Electric Scooter Luggage in the U.S.: Laws & Travel Rules

Are electric scooters legal in the U.S.?

Yes, electric scooters are legal in the U.S., but regulations vary by state and city. While most places allow their use, specific rules govern where and how they can be ridden. Some states treat electric scooters like bicycles, allowing them on bike lanes and roads, while others impose stricter regulations, such as speed limits or designated riding areas.

In general, electric scooters are classified as motorized scooters or micromobility vehicles in the U.S. The legality and regulations surrounding electric scooters are often based on several key factors:

• Speed Limit: Most states allow electric scooters with a maximum speed of 15-20 mph (24-32 km/h).
• Motor Power: The motor is typically limited to 750W in many states.
• Design Features: Electric scooters must have:
  • Handlebars
  • An electric motor
  • A standing or seated position for riding

While many states do not require registration, some may have additional requirements such as wearing a helmet, using designated lanes, or following specific local traffic laws. It's important to check the rules in your state or city before riding.

Is there an age limit for electric scooters  in the U.S.?

Yes, there are age restrictions for riding electric scooters in the U.S., but the rules vary by state and city. Some states have a specific minimum age requirement, while others leave it up to local governments to set the rules. Here are some examples of age restrictions in well-known states:

• California: Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate an electric scooter, though some cities, like San Francisco, may have local ordinances that allow younger riders with a helmet.
• New York: The minimum age is 16, but riders under 18 must wear a helmet. In New York City, the rules may be stricter depending on local regulations.
• Florida: There is no state-wide minimum age requirement, but individual cities may set their own restrictions. For example, in Miami, riders must be at least 16 years old.
• Texas: The minimum age for riding electric scooters is typically 15, but local laws may impose stricter age limits or helmet requirements. Illinois: In Chicago, riders must be at least 16 years old, and those under 18 are required to wear a helmet.

Electric Scooter Laws by State in the U.S.

Electric scooter laws in the U.S. vary widely by state, covering aspects such as speed limits, helmet requirements, road usage, and licensing. Here are some key differences in regulations across major states:

• California: Electric scooters are limited to 15 mph (24 km/h) and must be ridden in bike lanes when available. Riders under 18 years old must wear a helmet, and scooters cannot be ridden on sidewalks. A driver’s license or learner’s permit is required.
• New York: The speed limit is 15 mph (24 km/h), and riders must be at least 16 years old. Helmets are required for riders under 18. You can operate these devices on highways with a posted speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h) or less, but scooters are not allowed on sidewalks. No driver’s license is required.
• Florida>: Electric scooters must not have a seat or saddle, be designed to travel on no more than three wheels, and must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) on level ground. Helmets are required for riders under 16. No driver’s license is required.
• Texas: Cities set their own regulations, but generally, scooters are restricted to 35 mph (56 km/h) roads or slower. Helmets are encouraged but not always mandatory. No driver’s license is required.
• Illinois: Low-speed electric scooters (under 100 lbs, max 20 mph) require riders to be 16+ with a driver’s license, permit, or state ID. They are allowed in bike lanes and must have lights for nighttime use.>
• Washington State: Municipalities and the Department of Transportation may prohibit electric scooters on public highways where the speed limit exceeds 25 mph (40 km/h). No driver’s license is required.>

Is electric scooter luggage an electric scooter in the U.S.?

Electric scooter luggage, a motorized suitcase that riders can sit on and drive, doesn’t always fall under the legal definition of an electric scooter in the U.S. Most states define electric scooters as having handlebars, a floorboard for standing, and a motor, while electric scooter luggage typically has a seat and lacks traditional handlebars. For example, in California, an electric scooter must have handlebars and a floorboard designed to be stood upon while riding, meaning electric scooter luggage may not meet the criteria. Since definitions vary by state, it’s important to check local laws to determine how electric scooter luggage is classified and what regulations apply.

Can you ride electric scooter luggage on the road in the U.S.?

Electric scooter luggage is generally not designed or approved for road use in most U.S. states. Many state laws require motorized vehicles to meet specific safety and equipment standards, such as having lights, reflectors, and a braking system, which electric scooter luggage may not have. For instance, in New York, electric vehicles must be classified under existing categories like bicycles, mopeds, or scooters to be legally operated on public roads. Since electric scooter luggage doesn’t fit neatly into these classifications, it is unlikely to be allowed on streets. However, it is typically permitted in airports, private properties, college campuses, and large indoor spaces like convention centers. Rules vary by location, so checking local regulations is essential before riding on public roads.

Do you need a license for electric scooter luggage in the U.S.?

In most U.S. states, a driver’s license is not required to ride electric scooter luggage, as it is generally not classified as a motor vehicle under state laws. However, some states have stricter regulations for motorized personal transport devices. For example, in Illinois, low-speed electric scooters require riders to be at least 16 years old and possess a driver’s license, permit, or state ID. Since electric scooter luggage does not fit traditional scooter classifications, its legal requirements can vary. It’s important to check local laws to determine whether a license is needed in a specific state.

Can You Take Electric Scooter Luggage on a Plane in the U.S.?

