North Dakota Electric Scooter Laws (2026)

In North Dakota, most consumer electric scooters are classified as “motorized foot scooters” with no state license/registration, but local rules vary — always check your city’s ordinances.

Statewide Classification

North Dakota does not have a single statewide statute for electric scooters, but many cities (e.g., Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks) have codified rules bo.

• Motorized foot scooter definition: Device with handlebars, optional seat, electric motor, wheels ≤12 inches, max speed 15 mph on flat ground aridejunkie.com.

• Speed threshold: If a scooter exceeds 15 mph, it may be reclassified as a motorized bicycle (moped), which requires a permit, registration, insurance, and a driver’s license aridejunkie.com+1.

• Helmet: Required for riders under 18 in most cases aridejunkie.com+1.

• License/registration: No state license or registration for motorized foot scooters; mopeds require a permit, registration, and insurance aridejunkie.com+1.

Where You Can Ride

• Public roads: Yes, but follow bicycle traffic rules (ride right, obey traffic signals) aridejunkie.com.

• Bike lanes/trails: Yes, unless reserved for non-motorized use or locally restricted aridejunkie.com.

• Sidewalks: Generally prohibited, except to cross aridejunkie.com+1.

• Left turns: Some cities (e.g., Fargo) prohibit motorized operation on streets unless crossing at a crosswalk or in a bike lane bo.

Equipment & Safety

• Brakes: Functional braking system required bo.

• Lights: White front headlamp and red rear light/reflectors for night riding bo.

• Passengers: Not allowed bo.

Local Variations

• Bismarck: Permitted on roads ≤30 mph; on sidewalks outside CBD bo.

• Grand Forks: Roads ≤30 mph; most sidewalks and bike paths bo.

• Fargo: Sidewalks allowed except CBD; motorized operation on streets generally prohibited unless crossing or in bike lane bo.

• Shared rentals: Often require riders to be 18+ bo.

Key Takeaways

• Check your city’s ordinance before riding — rules differ by location.

• Under 15 mph: Likely street legal as a motorized foot scooter; no license/registration.

• Over 15 mph: May be treated as a motorized bicycle — verify with local authorities.

• Helmet: Mandatory for under-18 riders in most cases.

• Sidewalks: Generally not allowed; bike lanes/trails are permitted unless restricted.

For the most accurate, up-to-date rules, consult the North Dakota Department of Transportation or your city’s code enforcement office.