Where You Can Drive An Electric Scooter In Waukesha

WAUKESHA, WI—A man called Waukesha Police Department on Monday to ask if

his electric scooter is street legal to drive to to work. The man was told that he is allowed to ride the scooter on the sidewalk, and on the street in certain circumstances. Ordinance regarding electric scooters was sent to him to read over, according to the police log.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed a bill in 2019 that legally allows operators of electric scooters to drive down roads and sidewalks.

Under bill, all scooters must weigh less than 100 pounds, operate at 20 miles per hour or less, and be subject to local laws where it makes sense to disallow the battery-powered vehicles.

1. Under the bill, an electric scooter is defined as "a device weighing less than 100 pounds that has handlebars and an electric motor, is powered solely by the electric motor and human power, and has a maximum speed of not more than 20 miles per hour on a paved level surface when powered solely by the electric motor." The bill provides that "electric scooter" does not include an electric personal assistive mobility device (think Segway), motorcycle, motor bicycle, or moped.

2. Electric scooters are exempt from vehicle registration by the Department of Transportation.

3. Operators of electric scooters must observe many of the rules of the road. Operators who violate the applicable rules of the road are subject to the same penalties as those that apply to violations committed while operating a Segway.

4. Electric scooters may be operated on most roadways, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and bicycle ways. However, a local highway authority may by ordinance regulate the rental and operation of electric scooters.

5. Electric scooters must satisfy the same equipment requirements as Segways, including lighting and brake requirements.

Scott Anderson, Patch staff, contributed to this report.