As electric scooters and motor driven cycles become more popular, it is important to understand how Alabama state law classifies them. While they may seem like fun toys, they are actually defined as motor vehicles and are subject to more rules than people might expect.

The City of Homewood and the Homewood Police Department encourage all of our residents to be well informed about these rules and to ride safely. These laws and regulations are in place to protect riders and the Homewood community.

Below are some definitions of the different types of vehicles commonly seen in Homewood, and some guidelines and rules regarding their safe operation.

Bicycle

Every device propelled by human power upon which any individual may ride, having two tandem wheels, either of which is more than 14 inches in diameter.

Bicycles do not have a minimum required age or license requirement to operate. They are allowed on public roads and bike lanes. Helmets are required for operators under 16 years of age. Bicycles are not allowed on public sidewalks, per Alabama Title 32-5A-52.

Electric Bicycle (E-bike)

A bicycle equipped with functional pedals, as well as an electric motor under 750 watts that is used to assist with or replace pedaling. An E-bike operates similarly to a traditional bicycle as it still requires pedaling by the operator, but the electric motor allows for easier acceleration and climbing at speeds generally up to 20-28 mph. All E-bike electric motors cease providing assistance once the bike reaches 28 mph.

E-bikes are subject to the same rules and regulations as traditional bicycles. They do not have a minimum required age or license requirement to operate. They are allowed on public roads and bike lanes. Helmets are required for operators under 16 years of age. E-bikes are not allowed on public sidewalks, per Alabama Title 32-5A-52.

Motorcycle

Every motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a tractor and an electric bicycle. Motorcycles are engine driven and typically weigh more than 200 pounds.

Motorcycle operators must be at least 16 years of age. The operator must also possess a Class M (Motorcycle) license. A helmet and shoes are required to be worn at all times. Motorcycles are allowed on public roads, and must have a valid license plate and insurance. They are not allowed on public sidewalks, per Alabama Title 32-5A-52.

Electric Scooter

By Alabama law, electric scooters are classified as “motor vehicles” and thus are subject to the same rules and regulations as other motor vehicles like cars and motorcycles. An electric scooter is defined by the following characteristic:

1. Weighs less than 100 pounds
2. Has handlebars and an electric motor
3. Is solely powered by the electric motor or human power
4. Has a maximum speed of no more than 20 mph on a paved level surface when powered by the electric motor

Electric scooters have a minimum age of 14 years old to operate on roads. They require that the operator possess a Class M (Motorcycle) license. A helmet and shoes are also required to be worn by the operator at all times. Electric scooters are allowed on public roads, and must have a valid license plate and insurance. They are not allowed on public sidewalks, per Alabama Title 32-5A-52.

Motor Driven Cycle

A motor driven cycle is defined as every motorcycle, including every motor scooter, with a motor that produces not more than five brake horsepower nor exceeds 150 cubic centimeter engine displacement, and weighs less than 200 pounds fully equipped, and every bicycle with a motor attached. The term does not include electric bicycles.

Motor driven cycles are subject to the same rules and regulations as electric scooters. The minimum operator age is 14 years old, and they must possess a Class M (Motorcycle) license. A helmet and shoes are required to be worn at all times. Motor driven cycles are allowed on public roads, and must have a valid license plate and insurance. They are not allowed on public sidewalks, per Alabama Title 32-5A-52.

Golf Cart

Golf carts are designed for use on private property such as golf courses and thus do not usually have safety equipment required for use on public roads. They generally are only capable of operating at speeds less than 20 mph. Golf carts are not street legal and are not allowed to be driven on public roads, nor are they allowed to be driven on public sidewalks.

Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV)

A low-speed vehicle (LSV) is defined as a four-wheeled motor driven vehicle with a top speed of 25 mph. They are required to be equipped with the following safety equipment:

• Headlights
• Turn signals
• Taillights
• Brake lights
• Mirrors
• Windshield
• Seatbelts
• Horn

LSVs are legal to operate on public roads but they are not allowed on public sidewalks, per Alabama Title 32-5A-52. They must have both a license plate and insurance. LSV operators must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid Driver’s License.

Parents, please ensure that your child is following the rules. State law holds the parents responsible if their child operates an electric scooter, motor driven cycle, golf cart, or low-speed vehicle without proper safety equipment or if they violate any traffic laws. Some of the most applicable traffic laws are highlighted below:

• Alabama Title 32-5-65 states that no owner of a motor vehicle may permit a child under age 16 to operate a motor vehicle upon the highways of this state without proper license.
• Alabama Title 32-5A-245 states that no person shall knowingly permit or allow any juvenile for whom he or she is a parent of guardian to operate or ride upon a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle without a helmet or shoes.
• Alabama Title 32-7A-4 states that no owner shall permit another person to operate their motor vehicle without liability insurance.