All You Need to Know About Kentucky Scooter Laws

Kentucky scooter laws cover all vehicles known as scooters in the Bluegrass State. The law defines scooters as motor vehicles without seats other than a seat for the driver, with at least two wheels, a cushion and footrest on the floor or on the body of the vehicle, and a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour on level ground. These vehicles can be powered by motors using gasoline, alcohol, propane, or electricity to propel the vehicle on the highway. However, modifications that remove the seat or alter other vehicle characteristics could affect its legal definition under Kentucky law.
The Kentucky legislature updated the scooter law in 2009 and 2010. Amendments in 2009 increased the minimum insurance coverage requirements from $10,000/$20,000 (per accident/per individual) to the same $25,000/$50,000 coverage as required of motorcycles . In 2010, the Kentucky law was amended to clarify that a gas-powered scooter is subject to motor vehicle rules, while an electric scooter is subject to general traffic laws.
In addition to Kentucky’s scooter regulations, scooters must also adhere to the state’s motorized transportation laws. The law describes motorized vehicles as vehicles, including motorcycles and scooters, which were not originally constructed and sold as public transportation vehicles, that use a combustion engine to propel the vehicle. Any such vehicles that meet these requirements (and are not registered as a motor vehicle under another statute) are subject to KRS Chapter 186A (vehicle licensing, registration, and titling laws); 186.510 (rules governing size, load weight, special permits, etc.); 186.660 (certain tax exemptions related to vehicles); 186.685 (theft protection for vehicles); and 189.010(19)(a) (regarding exemptions for antique vehicles).

What Defines a Scooter?

According to KRS 189.010 and KRS 189.280(2) of the Kentucky Revised Statutes, a scooter is defined as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with a seat that is "scooted along by foot." This generally pertains to the type of scooter that children ride on for recreational purposes. However, the law also makes a distinction for motorized scooters, stating that they are "motor vehicles." This means that motorized scooters will be subject to all the traffic laws that apply to motorcycles (remember these must be registered in Kentucky after July 15, 2009). Similarly, mopeds will be required to be registered under KRS 138.470 and for the rider to have a valid operator’s license under KRS 186.590 and a certificate or license plate sticker under KRS 186A.220.4.
Further, "electric power-assisted bicycles" are classified as bicycles under KRS 189.010(3), and are subject to all the same traffic laws that apply to "bicycles." So, we can see that there are two distinct categories for two- or three-wheeled vehicles that may be scooters: Scooters (KRS 189.010(41)) and Motorized Scooters (KRS 189.010(42)). But electric power-assisted bicycles don’t really fit into either of these categories very well, so when we talk about scooters here, we are almost solely discussing those which fall into the first category.
Unlike the District of Columbia, which does not require recognition of scooters per se, Kentucky has codified that they fall under "motor vehicles" and are subject to the same laws as motorcycles. This difference in how scooters are seen around the country puts pressure back onto the scooters and electric power-assisted bicycles. Electric power-assisted bicycles are machines having a saddle and wheels (and cover at least one wheel) or a seat and wheels (and cover at least one wheel) and that have no more than 1.5 brake horsepower (some are more powerful, even exceeding 5.0 brake horsepower) and where the "combined weight of the vehicle and rider does not exceed 250 pounds." It’s important to note here that many already exceed that amount. Electric power-assisted bicycles and scooters are becoming ever so popular; scooter riders want to be licensed, registered and take to the roads throughout Kentucky.

Age and Licensing Regulations for Scooters

An operator of a scooter must have a motorcycle license or endorsement to operate a scooter. Furthermore, since scooters are classified as motor-driven cycle, which according to KRS Chapter 186 power their own platform for licensure.
For motor scooters (or mopeds), the operator only needs to hold a Class "M" endorsement on his or her driving record.
However, the operator of electric scooters may have their child/operator rated as an electric scooter, but no other "motor driven cycle" designations are deleted.
For those under the age of 16, it can be a challenge to get a license or permit as operators of gasoline powered scooters will have to get a Class M endorsement and pass both written and driving tests to receive such, however an electric scooter may be used by a 13 year old licensed operator with an adult supervising (KRS 159.058).
Interestingly, moped is defined as a two-wheeled motorized scooter complying with the definition under 49. CFR § 571.3(A)(3) – i.e., a vehicle lacking fully operational pedals, yet is properly classified as a motorized vehicle under federal law.
Scooter and moped laws can be a bit longer – including motor scooters, and motorized bicycles being defined as, as well as prohibiting use by minor operators.

