Are Electric Scooters Legal in South Carolina?
Updated on December 1st, 2023
According to South Carolina law, electric scooters fall under the same category as mopeds and are thus subject to similar requirements. All electric scooters must be registered and carry insurance as mopeds do, regardless of their transmission type. Riders need to possess a valid class D, G, or M driver's license to operate them. The state restricts the speed of electric scooters to no more than 25 miles per hour, and riders below twenty-one years of age are mandated to wear a helmet. Electric scooter riders are obliged to adhere to the traffic laws that apply to other motor vehicles. When operating an electric scooter, the rider must carry their license. It is unlawful for electric scooters to carry more than one person unless they are designed for tandem riding. Scooter tags should be crafted from reflective metal and display a current validation sticker.
Under South Carolina law, there is no scooter classification, only motorcycle and moped. All vehicles that are considered scooters must be registered and insured as motorcycles, regardless of whether or not they have a transmission with gears.
To operate a moped, you must have a class D, G, or M driver’s license. State law prohibits mopeds from exceeding a speed of 25 miles per hour. Any person under the age of twenty-one must wear a helmet on a moped or motorcycle. Moped drivers are subject to traffic laws governing other motor vehicles. A moped driver must have their license in possession at all times when operating a moped. It is illegal for more than one person to ride on a moped, unless the moped was designed for two people. Moped tags must be made of reflective metal and have a validation sticker on the tag.
Max Speed
25
Minimum Age
Must possess a valid driver's license (class D, G, or M), the minimum age for which is typically 15 years for a beginner's permit, with restrictions that later lead to a full license by 17 years of age.
Helmets Required?
Yes, for persons under the age of twenty-one.
