If you are thinking of riding an electric scooter in Nevada, you might be wondering what the Nevada electric scooter laws are.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Nevada’s law on electric scooters.
Key Takeaways
| Requirements and Restrictions | Riders must be at least 16 years old and adhere to traffic laws. Electric scooters are limited to a maximum speed of 15 mph and can only carry one person at a time. |
| Legal Riding Locations | Electric scooters can be ridden on roadways, bike lanes, paths, and routes with speed limits not exceeding 15 mph. Sidewalk riding is allowed, but riders must yield to pedestrians and comply with local ordinances. |
| Helmet, License, and Registration | While not mandatory, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended for safety. No license or registration is required to operate an electric scooter in Nevada. |
| Rules for Public Roads and Sidewalks | On public roads, electric scooter operators should ride as close to the right side as possible, except when turning left. When using sidewalks, they must be cautious and avoid obstructing pedestrian traffic. |
| Renting Electric Scooters | Several companies offer convenient electric scooter rental services via smartphone apps, making short-distance commuting easy and accessible. |
| Responsibility and Courtesy | Give priority to pedestrians, obey traffic signals, and park electric scooters in designated areas to maintain a clutter-free environment. |
| Penalties for Violations | Violating electric scooter laws may lead to civil penalties up to $250. Staying compliant with regulations ensures both safety and a positive riding experience. |
Nevada Electric Scooter Laws Overview
Before we dive into the details of Nevada’s electric scooter laws, let’s first define what an electric scooter is and how it is classified in Nevada.
According to Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 484B.018, an electric scooter is:
A device that: (a) Is designed to be stood or sat upon by the operator;
(b) Is powered by an electric motor that is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion;
(c) Has no more than three wheels;
(d) Has handlebars;
(e) Has a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding; and
(f) Has a maximum speed of not more than 20 miles per hour on a paved level surface when powered solely by the electric motor.
This means that electric scooters are not considered motor vehicles, bicycles, or mopeds in Nevada, but rather a separate category of devices that have their own set of rules and regulations.
Some of the main requirements and restrictions for riding an electric scooter in Nevada are:
- You must be at least 16 years old to ride an electric scooter in Nevada.
- You do not need a driver’s license, insurance, or registration to ride an electric scooter in Nevada.
- You do not need to wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter in Nevada, unless you are under 18 years old and riding in certain counties (Tucscon, Sierra Vista, Yuma, and Pima).
- Your electric scooter must not weigh more than 100 lbs (excluding the rider’s weight).
- Your electric scooter must have a brake system, a front lamp emitting a white light, a rear red reflector, and reflective material visible from both sides when riding at night.
- You must obey all traffic laws and signals when riding an electric scooter in Nevada.
- You must give appropriate hand signals when turning or stopping with your electric scooter in Nevada, unless you are in a designated turning lane or safety requires that both hands remain on the handlebars.
- You must not carry any package or article that prevents you from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars of your electric scooter in Nevada.
- You must not ride your electric scooter attached to another person or vehicle in Nevada.
- You must not ride your electric scooter under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Nevada.
Riding an Electric Scooter in Nevada: Where and When
One of the most common questions that electric scooter riders have is where and when they can ride their devices legally in Nevada. The answer is not always straightforward, as different jurisdictions may have different ordinances regulating the use of electric scooters.
In general, riding your electric scooter on any public road or street where the speed limit is 25 mph or less, as long as you stay as close to the right side of the road as possible, except when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, avoiding hazards, or traveling at the same speed as traffic.
Also riding electric scooter on any bike lane or bike path that is designated for bicycles or other similar devices. However, you must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and bicyclists, and you must not interfere with their movement or safety.
You cannot ride your electric scooter on any sidewalk unless it is necessary to enter or leave a property or cross a street. You must also yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing them.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to ride your electric scooter on any highway, freeway, expressway, interstate road, or any road where the speed limit is more than 25 mph unless there is a designated bike lane or path.