Scooter Driving Locations

Scooters can also be operated on sidewalks, but subject to certain limitations. In the last legislative session, Senate Bill 295 was passed and signed into law, allowing electric scooters to ride on sidewalks in certain circumstances. The old language prohibited scooter operation on sidewalks unless they "do not impede pedestrian traffic." The new law clarifies that scooters cannot be operated on sidewalks if it "impedes" pedestrian traffic. The law does limit the operation of scooters on sidewalks in that the scooters can only be operated on the sidewalk if the speed limit on the adjacent roadway is 25 miles per hour or less. Additionally, the law allows scooter operation on the sidewalk in front of establishments open to the public, including establishments licensed for the sale of alcoholic beverages. However, the law does not permit scooter operation in an area where the sidewalk is closed, so riders should pay attention to detours and construction warnings to prevent being penalized under the law. Violators of the law are subject to a fine of up to $200 for the first offense and up to $500 for the second and every other subsequent offense. The Kentucky State Uniform Citation will be issued for violations of the law with the subsequent fines being assessed accordingly. The application of the law is not limited to Louisville Metro, as the law is statewide and applies to anyone operating an electric scooter anywhere in Kentucky.

Safety Gear and Equipment for Scooters

Scooters are an excellent way to get around Louisville and other parts of Kentucky. They are quick and affordable, and they are also good for the environment. There are no emissions from a scooter, and that means you’re doing your part to help the environment. While scooters can be safe to use, that is only true if you follow the safety requirements placed on operators. You must wear safety gear that is required by law, and you have to use the right equipment. This will keep you safe when you ride, but safety gear is only effective if you use the right gear—if you wear a motorcycle helmet instead of a bicycle helmet, you are even safer, especially if you also wear a face shield. A poor helmet could lead to serious brain damage, vision loss, or even death in the event of a crash.
There are two types of helmets that you can wear in Kentucky: bicycle helmets and motorcycle helmets. Motorcycle helmets are quite a bit more supportive than bicycle helmets, and they offer plenty of protection from crashes. As for bicycle helmets, they are far more common and can add to your overall comfort. Even if law doesn’t require it , wearing a motorcycle helmet while riding a scooter is always a smart idea. It’s the second-most important thing you can do to improve your overall safety while riding a scooter in Kentucky.
Lights are also required by law. If you’re riding after dark and can’t see where you’re going because your lights are burned out, you have two options: find another way to get around or risk serious injury in a crash. Lights must be bright enough to see a distance of 500 feet ahead of you to meet the state’s guidelines. You must also provide visibility for the same distance behind you. The brake light must clearly be attached to the scooter and must be in good working order. The state recommends you keep your hand and foot brakes well-maintained at all times to ensure you can stop easily and promptly, and that you can have your brake lights operate as they should. You can even have the brake light come on if you’re slowing down, so you can make your stops more gradual and avoid sudden stops when you’re behind other drivers or in traffic.

