The Laws in Washington for Electric Scooters on the Road

• Electric scooters generally can go 25 to 35 miles per charge, depending on amps. B2M Productions/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Electric scooters are an environmentally friendly and economical means of transportation. The scooters are quiet, do not require gasoline and can resolve parking and traffic problems in busy city areas. Scooter operators also may enjoy riding in the open air and sunshine as motorcycle riders do. For scooter drivers in the state Washington, laws are in place to ensure the safety of scooter operators and other drivers on the road.

Engine Size

• The scooter laws in Washington depend on the engine size of the electric scooter. A scooter with an engine size of 50 cubic centimeters, cc, or less classifies under the law as a moped and must follow the laws and restrictions regarding these vehicles. Electric scooters with engine sizes of 51 cc or more classify as motorcycles in Washington and must follow the laws for licensing and operation for these vehicles.

License Requirements

• Operators of electric scooters classified as a moped must be a minimum of 16 years old and hold a valid driver's license. To operate the moped or electric scooter in the state of Washington a motorcycle endorsement is not required.

  Riders of electric scooters that meet the classification of a motorcycle must obtain a motorcycle endorsement on the driver's license to operate the vehicle. To obtain a motorcycle endorsement to ride an electric scooter, the applicant must pass a written and road test. Riders of electric scooters and mopeds under age 18 must take a motorcycle safety course as well.

Equipment Requirements

• Electric scooters that meet the requirements for a motorcycle endorsement and those classified as mopeds must have the same safety features required of a motorcycle, such as mirrors mounted on the left and right side of the scooter, which provide a 200-foot view of the rear. Equipment requirements also include footrests for riders and passengers, a horn, headlight and taillight. The law also requires motorcycles to have a working muffler that reduces noise from the vehicle exhaust, but electric scooters are typically quiet.

Passengers

• To carry a passenger in the state of Washington, the vehicle must be equipped with a seat specifically for the passenger. Passengers must be at least five years old to ride on an electric scooter, moped or motorcycle.

Safety

• Riders and passengers of electric scooters, mopeds and motorcycles in the state of Washington must wear a helmet. The U.S. Department of Transportation approves the helmets that satisfy the law. Drivers are required to wear safety glasses or goggles on scooters and motorcycles that do not have windshields.

Registration

• The state requires titling and registration for electric scooters, mopeds and motorcycles to operate on the road. The law also requires mopeds and electric scooters to carry license plates while driving on Washington state roads.