Electric Scooter Laws in Oklahoma

Daniel Foley
Written By: Daniel Foley
Published on: 1/27/2025

Oklahoma is one of the states that have embraced electric scooters as a legitimate form of transportation, with state and local governments working together to establish clear regulations for their safe operation. In this article, we’ll break down the key electric scooter laws in Oklahoma, including rider requirements, riding rules, parking guidelines, and additional regulations to help you ride safely and legally.

Oklahoma Electric Scooter Laws, in a Nutshell

Rider Requirements

  • Riders must be at least 14 years old unless local laws or rental services set a higher age limit.
  • A driver’s license or permit is not required by state law but may be locally mandated.
  • Helmets are not required by state law but are strongly recommended, especially for riders under 18 years old.

Riding Rules

  • Must ride in bike lanes or on roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less, following the same rules as bicycles.
  • Sidewalk riding: Allowed or prohibited depending on local ordinances (e.g., not allowed in Oklahoma City; Allowed in some parts of Tulsa).
  • Maximum speed: Scooters must not exceed 25 mph; rental scooters are often capped at 15 mph.
  • Passengers are prohibited unless the scooter is designed for more than one person.
  • Hand signals are required when turning.
  • Riders must always yield to pedestrians.
  • No riding more than two abreast

Parking Rules

  • Park e-scooters upright on sidewalks or hard surfaces without blocking pathways, driveways, or entrances.
  • Use designated parking areas where available.
  • Avoid blocking emergency facilities or access points

Additional Rules

  • No riding while intoxicated; it’s illegal and can result in a DUI charge.
  • No items that prevent keeping one hand on the handlebars.
  • No attaching to other motor vehicles
  • No lane splitting between traffic

Local authorities may have additional or different requirements, so always check your city's specific regulations.

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What Is Considered an Electric Scooter in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, for your vehicle to be considered an electric scooter, it must:

  • Not exceed 35 mph by design, though operable speeds are even lower.
  • Have 2 or 3 wheels
  • Include handlebars for steering
  • Be powered by an electric motor
  • Be designed for standing or sitting

If your electric scooter can go faster than 35 mph, it's not legally considered a scooter anymore - it becomes classified as a motorcycle, which means different rules and requirements apply.

What is the Speed Limit for Electric Scooters in Oklahoma

Electric scooter speed regulations are governed by two main limits:

  • Design Limit: Electric scooters must be built with a maximum capable speed of 35 mph on level ground to qualify as an electric scooter under state law.
  • Operational Limit: Regardless of the e-scooter's capabilities, riders must not exceed 25 mph under any circumstances during operation.

Is a License Required to Operate an E-Scooter in Oklahoma?

No, the state law does not require a driver's license to operate an electric scooter. However, local municipalities and counties have the authority to establish their own licensing requirements through ordinances.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Ride an Electric Scooter in Oklahoma?

The minimum age to operate a motorized scooter is 14 years old. You’ll however find that most electric scooter rental companies like Bird, Lime, and Spin set their minimum age at 18, regardless of state or local laws.

Do You Have to Wear a Helmet on an Electric Scooter in Oklahoma?

There are no statewide helmet laws for electric scooter riders, giving you the choice whether to wear one or not. However, if you're using rental services from companies like Bird, Lime, or Spin, you'll likely need to wear a helmet as it's usually required in their service agreements - these companies typically provide helmets to help riders comply with their policies.

While the law doesn't mandate helmets for private scooter owners, wearing one is strongly recommended. Scooter accidents can result in serious head injuries, and a helmet provides crucial protection against traumatic brain injury.

There are no statewide helmet laws for electric scooter riders, giving you the choice whether to wear one or not.

Can You Carry a Passenger or Items on an Electric Scooter in Oklahoma?

Carrying passengers on an electric scooter is generally prohibited unless the scooter is specifically designed for it—which most aren’t. For scooters that do accommodate passengers, there are additional rules: riders under 16 years old are not permitted to carry passengers, and the electric scooter must be equipped with tires at least 12 inches in diameter to ensure stability and safety.

