Are Electric Scooters Legal in Baton Rouge?
Updated on December 1st, 2023
An 'electric low-speed scooter' is defined as a scooter weighing under 100 pounds, equipped with handlebars and an electric motor, and is powered by the motor or human power. The maximum speed is capped at 15 mph on a leveled, paved surface. These scooters are not classified as motor-driven cycles, vehicles, or motor vehicles. Carrying multiple passengers or attaching the scooter to another vehicle on the road is prohibited. Riders under 17 are obliged to wear an approved helmet according to R.S. 32:199. The local city-parish authority retains the right to further restrict speed limits for electric scooters to ensure safety, maintain traffic conditions, and uphold the quality of life.
For purposes of this Section, the term "electric lowspeed scooter" shall mean a scooter weighing less than one hundred pounds that has handlebars and an electric motor, is solely powered by an electric motor or human power, and has a maximum speed of not more than fifteen miles per hour on a paved level surface when powered solely by an electric motor. An electric low-speed scooter shall not be considered a motor-driven cycle, a vehicle, or a motor vehicle
No electric low-speed scooter shall be used to carry more than one person at one time.
No person operating an electric low-speed scooter shall attach himself or the scooter to any other vehicle being operated upon a highway.
Any operator of an electric low-speed scooter under the age of seventeen years shall wear an approved helmet as provided in R.S. 32:199.
No person shall operate an electric low-speed scooter at a speed greater than fifteen (15) miles per hour on a paved level surface when powered solely by an electric motor. The city-parish may further limit the speed of electric low-speed scooters through geofencing or other means to preserve user safety, maintain pre-existing 3 traffic conditions or traffic flow, or otherwise maintain quality-of-life in areas that may be disrupted by shared mobility devices traveling at greater speeds.
Max Speed
15 mph
Minimum Age
No minimum age for riding specified, but helmet requirement indicates use by minors. Age requirements may vary for rental services.
Helmets Required?
Yes, for riders under the age of 17.
