Scooter riders are protected under Florida law, and they generally have the same rights as bicyclists. At the same time, these riders are usually expected to follow the same rules as cyclists.
Florida Rules and Regulations for Scooter Riders
Many electric scooters in Florida are governed by Florida Statute 316.2128. Below are some of the rules and regulations that apply to scooter riders in Florida:
- No license needed. You don’t have to obtain a license to ride a scooter.
- Age restriction. You have to be at least 16 to ride a scooter.
- Usage areas. You can typically ride a scooter on a street, in a bike lane, or on a sidewalk. However, local governments can impose stricter ordinances, and it is against the law to ride a scooter on a highway.
- Helmets. A helmet is not required for riders over 16, but it is strongly recommended to ride with one to protect against head injuries.
- No insurance or registration required. You don’t have to buy insurance if you ride a scooter or register your vehicle.
Outside of these, if you ride a scooter that has a seat and has a motor (50cc or less), this is treated as a moped or motorcycle under Florida law. In this situation, you will need to comply with Florida’s requirements for motorcycle rider education and endorsements. To ride this vehicle legally, you will need a valid license, and you will have to register your vehicle.
Can You Buy Insurance If You Ride a Scooter in Florida?
Florida insurance requirements may depend on how a scooter is classified under state law.
In Florida, you may not have to purchase insurance for your scooter if it’s 50cc or less. However, you may buy insurance, which may be used to cover your medical bills and lost wages if you’re injured during an accident.
If your scooter is over 50cc, your vehicle may be classified as a motorcycle. At this point, you are still not required to purchase motorcycle insurance, but you will have to comply with Florida Statute 324.021, which outlines the financial responsibility mandates for those who operate a motor vehicle.
Per this statute, Florida has financial responsibility requirements for motorcyclists, which include being able to demonstrate your ability to cover damages after an accident.
What Will Happen If You Get into an Accident While Riding a Scooter in Florida?
If a motorist or another party may be responsible for your scooter accident, you could pursue compensation for your losses from this party or their insurance company. By filing a claim after your accident, the at-fault party’s insurer may compensate you for your losses. Or, if you file a lawsuit, you may bring your case to trial.
Alternatively, if you ride your scooter and may be liable for an accident involving other parties, you may be responsible for the losses of anyone harmed during the incident. If you have insurance, your carrier may cover your losses and those of others in the accident.
Based on Florida Statute 768.81, modified comparative negligence may apply to scooter accident lawsuits. If you sue someone who may be responsible for your accident on a scooter and the court rules that you’re 1-50% liable, your damages may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Yet, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you may be barred from getting damages.