Are you searching an electric scooter for adults street legal?
Yes, an electric scooter is one of the most favorite toys of children, but recently it has become the means of transportation of adults.
But we bet you have millions of questions in your head. Can you ride it on the roads? What is street legal? Is your scooter categorized as mopeds, motor scooters, or motorcycles?
The term “street legal” refers to a vehicle which can be legally operated on the roadways and meet all the requirements of the authorities.
We will try to clear all your concerns in the article below.
Top 5 Best Electric Scooter for Adults Street Legal
- Razor EcoSmart Metro Electric Scooter For Adults
- Tao Tao ATM50-A1 50cc Gas Street Legal Scooter
- Tao Tao Thunder 50 Gas Street Legal Scooter
- Tao Tao Quantum -150 Street Legal Scooter
- TaoTao CY50-A Gas Street Legal Scooter
Can Electric Scooters Be Operated on the Street?
How can your electric scooter or motored scooter be “street-legal’’? It must meet specific requirements regulated by road authorities and be safe for you and other people on the street.
Like, it must have appropriate tires, suspension system, review mirrors, horn, brake system, and signal lights. Also, most importantly, your vehicle must follow certain safety standards.
The 2002 Federal Law stated that with two or three-wheeled electric vehicle which is fully operational without the motor, when powered only by the electric motor, the highest speed must be less than 20mph, and the electric motor must produce under 750W.
So, if you make sure that your e-scooter is compliant with the Federal Law and all the safety standards, then congratulations, it is street legal and requires no license in most states.
But you need to know that each state has its own laws and restrictions to regulate the electric scooters.
For example, in California, e-scooters can be operated on a bicycle path, bikeway, or trail. And you cannot ride it on the sidewalk or pavement because only pedestrians are allowed on it.
If there are no bicycle lanes or bikeways, you are allowed to ride it on the road with the speed limit under 25mph.
The law in Texas is quite similar but the speed limit, in this case, is less than 35 mph.
But if you live in New York, here is bad news for you. Electric scooters and e-bikes are illegal.
See, it is vital to know your local law.
Do You Need a License to Drive an Electric Scooter?
You may or may not need a driver license – again; it depends on the state you live or use your e-scooter in.
So, we advise you to check your local laws before operating your e-scooter on the street so that you will not break the law. In most states, you will not need any license or registration.
In California, an electric scooter is described as any two-wheeled device with handlebars and a deck stood upon and powered by an electric motor. So, it is not a motorized vehicle, and you do not need any license plates or registration. This is also applicable in Texas.
But everything is entirely different in Florida – you must register your electric scooter and have a driver’s license as well to drive your e-scooter.
The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles has determined the difference between motorized scooters, mopeds, and motorized bicycles. So, check which category your scooter belongs to.
What Is the Best Electric Scooter for Adults?
Razor EcoSmart Metro Electric Scooter – Editor’s Choice
The Razor EcoSmart Metro is like the combination of a scooter and a mini-bicycle with a lot of unique and road-ready features.
The stylish design of the scooter features a laminated bamboo deck, and it is powder-coated.
It can go fast, up to 18 mph, thanks to the 500-watt extra high torque motor with a 36-volt electrical system. With this rechargeable battery, you can go anywhere from 10-12 miles on a full charge.
But, you may have to wait a long time for the battery to be full again – the charge time can be up to 12 hours.
The scooter also comes with an ultra-padded seat for a smooth and comfortable ride. The Razor features 16-inch pneumatic tube tires on spoke wheels to improve the riding quality as well.
But remember it is not suitable for off-roading.
Both the seat and the handlebar are adjustable so that you can adjust it depending on your height. What’s more, there is a detachable wire luggage rack in the back of the bike, which is extremely useful when you go shopping.
You will also get all the essential assembly tools when you buy this scooter.
Just ensure to wear a helmet and put some bike lighting or reflective decals on if you ride it in the evening.
Pros:
- Ultra-padded seat
- Adjustable handlebar and detachable luggage rack
- 500-watt extra high-torque motor
- Rear-wheel drive for more traction and control
Cons:
- Bulky
- Battery needing improvement
If you are looking for an eco-friendly scooter to sit down and go around your town, the Razor EcoSmart Metro Electric Scooter is a smart choice.
TaoTao CY50-A Gas Street Legal Scooter – Runner-Up Choice
If you prefer something cooler and fiercer, why not try the TaoTao CY50-A Gas Street Legal Scooter with the shade of red on the exterior?
The 49/50 cc moped with a four-stroke engine cylinder to produce reliable power for acceleration but still keeping a good gas mileage.
This scooter can support two adults with a weight capacity of 270 – 280 pounds. On the flat surface, it can reach a maximum speed of 50 mph.
In terms of the physical dimensions, it is quite compact with a very sturdy construction (73.8″ x 26.3″ x 40.1″). So, it will be a suitable choice for female riders.
