Many electric skateboard enthusiasts often wonder if the law allows the use of boards. Yes, is electric skateboarding legal where you live?
This is the first question that comes to mind when thinking about buying or building these devices. Well, the question is more complicated than you think. In fact, the legal status of e-skateboards depends primarily on several factors.
These factors include where the rider uses them, the speed at which the rider is on the skateboard, and the speed at which the skateboard can actually move. Another factor is the type of safety equipment worn by skateboard riders.
Electric skateboarding laws in the United States and other regions
What else is important? Now, what country do you live in? Of course, the laws regarding how to use skateboards vary from country to country.
With this in mind, make sure you are familiar with the local laws governing the use of motorized skateboards in your country. Do this well before buying or building a skateboard.
This post describes the legal status (and its use) of skateboarding in various states of the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and Asia. However, if you have any doubts, be sure to refer to the laws of your local government.
Does the law consider electric skateboards to be vehicles?
It is imperative to learn the rules governing the use of roads, regardless of where you live. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling by bike, car, on foot, or skateboarding.
First of all, who are the pedestrians? This is someone who travels on foot or in other human-powered vehicles (such as skateboards and skates). Please note that bicycle riders are not considered pedestrians.
Therefore, skateboarders, highway construction workers, and regular pedestrians are collectively referred to as pedestrians. Also, in many countries, the law allows people with disabilities to use self-propelled tricycles, wheelchairs, or four-wheeled vehicles as pedestrians.
Skateboarding is not a vehicle
In general, the law does not consider electric skateboards to be vehicles. In fact, Washington law considers anyone who rides a skateboard to be a pedestrian.
Why? Skateboards run at speeds that drivers cannot immediately react to or find. In many places, the law prohibits skateboard riders from crossing the road (except when crossing the street).
Overall, those who use skateboards or roller skates are advised to be careful and move at a safe speed.
Please note that all skateboard riders must give way to other pedestrians.
Segway and E-bike faced the same legal situation
Undoubtedly, the legislation governing the operation of electric skateboards is relatively new. Nevertheless, other products successfully faced hurdles. There is no reason why skateboarding should be different.
Yes, e-skateboarding is moving in the familiar statutory territory.
Segway and E-bike legalized
Initially, US law considered these products illegal. However, after many lobbying activities, Segways and electric bikes were finally accepted. In most places, the law immediately allowed use on public property.
In particular, most laws have been in use over the last five years. This sets priorities for the legal acceptance of similar transport types in the future.
It’s no wonder that many countries have recently introduced legislation permitting the use of electric skateboards in public places.
Is it legal to use an E-skateboard in the United States?
So far, most US states have not legalized the use of e-skateboarding. However, there are some places in the United States where you are allowed to ride an e-skateboard without the hassle of law.
Keep in mind that in many places the idea of electric skateboarding is relatively new. But we know how fast technology is moving. Technology often runs faster than the government can handle.
Nevertheless, the current situation means that the escalator must wait for the government to enact new legislation. Hopefully, this will happen soon. Unfortunately, even if some states have laws, these are usually not easy.
Some rules for skateboarding
As already mentioned, many states do not have legislation on the use of skateboards. And at the federal level, things don’t change much. However, be careful. The lack of such a law does not mean that it is free to use. Skateboarding is technically illegal.
From this point of view, anyone using an e-skateboard anywhere in the United States must carefully adhere to the minimum standards of design contact. Again, keep in mind that most e-skateboards aren’t enough.
Now let’s talk about the legal status of e-skateboarding in major US states and abroad.
Can I legally use an E-skateboard in California?
Good question: Is electric skateboarding legally permitted in California?
Well, the Act of Parliament 604 is the applicable law in California. Did you know that electric skateboards and electric skateboards are not the same things? Therefore, a law banning the use of electric boards was first enacted in California in the 1970s.
At that time, some skateboarded the gas engine. The law also prohibited the use of skateboards while drunk.
Is it legal to use an E-skateboard in Europe?
The European Union has no formal law on e-skateboarding. Instead, each EU member state has its own policy. Most countries classify e-skateboards as light electric vehicles (similar to bicycles and scooters). In Finland, by law, skateboard riders are required to register their vehicle. You also need to guarantee the board as a lightweight motorcycle (classified according to speed).
The use of e-skateboards is permitted in Germany, Denmark, and Belgium. In Norway, e-skateboards are treated as bicycles. e-skateboarding is legal in Iceland, Switzerland, Spain, and Greece.
With the exception of Austria and Turkey, other European countries do not have explicit restrictions on the use of such vehicles. Laws often bundle skateboards with Segways and hoverboards and treat them that way.
Can I legally use an E-skateboard in Canada?
Like the United Kingdom, Canada does not have a clear national law governing the use of skateboarding. Therefore, each state or municipality is free to create its own specific law.
In British Columbia, e-skateboarding is illegal and cannot be insured.
It’s not clear if you can ride an e-skateboard in a bike lane in a city like Vancouver. Anyway, your skateboard is unlikely to be registered or insured as a vehicle. This makes it illegal to use on the road.
Is it legal to ride an E-skateboard in Singapore?
In 2017, a law allowed Singapore skateboard riders to operate on sidewalks and bike paths. However, you must maintain the specified speed limit. The sidewalk limit is 15 km / h. On the bike path, the limit is 25 km / h.
Overall, riding an e-skateboard in Singapore is illegal. Avoid highways and paths. The board should not exceed 700 mm wide or 20 kg in weight.
Final idea
Do you like skateboarding? Consider a few things before you buy. Consider these important points: Does the law allow you to ride an e-skateboard on public roads? Make sure your local law says.
Make sure you comply with the law. If you need to use a skateboard, use it with caution without endangering or damaging public order and morals.
Yes, enjoy riding an e-skateboard. However, please do it responsibly and legally.