Electric scooter riding is not allowed on any private property unless you have the permission of the owner or occupant.
You also cannot ride your electric scooter in any park, playground, school ground, or other public property, unless it is authorized by the governing authority.
You can ride your electric scooter at any time of the day or night, as long as you have the required lighting and reflectors on your device. However, you should exercise caution and common sense when riding in low-visibility or high-traffic conditions.
Helmet Laws for Electric Scooter Riders
In Nevada, there is no statewide law that mandates helmet use for electric scooter riders. However, there are some exceptions and variations depending on your age and location.
If you are under 18 years old and riding an electric scooter in Tucson, Sierra Vista, Yuma, or Pima counties, you must wear a helmet that meets the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Snell Memorial Foundation (Snell), or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
For riders 18 years old or older and riding an electric scooter anywhere in Nevada, you are not required to wear a helmet by law. However, you are strongly encouraged to do so for your own safety and protection.
Regardless of your age or location, you should always wear a helmet that fits properly and securely on your head when riding an electric scooter in Nevada. You should also wear other protective gear such as gloves, elbow pads, knee pads, and eye protection to reduce the risk of injuries.
Licensing and Registration Requirements
One of the advantages of riding an electric scooter in Nevada is that you do not need a driver’s license, insurance, or registration to operate one. This makes it easier and cheaper to get started with your electric scooter journey.
However, this does not mean that you can ride your electric scooter without any legal documentation. You still need to have a valid form of identification with you when riding an electric scooter in Nevada. This could be a driver’s license, a state ID card, a passport, or any other official document that shows your name, address, and date of birth.
You also need to have proof of ownership of your electric scooter with you when riding it in Nevada. This could be a receipt, a bill of sale, a warranty card, or any other document that shows that you are the rightful owner of your device.
Rules for Riding on Public Roads and Sidewalks
One of the most challenging aspects of riding an electric scooter in Nevada is sharing the road with other vehicles and pedestrians. You need to follow some rules and etiquette to ensure a safe and smooth ride for everyone.
When riding on public roads and streets with your electric scooter in Nevada, you should:
- Obey all traffic laws and signals as if you were driving a car.
- Stay as close to the right side of the road as possible, except when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, avoiding hazards, or traveling at the same speed as traffic.
- Give appropriate hand signals when turning or stopping with your electric scooter.
- Do not ride more than two abreast with other electric scooters or bicycles.
- Do not weave in and out of traffic or lanes.
- Do not ride against traffic.
- Do not exceed the speed limit of 20 mph.
- Do not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Use caution and courtesy when approaching intersections, driveways, alleys, crosswalks, and other potential conflict points.
- Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and bicyclists when appropriate.
- Use your horn or bell to warn others of your presence when necessary.
- Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and riders.
- Do not ride on the shoulder or in the gutter of the road.
- Do not ride on any highway, freeway, expressway, or interstate road, or any road where the speed limit is more than 25 mph, unless there is a designated bike lane or path.
When riding on sidewalks with your electric scooter in Nevada, you should:
- Avoid riding on sidewalks unless it is necessary to enter or leave a property or cross a street.
- Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing them.
- Ride at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for the conditions and does not endanger or interfere with pedestrians or property.
- Do not ride on any sidewalk where signs or signals prohibit electric scooter use.
- Do not ride on any sidewalk in a business district, unless it is permitted by local ordinance.
- Do not ride on any sidewalk in a park, playground, school ground, or other public property, unless it is authorized by the governing authority.
Exploring Electric Scooter Rental Services in Nevada
Electric scooter rental services are becoming more popular and available in many cities and towns across Nevada, especially in tourist destinations like Las Vegas and Reno.
Some of the most popular electric scooter rental services in Nevada are:
- Bird:
Bird is one of the largest and most well-known electric scooter rental services in the world. It operates in over 100 cities across 10 countries, including Las Vegas and Reno in Nevada.
