Where Can You Ride an E-Scooter in Vermont?
In Vermont, e-scooter laws are primarily governed at the local level. While the state does not have a comprehensive set of e-scooter regulations, many municipalities have adopted ordinances to manage their use. Generally, Vermont does not allow e-scooters on sidewalks unless a city or town explicitly permits it. The rationale is rooted in pedestrian safety—sidewalks are designed for foot traffic, not motorized devices.
For instance, Burlington prohibits e-scooter riding on sidewalks in most parts of the city. Riders must use bike lanes, roads, or multi-use paths where available. Montpelier and South Burlington have adopted similar restrictions, emphasizing the need to keep sidewalks clear for pedestrians, including seniors, people with disabilities, and families.
Before riding, it's important to check the specific city’s transportation code or reach out to local authorities, as enforcement and exceptions vary. Some localities may allow e-scooters on sidewalks in limited areas, such as residential neighborhoods or near schools, especially when bike lanes are not available.
Sidewalk Restrictions Are Rooted in Safety Concerns
Municipal bans on sidewalk riding aren't arbitrary—they reflect growing concerns over pedestrian safety and liability. E-scooters, while compact and convenient, can reach speeds of 15 to 20 miles per hour. On narrow sidewalks, that speed is not only disruptive but dangerous. The risk of collision, especially in crowded areas, has led to injuries both for riders and unsuspecting pedestrians.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that nearly half of all e-scooter injuries involve first-time riders, and about a third are caused by collisions with objects or people. Allowing e-scooters on sidewalks can significantly increase those odds, especially in areas with dense foot traffic or poor visibility.
How Vermont Defines E-Scooters Legally
Vermont’s statutes don’t currently classify e-scooters under one universal category. However, they are often grouped with “motor-assisted bicycles” or “personal mobility devices,” depending on their design and top speed. This leaves cities and towns with the discretion to adopt rules that treat them similarly to bicycles, mopeds, or even low-speed vehicles.
Most local ordinances lean toward treating e-scooters like bicycles, meaning riders must generally follow the same rules of the road:
- Yield to pedestrians
- Ride in the same direction as traffic
- Obey all traffic signals and signs
- Use hand signals when turning or stopping
When it comes to sidewalks, bicycles are usually prohibited unless signage says otherwise. E-scooters follow the same logic—unless specifically permitted, sidewalks are off-limits.
Fines and Penalties for Riding Where You Shouldn't
Violating sidewalk bans in Vermont cities can lead to tickets or even impoundment of the device, particularly if it’s part of a shared mobility program. For example, Burlington’s Department of Public Works has partnered with local law enforcement to monitor improper use of e-scooters, especially on sidewalks downtown. Fines for sidewalk riding can range from $25 to $100, depending on the municipality and whether it’s a repeat offense.
Shared scooter providers often embed geo-fencing technology into their scooters to prevent riding in restricted areas like sidewalks or pedestrian malls. If a user ignores in-app warnings and continues to ride on sidewalks, their account could be suspended.
What Riders Should Do Instead
To stay legal and safe while riding an e-scooter in Vermont:
- Use bike lanes whenever they are available
- Ride on roads where the speed limit is 25 mph or lower
- Walk the scooter across sidewalks, crosswalks, or crowded areas
- Always yield to pedestrians even in areas where sidewalk use may be allowed
- Wear a helmet, even if it’s not required by law—especially important for young riders
If you’re uncertain about the rules in a particular city, visit the municipality’s transportation department website or contact local law enforcement. They can provide updated information on where scooters are allowed and what restrictions apply.
Future Regulations May Evolve
As e-scooter use increases across the state, Vermont may eventually adopt statewide standards to ensure consistency and safety. For now, the patchwork of local regulations means riders must do their homework before they ride. Legislative updates could include clearer definitions of micro-mobility devices, standardized sidewalk rules, and safety training or licensing requirements.
Lawmakers are watching trends closely, including data on accidents and sidewalk congestion. Any rise in injury reports or pedestrian complaints could prompt stricter enforcement or new legislation at the state level. Until then, cities and towns remain the primary authority on where e-scooters can and cannot be used.
Conclusion
E-scooter use on sidewalks in Vermont is largely prohibited unless a specific city makes an exception. Local rules vary, but most prioritize pedestrian safety and direct scooter riders to bike lanes or low-speed roads instead. Riders should review municipal codes before hitting the road to avoid fines and ensure they’re operating legally.
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