Electric scooter luggage can be taken on a plane in the U.S., but it must comply with airline and FAA regulations, particularly regarding lithium-ion battery restrictions. Most airlines follow these key guidelines:

• The battery must be 100Wh or less for carry-on. Batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval, while those over 160Wh are prohibited.
• The battery should be removable and carried separately in the cabin
• The battery must be UN38.3 certified to meet safety standards.
• Most airlines do not allow electric scooter luggage in checked baggage due to fire risks.

Here’s how major U.S. airlines handle electric scooter luggage: 

American Airlines: Requires smart bags (including electric scooter luggage) to have removable lithium batteries. If the battery cannot be removed, the bag will not be accepted on any American Airlines or American Eagle flights. Passengers must carry the battery separately if the bag needs to be checked. While this is not an FAA-mandated policy, American Airlines enforces it for safety reasons.

Delta Air Lines: Allows lithium-ion batteries up to 100Wh for carry-on. Batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval. If checking a smart bag, passengers must remove the battery and bring it into the cabin. For carry-on smart bags, the battery must be removed from its enclosure before boarding but can remain inside the bag. If a carry-on bag is later checked at the gate, the battery must be removed and kept with the passenger.

United Airlines: Requires passengers to remove lithium batteries from smart bags, including electric scooter luggage, before bringing them on board. Bags with non-removable batteries are not allowed on United flights.

JetBlue Airways: Spare lithium batteries for smart bags are only allowed in carry-on baggage and prohibited in checked bags. If a carry-on bag is checked at the gate, passengers must remove all spare lithium batteries and keep them in the cabin.

Spirit Airlines: Does not allow smart luggage as carry-on or checked baggage due to lithium battery safety risks. However, if the battery is removable, the bag can be accepted. Spare lithium-ion batteries must not exceed 100Wh.

Frontier Airlines:Does not allow smart bags if the battery cannot be removed, exceeds 100Wh, or shows any damage or defects. If bringing a smart bag, passengers must remove the battery before boarding, place it securely in a carry-on bag, and protect the terminals to prevent short circuits.

Alaska Airlines: Only smart bags with removable batteries (without tools) are allowed. For carry-on, the battery can remain attached. For checked or gate-checked bags, the battery must be removed and protected from short circuits. Batteries must not exceed 160Wh. Bags with non-removable batteries or those requiring tools for removal are not accepted.

Hawaiian Airlines: Does not accept smart bags with non-removable lithium batteries as carry-on or checked luggage due to safety risks. Smart bags with removable batteries can be carried on and stored in the overhead bin but must remain turned off during the flight. If checking a smart bag, the battery must be removed and carried in the cabin with terminals protected to prevent short circuits.

Allegiant Air: Smart bags are allowed as carry-on if they meet size limits, have a battery under 100Wh, and any transmitting features can be turned off. For checked baggage, the battery must be removed and carried in the cabin. Bags that don’t meet these safety requirements will be refused at check-in, and passengers must arrange for storage or disposal. All standard lithium battery regulations apply.

Carry-On & Checked Scooter Luggage Airlines Rules in the U.S.

Carry-On Electric Scooter Luggage

Most airlines allow electric scooter luggage as a carry-on if it meets size and weight restrictions. However, the lithium battery must comply with airline regulations:

• The battery must be removable and typically under 100Wh.
• If the battery is between 100Wh and 160Wh, airline approval is required.
• The battery must remain installed in the luggage or be carried separately in the cabin.

Checked Electric Scooter Luggage

Checked electric scooter luggage must follow stricter regulations due to battery safety concerns:

• The battery must be removed and carried in the cabin.
• Batteries exceeding 160Wh are not allowed on most airlines.
• Some airlines may refuse smart luggage entirely if the battery is non-removable.

Most airlines, including Delta Air Lines, follow strict regulations for carrying electric scooter luggage. Delta allows smart luggage only if the lithium-ion battery is removable. For carry-on bags, the battery must be taken out of its compartment before boarding but can remain inside the bag. If checking the luggage, the battery must be removed and carried in the cabin. Batteries exceeding 160Wh are not permitted in either carry-on or checked baggage. These rules ensure compliance with safety regulations while allowing passengers to travel with their electric scooter luggage.

Source

1. American Airlines: https://saleslink.aa.com/en-US/documents/Archives/AgencyRef/Baggage_-_Smart_Bag_Policy_Change_FAQ.pdf
2. Delta Air Lines: https://www.delta.com/us/en/baggage/prohibited-or-restricted-items/robotic-machine-other
3. United Airlines: https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/baggage/carry-on-bags.html#special-items
4. JetBlue Airways: https://www.jetblue.com/help/batteries
5. Spirit Airlines: https://customersupport.spirit.com/en-us/category/article/KA-01328
6. Frontier Airlines: https://faq.flyfrontier.com/help/smart-luggage
7. Alaska Airlines: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/baggage/prohibited-items/spare-batteries-electronic-devices?
8. Hawaiian Airlines: https://newsroom.hawaiianairlines.com/releases/hawaiian-airlines-to-implement-smart-bags-restrictions
9. Allegiant Air: https://www.allegiantair.com/baggage-1