Fines and Penalties for Scooter Drivers

With all of the equipment and regulations associated with scooter and motorcycle operation, you should know what sorts of penalties and fines are out there for those who don’t comply. Penalties can be divided into criminal and civil categories. Criminal penalties are generally reserved for what may be considered more serious violations that affect the operating of scooters and motorcycles in public ways. Such violations would include operating a scooter without a motorcycle license, without insurance, and even drink or drug-induced operation. Having no motorcycle license and having no insurance are both Class B misdemeanors. In Kentucky, a Class B misdemeanor carries a jail term of 90 days and/or a fine of $250. The operating of a scooter while impaired is considered to be a Class D felony, which could put you in jail for up to five years with fines of up to $10,000. You’d also walk away with a DUI charge on your criminal record. That said, there are differences between operating a motorcycle and operating a scooter. If the scooter has an engine of more than 50ccs, then any DUIs will be treated as though they were DUI car or motorcycle charges in Kentucky. Civil penalties basically are fines issued by a town, city, or county that result from violating the municipal traffic code. These fines could be for anything that you might think of as common in traffic courts. There is a small amount of overlap with criminal penalties, at least for a few offenses. An improper lane use on a motorcycle or scooter, in which the operator drives in the bike lane, on the sidewalk, or so forth will result in a ticket and a fine of $100. If the cop catches you speeding on your motorcycle or scooter, you may have to pay up to $500 in fines, even if you’re only going a little bit above the speed limit. Because scooters and motorcycles can run pretty fast, cops do not take a kind view on people who speed on them. If you’re opted not to wear your safety gear, you could be looking at a $25 fine.

Effects of Scooter Laws on City Mobility

The impact of scooter laws on urban mobility in major Kentucky cities cannot be understated. The introduction of scooters as an alternative means of transportation has the potential to ease traffic congestion, provide a solution for last-mile challenges, and open up avenues for businesses. However, these benefits come with challenges, some of which are seen in how scooters interact with existing roadways and the pedestrian environment.
In Kentucky cities experiencing rapid growth, scooters can alleviate some of the road congestion by providing an alternative to traditional motor travel. People who have previously biked or walked to their destination now have a new option that may be more appealing, especially for longer distances. By making it easier to connect different parts of the city, scooters facilitate mobility and reduce the number of 15-20 minute car trips.
Moreover, scooters can ease the burden of "last-mile" travel. Sometimes, the gap between a bus stop and the final destination proves insurmountable for public transportation users — especially if the distance is too far to walk or bicycle. The presence of scooters can meet this challenge. Public transportation integrated with scooter availability can solve this last-mile problem. This combination can make public transportation more accessible in big cities since individuals would no longer need to rely exclusively on cars to reach their final destination.
However, there are downsides to scooter availability in both Louisville and Lexington. A major concern in both cities is pedestrian safety — with scooters sharing the roadway as well as the pedestrian infrastructure. Scooter companies should emphasize safety, instructing riders to always yield to pedestrians while in the crosswalk and reminding them of the benefits of wearing a helmet.
Some cities, like Richmond, Virginia, are trying to avoid this problem entirely by suggesting additional Hoopla regulations like the requirement for a separate scooter lane. Kentucky cities should consider these kinds of regulations to avoid negative impacts on pedestrian safety as scooter availability increases.
The balance between scooter availability and pedestrian safety is difficult to structure. Rapidly growing cities will have a hard time meeting the demands of the increasing population that wants to use scooters. More studies are needed to determine the best way to encourage responsible scooter use while keeping pedestrian safety at the forefront of mobility initiatives.

Upcoming Changes in Kentucky Scooter Law

It is generally accepted that future developments in scooter legislation will be closely tied to any potential rise in scooter accidents, or related injuries and deaths. This parallels the paths that have been taken in most other states, such as Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland, Alabama, and Kentucky. The overall assumption is that if any of these incidents were to occur on a more regular basis, then lawmakers would be forced to enact more comprehensive regulations covering licensing, operating procedures, and enforcement. In the meantime, alternative regulations like those employed in other states are gaining traction throughout Kentucky. Specifically, some legislators are starting to recognize and vocalize the potential need for registration requirements, mandatory insurance, and helmet ordinances. There was an attempt by one Kentucky lawmaker to pass an ordinance requiring helmets in late 2019 , but it stalled. Given the relative low costs of helmets, the possibility for preventing far more serious injury, and the palpable increase in scooter popularity, any such requirements should gain traction among lawmakers in the not too distant future. Furthermore, as more and more municipalities begin allowing scooters on their streets, the possibility for more restrictive ordinances also increases. Examples will undoubtedly continue to appear that show the effectiveness of restricting where scooters can wander. This can include anything from restricting them to sidewalks where cars cannot drive, much like with bicycles, to requiring employees to only ride scooters between designated drop-off spots at their business locations. To this end, it will likely require more and more time for other municipalities to figure out where scooters fit into their transportation networks.