DelawareHB 114153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO MOTORIZED SCOOTERS.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Scooter riders avoid vehicle paperwork

Riders of scooters that cannot exceed 19 miles per hour have bicycle riders’ rights and duties, except where scooter-specific rules apply. These scooters and riders are exempt from motor-vehicle insurance, driver’s license, registration, title, and license plate requirements. Off-highway vehicle rules also do not apply.

Low-speed scooter rental use is banned

Low-speed scooters cannot be operated as part of a rental service. Households cannot use these scooters through rental services, and businesses cannot offer that form of scooter use.

Low-speed riders gain access with limits

Scooters that cannot exceed 19 miles per hour can use roads, shoulders, bike lanes, bikeways, and paths where bicycles are allowed. They cannot use sidewalks. Local or state authorities can restrict bike or multi-use paths for safety or legal compliance after notice and a public hearing. Authorities can also ban scooters on natural-surface, nonmotorized trails. Other motorized scooters and skateboards remain banned on public highways, streets, sidewalks, and rights-of-way. That ban carries a $25–$115 first-offense fine. Repeat offenses within 24 months of the first carry a $57.50–$230 fine and possible loss of the device.

Young scooter riders must wear helmets

Every low-speed scooter operator and passenger under 18 must wear an approved bicycle helmet. The helmet must fit properly and be fastened. Delaware’s existing bicycle-helmet definition and related rules in 21 Del. C. § 4198K(a)–(f) apply.

Scooters face safety and labeling rules

Low-speed scooters must meet federal equipment and manufacturing standards for electrically operated toys and similar products under 16 C.F.R. Part 1505. Beginning January 1, 2026, manufacturers and distributors must attach a permanent, prominent label to each scooter. Labels must show the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor power, using Arial type of at least 9 points. Anyone changing motor-powered speed capability or how motor power engages must replace the required label after the change.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Cyndie Romer
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Frank Burns
Democratic • House
Mara Gorman
Democratic • House
Stephanie L. Hansen
Democratic • Senate
David P. Sokola
Democratic • Senate
David L. Wilson
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 55 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/30/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote • 5/22/2025