictions or outright bans on their usage, with regulations varying dramatically from one jurisdiction to another. The reasons for these restrictions are multifaceted, including safety concerns, pedestrian complaints, infrastructure challenges, battery fire risks, and the ongoing struggle to establish proper regulatory frameworks.

In this comprehensive guide, we examine the current state of electric scooter regulations across the globe, highlighting cities that have implemented bans or strict restrictions, those that have embraced these vehicles with robust regulatory frameworks, and the emerging trends that are shaping the future of urban micromobility.

Understanding the Ban Landscape

Electric scooter bans typically fall into several categories: complete bans on all e-scooters (both private and rental), bans on rental/shared scooters only, time-restricted bans, and location-specific prohibitions. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for riders, as the legal status of e-scooters can vary not just between cities, but even between different areas within the same municipality.

United States: City-Specific Bans and Regulations

The United States presents a patchwork of regulations, with electric scooter laws varying significantly from state to state and city to city. As of 2024-2025, 28 states and Washington, D.C. have updated their e-scooter laws, addressing factors such as age restrictions, speed limits, and designated riding areas.

California

• San Francisco: Temporarily banned electric scooters in June 2018 after the city was overrun with devices from companies like Bird, Lime, and Spin. The city later implemented a permit system with strict regulations, allowing only approved operators to provide scooter-sharing services. Today, San Francisco maintains one of the most comprehensive regulatory frameworks for e-scooters in the United States.


• West Hollywood: Enforced a strict ban on electric scooters in July 2018, prohibiting both scooter rentals and the operation of scooters within city limits. This ban remains in effect.


• Beverly Hills: Instituted a ban on electric scooters, citing concerns about public safety and the lack of proper regulation. The city has maintained its prohibition despite the widespread adoption of e-scooters in neighboring communities.

New York

New York City had long banned electric scooters, but in November 2020, New York State legalized e-bikes and e-scooters statewide. The city now permits e-scooter use with specific regulations:

• As of October 9, 2024, lithium batteries for micromobility devices must comply with recognized safety standards such as UL 2849, UL 2271, or EN 15194


• E-scooters must use bike lanes wherever possible and cannot operate on roads with speed limits over 30 mph


• Priscilla's Law (pending legislation as of late 2024) would require e-bikes and e-scooters to be registered with the NYC Department of Transportation and display license plates to improve safety and accountability

Other Notable U.S. Cities

• Honolulu, Hawaii: Enacted a ban on electric scooters within the city, with fines for those caught riding one.


• Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina: Banned electric scooters in 2018 and 2019 respectively, with these bans still in effect.


• Auburn and Tuscaloosa, Alabama: Have banned e-scooters on the streets.


• Atlanta, Georgia: Implemented a curfew for e-scooter use, prohibiting riding between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. to address noise complaints and safety concerns during late-night hours.


• Portland, Oregon: Introduced new parking requirements in 2024, mandating that all e-scooters must be locked to public bike racks or city signposts to reduce sidewalk clutter.

State-Level Bans in the United States

While most states have legalized electric scooters with varying restrictions, Pennsylvania and Delaware maintain straightforward bans on e-scooters. Delaware specifically prohibits e-scooters on streets, sidewalks, and highways. Additionally, 17 states ban electric scooters from use on sidewalks, while many states forbid electric scooters on streets with speed limits above designated thresholds (typically 15-20 mph).

International Bans and Restrictions

Europe

Paris, France - In a landmark decision, Paris became the first European capital to completely ban rental electric scooters. Following a referendum in April 2023, where residents voted 89% in favor of removing shared e-scooters (though only 103,000 people participated), all rental e-scooters were removed from the city by September 1, 2023. The three major operators—Lime, Dott, and Tier—had to pull their fleets from the French capital. However, privately-owned e-scooters remain legal in Paris, and many residents continue to use them for daily commuting and leisure.

Madrid, Spain - In late 2018, Madrid ordered shared electric scooter companies to remove their devices from the streets, stating they were causing accidents, traffic jams, and pedestrian complaints. The city has since implemented strict regulations for scooter use. Additionally, Barcelona and Madrid banned electric vehicles (including e-scooters) on public transport due to concerns about lithium-ion batteries exploding.