Similarly, carrying luggage or goods is restricted. Riders are not allowed to carry items that prevent them from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars. This is a critical safety precaution, as overloading the scooter or losing proper control can lead to accidents.

These rules exist for good reason. Most electric scooters are designed and balanced for single riders, and adding passengers or heavy cargo can compromise stability and control. Overloading your scooter increases the chances of tipping, losing control, or damaging the electric scooter.

For more details, check out our dedicated blog post, "Can You Carry a Passenger on an Electric Scooter?" It explores the risks of tandem riding and offers insights into safer alternatives. Additionally, our article, "Best E-Scooter for Carrying Stuff," provides tips on managing loads safely, choosing scooters with built-in storage capacity, and even DIY solutions for enhancing your scooter’s luggage-carrying capabilities.

Can You Get a DUI Charge When Riding an E-Scooter in Oklahoma?

Yes, you can get a DUI while riding an e-scooter in Oklahoma. The state treats e-scooters just like any other motorized vehicle when it comes to drinking and riding. So, operating an e-scooter with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher is illegal, as is riding under the influence of any intoxicating substance or Schedule I controlled substances.

The penalties are significant - first-time DUI offenders face 10 days to 1 year in jail, fines up to $1,000, and mandatory substance abuse assessment. These regulations apply whether you're on public roads or private areas accessible to the public.

Do Electric Scooters Need Number Plates in Oklahoma?

No, electric scooters do not require number plates in Oklahoma. These low-speed motorized vehicles are exempt from registration requirements, so license plates are not needed unless a specific local ordinance mandates it. Similarly, riders are not obligated to carry insurance for their scooters under state law unless required by local regulations.

Where Can You Legally Ride Electric Scooters in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, electric scooters are typically allowed on streets with speed limits of 25 mph or less, bike lanes, and multi-use paths, depending on local ordinances. Riders are expected to follow the same traffic laws as bicycles, including obeying traffic signals and yielding to pedestrians where applicable.

Local municipalities and counties have the authority to set additional rules on scooter use. Some may prohibit scooters in specific areas—such as parks, school zones, or certain streets.

For safer riding, it's generally advisable to:

  • Use designated bike lanes when available
  • Avoid high-traffic areas
  • Stay off sidewalks unless specifically permitted by local ordinance
  • Keep off highways and high-speed roadways
  • Follow any posted signage about scooter restrictions

Where Are Electric Scooters Prohibited in Oklahoma?

Electric scooters are prohibited in certain places across Oklahoma for safety reasons. By state law, e-scooters are not allowed on state or federal highways or on roads with speed limits above 25 mph. Sidewalk usage is determined by local ordinances, with most jurisdictions banning scooters on sidewalks. Additional restrictions often include:

  • School zones
  • Pedestrian-only zones
  • Public parks or recreational areas
  • Shopping districts or downtown areas
  • Private property where posted

Operating an e-scooter in restricted areas may result in fines or other penalties.

Is It Legal to Ride Electric Scooters on Sidewalks in Oklahoma?

There is no blanket statewide rule for riding on sidewalks; the power to regulate this is given to local ordinances, which vary by city.

  • Oklahoma City: Riding electric scooters on sidewalks is not legal. Riders must use bike lanes or roadways.
  • Tulsa: Scooters can generally be ridden on sidewalks except in specific areas, including Downtown Tulsa within the IDL, Cherry Street between 33rd and 36th Streets, and Brookside from Peoria to Utica. In these zones, riders must use the roadway or bike lanes where available.
  • Norman: Riding scooters on sidewalks is prohibited where signs specifically forbid it. However, if the adjacent roadway has a posted speed limit greater than 25 mph, scooters are required to use the sidewalk. If signs prohibit sidewalk riding in such areas, scooters cannot be ridden on the street or sidewalk.

Private businesses may also establish their own rules for sidewalks and parking lots, which riders must respect.

Generally, electric scooters can't be ridden on sidewalks in North Carolina but, again, this varies by city.

Can You Ride an Electric Scooter on the Road in Oklahoma?