Bird charges $1 to start each ride and 39 cents per minute thereafter. You can use the Bird app to find, unlock, and pay for an electric scooter near you.
You can also join Bird’s monthly membership program for $24.99 per month, which gives you unlimited rides up to 30 minutes each day.
Bird requires riders to be at least 18 years old, wear a helmet, and follow electric scooter laws. - Lime:
Lime is another major player in the electric scooter rental industry. It operates in over 120 cities across 30 countries, including Las Vegas and Reno in Nevada.
Lime charges $1 to unlock an electric scooter and 32 cents per minute thereafter. You can use the Lime app to locate, unlock, and pay for an electric scooter near you.
You can also join Lime’s subscription service for $14.95 per month, which gives you unlimited rides up to 30 minutes each day.
Lime also requires riders to be at least 18 years old, wear a helmet, and follow local laws. - Spin:
Spin is a subsidiary of Ford Motor Company that provides electric scooter rental services in over 60 cities across 20 states, including Las Vegas and Reno in Nevada.
Spin charges $1 to start each ride and 39 cents per minute thereafter. You can use the Spin app to find, unlock, and pay for an electric scooter near you.
Spin requires riders to be at least 18 years old, wear a helmet, and follow Nevada laws.
These are some of the most popular electric scooter rental services in Nevada, but there may be others that are available or coming soon to your area.
Penalties for Violating Nevada Electric Scooter Laws
Electric scooters are subject to the same traffic laws and penalties as other vehicles in Nevada, as well as some specific ones that apply only to them.
Some of the penalties for violating electric scooter laws are:
- Operating an Electric Scooter at Speeds Exceeding Limits:
- Operating an electric scooter on a roadway, bicycle lane, path, or route at a speed of more than 15 miles per hour.
- Operating an electric scooter on a sidewalk or pedestrian area at a speed exceeding the limit set in local ordinances (if any).
- Penalty: Civil penalty of $250.
- Using Electric Scooter on Highways (except for crossing within a crosswalk):
- Operating an electric scooter on the highways of the state (except when crossing within a crosswalk).
- Penalty: Civil penalty of $250.
- Disregarding Traffic-Control Signals and Devices:
- Failing to comply with any traffic-control signal or device that a pedestrian is obligated to obey while using an electric scooter.
- Penalty: Civil penalty of $250.
- Interfering with Pedestrians or Vehicle Traffic:
- Unreasonably interfering with pedestrians or vehicle traffic while operating an electric scooter.
- Penalty: Civil penalty of $250.
- Transporting Hazardous Material or Another Person:
- Transporting hazardous material (as defined in NRS 459.7024) using an electric scooter.
- Transporting another person on an electric scooter.
- Penalty: Civil penalty of $250.
It’s important to remember that these penalties are civil penalties and not considered misdemeanors. Civil penalties involve a monetary fine rather than potential criminal charges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are electric scooters legal in Nevada?
Yes, electric scooters are legal in Nevada. They can be operated on roadways, bike lanes, paths, and sidewalks with a speed limit not exceeding 15 mph. Riders must follow traffic laws and be at least 16 years old.
Can I ride electric scooter in Las Vegas?
Yes, you can ride an electric scooter in Las Vegas. The city allows electric scooters to be ridden on roadways, bike lanes, and sidewalks, subject to local ordinances and regulations.
How much does it cost to rent an electric scooter in Las Vegas?
The cost to rent an electric scooter in Las Vegas may vary based on the rental company and duration of use. Typically, rental fees range from a few dollars per ride, with additional charges for time or distance traveled.
Conclusion
Riding an electric scooter in Nevada can be a great way to get around, have fun, and save money and the environment. However, you should also be aware of the laws and regulations that govern electric scooter use in Nevada, and follow them accordingly. You should also ride your electric scooter safely and responsibly, and respect the rights and safety of others.
By doing so, you will be able to enjoy your electric scooter ride without breaking any rules or getting into trouble.