London and the United Kingdom - The UK maintains a unique regulatory approach. Privately owned e-scooters are illegal to use on public roads, pavements, or cycle lanes, as they are classified as motor vehicles requiring registration, insurance, and compliance with construction standards. However, rental e-scooters have been part of a Department for Transport trial since June 2021, with the trial extended until May 31, 2026. Rental scooter riders must be 18+ with a provisional driving licence, and scooters are capped at 12.5 mph (8 mph in designated "go slow" zones). The UK government has indicated that no changes to private e-scooter regulations will occur until after summer 2025, making the UK one of only two countries (along with the Netherlands) where privately owned e-scooters remain illegal on public roads.

Netherlands - As of July 2025, the Netherlands requires registration plates, insurance, and type-approval for e-scooters, effectively classifying them as light mopeds. This stringent approach makes the Netherlands one of the most restrictive countries for e-scooter use in Europe.

Other European Cities - London, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Montreal, and Singapore have adopted strict regulatory frameworks rather than outright bans, including speed restrictions, designated parking zones, and helmet requirements.

Canada

Toronto, Ontario - In May 2024, Toronto City Council voted against participating in the provincial e-scooter pilot program, maintaining Toronto's complete ban on e-scooters. E-scooters are not permitted on public roads, sidewalks, trails, bicycle lanes, cycle tracks, paths, or parks in the city. Standing electric kick-scooters cannot be operated, left, stored, or parked anywhere on public property in Toronto. Adding to the restrictions, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) banned lithium-ion battery-powered micromobility devices, including e-bikes and e-scooters, until April 15, 2025, due to safety concerns about battery fires.

Australia

Melbourne - In August 2024, the City of Melbourne Council voted to end its e-scooter contracts with two operators, effectively removing rental scooters from the city. This decision came after ongoing concerns about safety and sidewalk congestion.

Emerging Regulatory Trends (2024-2025)

Rather than implementing outright bans, many cities are moving toward sophisticated regulatory approaches that balance innovation with public safety:

• Speed Limit Standardization: Most cities now set a top speed of 15 mph for electric scooters, though some urban centers reduce this to 10-12 mph in high-pedestrian areas, while wider roads or dedicated trails may allow speeds up to 20 mph.


• Geofencing Technology: Cities are increasingly requiring scooter operators to implement geofencing systems that automatically slow or stop scooters in restricted zones, such as crowded pedestrian areas, parks, or near schools.


• Parking Zone Requirements: Following Portland's example, many cities now mandate designated parking zones with physical corrals or racks, using technology to verify proper parking before ending a rental.


• Battery Safety Standards: In response to high-profile battery fires, jurisdictions like New York City now require lithium batteries to meet specific safety certifications (UL 2849, UL 2271, EN 15194).


• Registration and Licensing: There's a growing trend toward requiring registration for e-scooters, with New York City's proposed Priscilla's Law and the Netherlands' registration plate requirements leading this movement.


• Operator Permit Systems: Cities are capping the number of shared scooter operators and vehicles allowed, using competitive permit processes to ensure quality service and proper maintenance.


• Insurance Requirements: An increasing number of jurisdictions require riders or operators to carry liability insurance, particularly for higher-speed models.

Common Regulatory Elements Across Jurisdictions

While regulations vary significantly, certain elements are becoming standard across most jurisdictions that allow e-scooters:

• Age Restrictions: Most jurisdictions require riders to be at least 16-18 years old


• Helmet Requirements: Mandatory for riders under 18 in most U.S. states, with varying requirements internationally


• Sidewalk Prohibitions: Traditional electric scooters are restricted from sidewalks in 17 U.S. states and most international jurisdictions, with riders required to use bike lanes or roadways


• Lighting Requirements: Front and rear lights are mandatory for nighttime riding in most jurisdictions


• DUI Laws: Operating an e-scooter under the influence is prohibited and can result in the same penalties as driving a motor vehicle while impaired


• Passenger Prohibitions: Most jurisdictions prohibit carrying passengers on e-scooters

Why Cities Ban or Restrict E-Scooters

Understanding the rationale behind bans and restrictions provides insight into the ongoing evolution of e-scooter regulations:

• Safety Concerns: E-scooter accidents, particularly involving pedestrians and riders without helmets, have led many cities to implement strict controls or bans


• Sidewalk Clutter: Improperly parked scooters blocking sidewalks, accessibility ramps, and building entrances have generated significant complaints from residents and disability advocacy groups


• Infrastructure Challenges: Many cities lack adequate bike lane infrastructure to safely accommodate e-scooters, leading to conflicts between scooters, cyclists, pedestrians, and motor vehicles