Yes, you can ride electric scooters on roads in Oklahoma, but only where the posted speed limit is 25 mph or less. Under state law, scooter riders have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicle drivers, meaning they must follow all traffic laws, observe signals, and yield to pedestrians.

Regarding lane positioning, riders should stay as far to the right as safely possible. However, they may move from this position when traveling at traffic speed, preparing for a left turn, avoiding unsafe conditions, or when the lane is too narrow for both an electric scooter and vehicle to travel side by side safely. Riders are also not permitted to ride more than two abreast on the roadway unless on paths or lanes specifically designated for electric scooters.

For tips on safely riding an electric scooter on the road and the rules you might encounter, check out our article on riding electric scooters on the road.

Generally, electric scooters can't be ridden on sidewalks in North Carolina but, again, this varies by city.

Is Lane Splitting on an Electric Scooter Allowed in Oklahoma?

Lane splitting (passing between lanes of moving traffic) is strictly prohibited. The only exception to this rule is for emergency vehicles .Regular scooter riders must stay within their lane.

Lane splitting is dangerous for several reasons: the limited space reduces the ability to make emergency maneuvers, and the small size of electric scooters makes them difficult for drivers to spot when traveling between lanes.

Can You Cling to Vehicles While Riding an Electric Scooter?

It's illegal to grab onto or attach yourself to other vehicles while riding an e-scooter - sometimes called "skitching." This dangerous practice is banned for all small vehicles, including scooters, bicycles, and skateboards. Skitching is extremely dangerous because riders have no control over their speed or ability to stop and can be thrown under vehicles if the leading vehicle stops suddenly. Drivers may also not even be aware of a scooter attached to their vehicle, leading to unexpected maneuvers that could cause accidents.

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Where Should You Park Your Electric Scooter in Oklahoma?

While there is no specific statewide legislation governing electric scooter parking, there are generally accepted best practices for safe and considerate parking:

Recommended Parking Areas

  • Designated parking areas, including bicycle racks, docking stations, and electric scooter racks
  • Sidewalks (when parked upright on hard surfaces, not blocking pedestrian traffic)
  • Roadside areas (at any angle to the curb, without impeding traffic)

Areas to Avoid When Parking Electric Scooters

  • Locations blocking sidewalks and pedestrian access, especially for people with disabilities
  • Emergency facilities (fire hydrants, call boxes)
  • Transit zones (bus stops, shelters, passenger waiting areas)
  • Loading zones and disabled parking areas
  • Near street furniture (benches, parking meters, bus shelters)
  • Curb ramps
  • Private property without permission

Violations of parking on private property without permission may result in fines up to $20, plus any necessary removal and storage charges incurred by the property owner.

How to Access Electric Scooters in Oklahoma?

Electric Scooter Rentals in Oklahoma

Several cities in Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City, Norman, Tulsa, and Stillwater, offer shared electric scooter programs operated by companies like VEO, Lime, and Bird. These services allow users to rent scooters conveniently through dedicated mobile apps. Typically, there’s an unlocking fee of $1, followed by a charge of 15 cents per minute for usage.

The best thing about rental electric scooters is that you don’t have to worry about maintenance. The companies take care of all repairs and upkeep, so you just hop on and ride. They also come equipped with speed limiters to keep you within legal limits and geofencing technology to alert you when entering restricted areas, helping you stay compliant with the law.

That said, there are some drawbacks. Availability can be limited in certain areas, and designated parking spots are sometimes far from your destination. Additionally, scooters may not always be in the best condition due to frequent use and weather exposure. Always test the brakes and overall functionality before starting your ride. For hygiene, it’s a good idea to bring sanitizing wipes to clean the handlebars.

Overall, rental scooters are ideal for short trips. Just be sure to check the battery level and confirm your route doesn’t wander into a no-ride zone, so you’re not stuck walking mid-journey.

