National Parks Set New E-Scooter Rules
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Park Service has finalized new rules for electric scooters and other powered micromobility devices across the National Park System. Beginning September 11, operating e-scooters, hoverboards, Segways, and similar devices will be prohibited unless an individual park designates locations where they may be used. At the same time, superintendents in national parks will gain more flexibility on rules to allow e-scooter users on appropriate roads, parking areas, sidewalks and improved paths.
The change means that researching national parks and their specific rules about e-scooter use is more important than ever when planning a visit.
New Rule Separates Scooters From Cars
The National Park Service announced the final rule August 11, after concluding that decades-old regulations were not well-suited to newer transportation devices. Until now, powered micromobility devices were generally treated like cars and trucks under NPS motor-vehicle rules. Notably, they are typically smaller, lighter and slower.
The new framework defines powered micromobility devices separately. This gives superintendents authority to decide where they are appropriate. Examples include e-scooters, hoverboards and Segways. The rule generally covers human-operated, self-propelled devices weighing less than 150 pounds and powered without an internal-combustion engine.
Individual Parks Will Decide Where They Are Allowed
Under the final rule, powered micromobility devices are prohibited by default. Even so, individual parks may affirmatively designates locations for their use. Superintendents may open appropriate roads, parking areas, paved or gravel sidewalks and paths, and other locations that have been improved with artificial or processed materials.
Superintendents can also set park-specific restrictions. Examples include speed, size or weight limits, seasonal or time-of-day rules, and designated parking areas. State and local laws governing matters such as helmets, age limits and licensing generally continue to apply. (Unless an NPS rule or park-specific restriction says otherwise.)
Wilderness Areas Remain Off-Limits
The rule prohibits possession of powered micromobility devices in federally designated wilderness areas. Allowing them on natural terrain that has never been improved with materials such as gravel, asphalt or wood also requires a formal rulemaking process rather than a simple park-level designation.
The rule does not address disability-related mobility devices. These devices remain governed by federal accessibility law and park-specific safety determinations.
NPS says the framework is intended to let parks consider visitor access and transportation options. At the same time, it still protects resources and reduces conflicts with pedestrians and other users. The agency does not expect the rule to cause major immediate changes nationwide. Primary e-scooter use is currently concentrated in more urban park units.
E-Bikes Follow Different Rules
The new rule does not change the separate NPS regulation for electric bicycles. Where a superintendent authorizes them, qualifying e-bikes may be used only on roads and trails where traditional bicycles are also allowed.
For RV travelers, that distinction matters. An e-bike that is permitted on a park route is not automatically subject to the new e-scooter framework. However, an electric scooter carried in the same RV may be prohibited unless that park has specifically designated an area for its use. Visitors should check each park’s current rules before relying on either device for transportation.
Gabriel Rivero
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