Electric Scooter Laws in Florida

person riding an Electric scooter on a Florida sidewalk

As e-scooters have become an increasingly popular transportation option, Florida lawmakers have established statewide rules for motorized scooters and micromobility devices while permitting local governments to regulate where and how they may be operated. Because local requirements vary, conduct that is permitted in one Florida city may be restricted in another.

On a local level, many cities in Florida are taking their own measures to restrict or promote the use of motorized scooters. This lack of uniformity can often lead to confusion about what is and isn’t legal in the Sunshine State.

With over 50 years of combined experience and a solid history of case results, the electric scooter accident lawyers at Rosen & Ohr, P.A. are here to help you understand Florida’s laws and how they apply to your scooter injury claim.

Here Is the Florida Statute Regarding Electric Scooters

316.2128 Micromobility devices, motorized scooters, and miniature motorcycles; requirements.

(1) The operator of a motorized scooter or micromobility device has all of the rights and duties applicable to the rider of a bicycle under s. 316.2065, except the duties imposed by s. 316.2065(2), (3)(b), and (3)(c), which by their nature do not apply. However, this section may not be construed to prevent a local government, through the exercise of its powers under s. 316.008, from adopting an ordinance governing the operation of micromobility devices and motorized scooters on streets, highways, sidewalks, and sidewalk areas under the local government’s jurisdiction.

(2) A motorized scooter or micromobility device is not required to satisfy the registration and insurance requirements of s. 320.02 or the licensing requirements of s. 316.605.

(3) A person is not required to have a driver license to operate a motorized scooter or micromobility device.

(4) A person who offers motorized scooters or micromobility devices for hire is responsible for securing all such devices located in any area of the state where an active tropical storm or hurricane warning has been issued by the National Weather Service.

(5) A person who engages in the business of, serves in the capacity of, or acts as a commercial seller of miniature motorcycles in this state must prominently display at his or her place of business a notice that such vehicles are not legal to operate on public roads, may not be registered as motor vehicles, and may not be operated on sidewalks unless authorized by an ordinance enacted pursuant to s. 316.008(7)(a) or s. 316.212(8). The required notice must also appear in all forms of advertising offering miniature motorcycles for sale. The notice and a copy of this section must also be provided to a consumer prior to the consumer’s purchasing or becoming obligated to purchase a miniature motorcycle.

(6) Any person selling or offering a miniature motorcycle for sale in violation of this section commits an unfair and deceptive trade practice as defined in part II of chapter 501.

(7) A local government may adopt an ordinance providing one or more minimum age requirements to operate a motorized scooter or micromobility device and may adopt an ordinance requiring a person who operates a motorized scooter or micromobility device to possess a government-issued photographic identification while operating the motorized scooter or micromobility device.

(8) A local government may provide training on the safe operation of motorized scooters and micromobility devices and compliance with the traffic laws of this state that apply to motorized scooters and micromobility devices.

History: s. 16, ch. 2006-290; s. 27, ch. 2009-21; s. 47, ch. 2010-223; s. 11, ch. 2017-150; s. 3, ch. 2019-109; s. 6, ch. 2025-149.

What Are Dockless Scooters?

A dockless scooter has GPS tracking and a self-locking mechanism so a user can leave a scooter at a location other than a designated service station after they finish riding. Three of the major players in the dockless scooter market in Florida are Lime, Bird, and Spin.

These companies typically charge a fixed fee to unlock the e-scooters, plus a per-minute rate while they’re unlocked.

Florida Electric Scooter Laws

Florida law calls e-scooters motorized scooters, defined as any motor-powered vehicle or device that cannot propel itself faster than 20 mph. The vehicle must also be designed to travel on no more than three wheels, but the law specifically excludes electric bicycles.

Florida Statutes 316.2128 sets the following regulations for electric scooters:

  • E-scooter riders generally have the same rights and duties as bicyclists.
  • Electric scooters don’t have to be registered or insured.
  • Riders don’t need a driver’s license to operate an e-scooter.
  • Local governments can adopt their own ordinances regarding permitted e-scooter locations, age restrictions, and identification requirements.

Because state law gives local governments the right to set regulations for motorized scooters, rules can vary by city. For instance, some Florida cities have local ordinances banning e-scooters from sidewalks, while others have banned them from public areas entirely. In the City of Hollywood, motorized scooters and micromobility devices are prohibited from operating on sidewalks in the downtown area. The City also limits scooter rentals to fixed retail locations where the devices must be returned to the same location. Florida laws and local rules can change, so riders should confirm the requirements in the city where they intend to operate a scooter.

Injured on a Scooter?

Did you suffer severe injuries as a rider, pedestrian, or motorist in a dockless scooter accident in the State of Florida? Be sure to hire an attorney to assist you in determining fault and pursuing compensation from those responsible for the crash.

Do not speak with the insurance company after your scooter crash. Instead, take photos, preserve your evidence and contact the legal team at Rosen & Ohr, P.A. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, which means that you pay us only if we win your case. Call us at (954) 758-4848 or contact us online now to set up a free consultation.