• Battery Fire Risks: High-profile incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires have prompted cities like Toronto and New York to implement strict battery safety standards


• Regulatory Gaps: The rapid deployment of shared scooter services often outpaced cities' ability to create appropriate regulatory frameworks, leading to temporary bans while regulations were developed


• Noise Complaints: Late-night scooter use has prompted some cities to implement curfews


• Environmental Concerns: Despite being marketed as eco-friendly, concerns about the short lifespan of rental scooters (often 1-2 years) and the environmental impact of their production and disposal have influenced policy decisions

Cities Successfully Embracing E-Scooters

Not all cities have moved toward bans. Many have successfully integrated e-scooters into their transportation ecosystems through thoughtful regulation:

• Los Angeles, California: Implemented comprehensive permit programs with strict operational requirements, designated parking zones, and data-sharing agreements with operators


• Chicago, Illinois: Created a robust pilot program with specific rules, speed restrictions in high-traffic areas, and requirements for equitable deployment across all neighborhoods


• Austin, Texas: One of the early adopters, Austin has refined its regulations over time, requiring permits, limiting speeds in certain areas, and mandating proper parking


• Denver, Colorado: Established a successful shared mobility program with caps on fleet sizes and requirements for monthly reporting from operators

The Future of E-Scooter Regulations

The regulatory landscape for electric scooters continues to evolve rapidly. Several trends are emerging for 2025 and beyond:

• Harmonization of Regulations: Within the European Union, there's movement toward standardizing e-scooter regulations, with most nations aligning on a 25 km/h (15.5 mph) top speed, though countries like Germany, Denmark, and Sweden limit it to 20 km/h


• Technology-Driven Enforcement: Increasing use of GPS, geofencing, and computer vision technology to automatically enforce parking rules and speed limits


• Integration with Public Transit: Cities are exploring how to better integrate e-scooters as first-mile/last-mile solutions complementing public transportation systems


• Enhanced Safety Standards: France's ETSC is pushing for speed reductions to 20 km/h and adopting standardized braking systems and acceleration restrictions


• Potential Legalization in Restrictive Markets: The UK government has indicated potential changes to private e-scooter laws after summer 2025, which could influence policy in other restrictive jurisdictions

Practical Advice for E-Scooter Riders

Given the complex and rapidly changing regulatory environment, riders should take several precautions:

• Research Local Laws: Before riding an electric scooter, thoroughly research the laws and regulations in your city and any city you plan to visit. Regulations can vary not just between cities, but even between different neighborhoods within the same city


• Stay Updated: E-scooter regulations are subject to frequent changes. Check for recent updates to local ordinances, especially if you haven't ridden in an area recently


• Understand the Penalties: Fines for illegal e-scooter use can be substantial—ranging from $35 for minor violations in some European cities to several hundred dollars in U.S. cities for more serious infractions


• Use Designated Infrastructure: When available, always use bike lanes or designated scooter paths rather than sidewalks or high-speed roadways


• Wear Safety Gear: Regardless of whether it's legally required, wearing a helmet and using lights for visibility significantly reduces accident risk


• Park Responsibly: Always park in designated areas and ensure your scooter doesn't obstruct pedestrian pathways, accessibility ramps, or building entrances


• Consider Insurance: Even where not required, personal liability insurance can protect you from financial consequences of accidents

Conclusion

The landscape of electric scooter regulations continues to evolve as cities worldwide grapple with balancing innovation in urban mobility against legitimate concerns about safety, infrastructure, and public space. While some cities like Paris and Toronto have opted for bans on rental or all e-scooters, many others are developing sophisticated regulatory frameworks that attempt to capture the benefits of this micromobility option while mitigating its risks.

As of 2025, the trend appears to be moving away from outright bans toward smart regulation—using technology, data, and evidence-based policymaking to integrate e-scooters safely into urban transportation networks. However, riders must remain vigilant about local regulations, as the legal status of e-scooters can change quickly and varies dramatically across jurisdictions.

Whether you're a daily commuter, casual rider, or city planner, staying informed about these regulations is crucial. The future of urban micromobility depends on finding sustainable solutions that work for riders, pedestrians, city infrastructure, and the environment alike. As battery technology improves, infrastructure adapts, and regulatory frameworks mature, we may see a more harmonized approach to e-scooter regulation that balances innovation with public safety and urban livability.