How to Rent an Electric Scooter in Oklahoma

  1. Download the App: Choose a scooter company like Lime, Bird, or VEO, download their app, and create an account.
  2. Find a scooter: Depending on where you are, this could be as simple as walking down the street until you come upon one. However, using the app, you can see exactly where the scooters are located. The app will show you the location and battery status of each scooter. Be sure to check the range level on a given scooter. If it's not enough to reach your destination, you can pick another scooter even if it's further away, and reserve it, typically for around 10 minutes before you arrive.
  3. Unlock the scooter: Once you get to your scooter, look for a QR code, probably on the top or somewhere on the front. Click on the "Scan" button in the app, which will open up your phone's camera app to scan the QR code on the actual e-scooter. Once you've done that, depending on the company, the scooter will either play a sound or the app will give you a notification to confirm that your ride has started.
  4. Ride the scooter
  5. End Your Ride: Park the e-scooter in a designated area or a location that doesn’t block other road users' pathways. The app may require you to take a photo of the parked scooter to complete your trip.

Electric Scooter Subscription in Oklahoma

Dockless electric scooter services aren’t as widespread in Oklahoma as they are in other major cities, which can make it challenging to find one on the go. If purchasing an electric scooter outright feels like too big an investment or you only need one for a limited time, subscription services offer a fantastic alternative. For a monthly or annual fee, you can enjoy the benefits of having your scooter without the hefty upfront cost.

Subscriptions typically provide higher-performance scooters, reliable availability, and perks like maintenance and insurance. They are also more hygienic and convenient compared to shared rentals.

Sure, electric scooter rentals offer subscription plans, but they come with a hefty price tag. At around $50 daily, you're almost in the ballpark of an UNAGI monthly subscription, which is a much better deal. For instance, the UNAGI Model One Classic runs at $59 per month, while the Lightweight UNAGI Voyager is $79 per month. This means you get a top-tier electric scooter for a whole month at a price that would barely cover a day with traditional rentals. A weekly rental that sets you back $200 is roughly equivalent to three months of an UNAGI subscription.

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Subscribing to UNAGI gives you access to lightweight, powerful, stylish scooters with dual motors that deliver exceptional performance. These scooters can reach speeds of 20 mph, which aligns with Oklahoma's legal speed limit. They are equipped with LG batteries that provide a range of 12–25 miles, depending on usage. Charging is quick and efficient, with a full charge taking just 3–4 hours.

A major convenience of the subscription is the one-click folding system and lightweight design (under 30 lbs), making the e-scooters easy to carry and navigate around parking challenges. The subscription includes unlimited rides, home delivery within 72 hours, maintenance and repairs, and comprehensive insurance covering theft or damage. Plus, it offers flexibility by allowing users to pause or cancel the service as needed.

Buying an Electric Scooter in Oklahoma

If you’re committed to using electric scooters for your daily travels and have the budget, buying one can be a smart long-term investment. While the upfront cost is higher, owning an e-scooter can save you money over time compared to frequent rentals or subscriptions.

Oklahoma doesn’t have a large number of physical stores dedicated to electric scooters, but big-box retailers like Costco and Best Buy occasionally carry entry-level models worth considering. However, for a wider selection and potentially better deals, online shopping provides access to more models, detailed specifications, and customer reviews to inform your decision.

In addition to the subscription service mentioned earlier, Unagi also sells its scooters. If you prefer to own one, check out their premium models, the Unagi Model One and the Voyager, available for sale on the website. The Unagi Model One Classic goes for $990, and the Voyager for $1,490.

Before making a purchase, check out our article on electric scooter buying tips for adults to get a perspective on the important features you should consider.

Final Thoughts

If you’re riding an electric scooter in Oklahoma, the most important thing to remember is this: know the rules where you’re riding. State law gives the basics, but local ordinances fill in the gaps. Check if your city has specific rules, and when in doubt, ride like you’re on a bike—stay off sidewalks where prohibited, obey traffic laws, use hand signals, and yield to pedestrians.

And maybe wear a helmet, even if no one’s making you. It’s a small thing that could save your life. Stay safe out there.


Daniel Foley
Daniel Foley

Daniel tests all the latest e-scooters and currently enjoys the Unagi Voyager as a daily driver for it's light weight, good range, and stylish look.

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