realities
Will scooters be required to carry insurance? The short answer is no immediate push, but the path is cluttered with regulatory hurdles. There are at least five major obstacles in the current proposals that slow or block any blanket insurance requirement for personal mobility devices.
Problem #1
Under proposed rules, electric scooters and other personal mobility devices would need third-party liability insurance. That means the device would have to be registered, similar to cars and motorcycles, and be recognized as a motor vehicle in traffic regulations. It would require a formal license category, such as an E category for car-like drivers. If such a category appears, training programs, theoretical and practical exams, and scooter-specific licensing would appear as well, along with penalties for rule violations under the Administrative Code. Law enforcement could create specialized units to monitor scooter use, enforcing traffic rules on these devices in real time. This path would fundamentally redefine how personal mobility is treated on public roads in North America. [citation needed]
Problem #2
Another hurdle is that many national insurance laws carve out exemptions for vehicles not subject to registration. If electric scooters and similar devices are not registered, owners may be excluded from compulsory civil liability coverage. In practice, this could leave unregistered devices without a formal liability framework, complicating accident claims and recourse for injured parties. [citation needed]
Problem #3
There is an additional requirement tied to international and regional standards, often referenced as the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union (TRCU). These standards set the technical criteria for personal mobility devices and serve as a gatekeeper for market access. Changing or harmonizing these rules across multiple countries would demand extensive negotiations, especially amid shifting geopolitical landscapes. The process can be lengthy and uncertain, slowing the adoption of unified safety and compliance measures. [citation needed]
Problem #4
What about devices used for fun, children’s scooters, or riding in parks? If a scooter is treated as a vehicle, it would seem to require designated roadways that rarely exist in urban parks. Yet parks are popular places for riding and scooter rental programs proliferate. The divergence between a recreational activity and a regulated vehicle creates friction for municipalities, operators, and families alike. [citation needed]
Problem #5
The final challenge concerns standardization for electric skateboards, devices with motorcycle-like wheels, and other innovative gadgets. No single country has established a comprehensive, universally accepted framework to regulate these devices. Authorities recognize that true SIM (scooter and personal mobility device) regulation is a long road that will take years. The starting point is to resolve fundamental questions before broad enforcement can begin. [citation needed]
And how should it be?
The proposed solution is straightforward and practical. Personal mobility devices can be split into two groups: those for personal use and those with transport potential. If an electric scooter exceeds a power threshold, currently around 250 watts in many traffic laws, operating such a device would require a motorcycle-like license, category “M.” For devices with lower power, governance could be simplified or relaxed to avoid unnecessary restrictions.
The exact power threshold for electric scooters remains a topic of debate. Some proposals suggest raising it to 500 watts, but the core idea is clear: regulation should target higher-powered, faster devices while allowing casual, low-powered gadgets to operate with minimal friction. This two-tier approach would balance safety with personal freedom and reduce barriers for most riders. [citation needed]
- Guidance on upcoming regulatory changes from June 1, 2022, remains a reference point for many readers.
- It is prudent to periodically verify the availability and expiry of essential safety equipment, such as first aid kits, fire extinguishers, reflective vests, and warning triangles.
- Content on scooter topics can also be found in related channels and publications via official announcements and community discussions. [citation needed]