Basically, the bike comes 80 percent assembled in the package, and you need to do the remaining assembly with the handlebar, metal rack, and the tires. And remember to change the oil, too.
This is a street-legal scooter, so please check your local DMV rules to know if your child is old enough to ride it with a valid license.
Pros:
- 49/50 cc moped
- 80% assembled
- A maximum speed of 50 mph
- Warranty
Cons:
- Not found yet
The bright red exterior of this scooter is impressive, and so is its performance. A good choice to buy.
Tao Tao Thunder 50 Gas Street Legal Scooter – Best Fuel Efficiency
Are you a dynamic person? You will love this sporty-looking scooter.
The top speed of this scooter 35 mph. For quick movers, this speed may be a little slow.
Another advantage is that it cannot fit into smaller positions easily because of its bulky appearance.
However, you will be amazed at its fuel efficiency. The Tao Tao Thunder can do an impressive 100 miles on just 1.2 gallons of fuel, so you see, it costs very little to go a long way.
This scooter features both an electric start and a backup kick start, which make it easy to get it going whenever you need.
And of course, it is street legal and CARB-approved so you can ride it in the state of California (but you still need to register it and have a license first).
However, some states do not require you to have a license to run the Tao Tao Thunder because of its small engine size. But, better safe than sorry.
Like other scooters, it comes mostly assembled in the package, but there is some remaining setup. Get a mechanic to do it if you are not familiar with this stuff.
Pros:
- Sporty look
- Extreme fuel efficiency
- Matching trunk included for storage
Cons:
- Low speed
With a sweet price, the Tao Tao Thunder 50 Scooter is highly fuel-efficient and can complete its job well.
Tao Tao ATM50-A1 50cc Gas Street Legal Scooter – Best 50cc Scooter
The Tao Tao ATM50-A1 50cc Gas Street Legal Scooter is another excellent choice for those who are seeking for an economical but effective 50cc option.
The durable 50cc 4-stroke engine allows you to speed up to 35 – 40 mph, which is an adequate speed for city use. And thanks to the fully automatic transmission, there is no need to shift gears – this feature is so convenient if you are new to riding motorcycles or scooters.
It also features a horn and a full lighting system including an LED headlight, turn signals, and taillights.
What about security matter? The lockable trunk is not the only feature that protects your vehicle. What’s more, The steering column featuring a locking mechanism will block thieves from stealing your scooter, and it will be safeguarded.
The scooter can hold two passengers at the same time with a weight capacity of 350 pounds.
However, note that it cannot reach the top speed when carrying too much weight.
What’s more, it comes with a small trunk both at the back and under the seat storage. So, you can put your backpack, helmet, groceries, or anything you need to bring inside.
Pros:
- Front and rear brakes
- 80% assembled
- Economical
Cons:
- Hard to reach the top speed with the maximum capacity
If you are looking for an affordable 50cc scooter to get around your town, you can consider this scooter.
Tao Tao Quantum-150 Street Legal Scooter – Best for Speed
The scooters above are just for hobbyists, but this Tao Tao Quantum-150 Street Legal Scooter is an actual vehicle at a reasonable speed.
The most outstanding feature, when compared to other models, is the 150cc 4-stroke engine and a single cylinder. This engine allows for the speed up to 60 mph, which is impressively fast for a scooter.
The fuel tank can store 1.32 gallons of fuel, and it will indicate if the fuel level is low.
The scooter uses 16-inch rimmed tires, which are durable and can run for a very long time.
It can also hold up to a maximum weight of 450 lbs.
There is an ample storage space under the seat so that you can put two full-face helmets, or your backpack, or carry your groceries.
Before riding, remember to change the oil and adjust the valve gaps. The suitable oil type for the motor is 10w40 while the gear oil is 80/90.
The drawback is that the lights seem not durable, as some customers reported.
Pros:
- 150cc four-stroke liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine
- A maximum speed of 60 mph
- Large storage space
Cons:
- Problem with the lights
It will be suitable for you if you want a fast vehicle – this scooter is not much different from a motorbike.
How Fast Do Electric Scooters Go?
There is no exact number – scooters have a variety of speed. The most powerful electric scooter can reach a speed of 60 mph; meanwhile, the least powerful electric one only has a maximum speed of 15 mph.
Conclusion
An electric scooter for adults street legal is a very convenient vehicle. It helps you save travel time in busy areas and lower carbon emissions. Moreover, less strict license requirement! And we advise you to take on some protective gear, especially a helmet, for your safety on the road.
And again, check your local laws carefully about the registration and license requirements to make sure you always abide by the laws.
If you have no idea what to choose yet, you can go with the Razor EcoSmart Metro Electric Scooter – a friendly solution to everyone. It comes with a 500-watt extra high-torque motor, a comfortable seat, a luggage rack, and an adjustable handlebar.
Have another interesting suggestion? Please, share it with us!
