Rider Responsibility & Local Regulations

While we strive to keep this guide as accurate as possible, micro-mobility laws are evolving rapidly.

Please consider this a general guide only; the ultimate responsibility lies with the rider to verify and comply with the specific laws of their city or region.

This page is intended to help you understand the requirements in your country so you can ride with confidence and avoid "bad surprises."

The Liquid Note: Legally, most countries define a vehicle by its method of propulsion (the motor) rather than its method of control (remote vs. weight-sensing). Even though the Liquid looks like a traditional board, these rules technically apply because it is motorized.

Before you ride on the street: The Liquid ships without lights, reflectors or a bell. Every country that permits it on public roads requires lights and reflectors, and most require a sound signal, so you will need to add these yourself before riding anywhere other than private property.

In Denmark and Finland the lights and reflectors may be worn on you (a headlamp, a light on your bag, a reflective jacket) rather than fixed to the board. In several countries listed below, the Liquid is currently restricted to private property regardless of equipment.

List per country

France: Electric skateboards fall under the EDPM category (engin de déplacement personnel motorisé), but road use requires the board to be conformant with the applicable technical and safety requirements. The Liquid does not yet meet these, so it is restricted to private property in France for the time being. We are working on this.

Denmark: Permitted on cycle paths under a trial scheme for riders aged 15+. The speed limit is 20 km/h. Lights must be on at all times, day and night, and reflectors are mandatory. A helmet is required. Where there is no cycle path, you may use roads within built-up areas limited to 50 km/h. No bell or insurance is required.

Spain: Classified as VMP. Spain now requires a formal certificate of circulation issued by its traffic authority (DGT) before any personal mobility device may be used on public roads, along with liability insurance and registration. We have not yet completed this process for the Liquid, so it is restricted to private property in Spain for the time being.

Belgium: Treated as an "engin de déplacement motorisé." Since July 2022, riders are treated as cyclists regardless of speed — the old walking-pace sidewalk allowance has been abolished, and sidewalk riding is no longer permitted. Use cycle paths, follow cyclist rules, and keep to 25 km/h. Minimum age is 16.

Germany: Germany follows the eKFV regulation. Currently, motorized vehicles without a steering column (handlebar) cannot receive the required "ABE" (operating permit) or insurance sticker. Therefore, the Liquid is officially restricted to private property in Germany.

United Kingdom: Under the Road Traffic Act, electric skateboards are classified as PLEVs. They are currently illegal to use on public roads or pavements and are officially for private land use only with the landowner's permission.

Netherlands: The Netherlands requires RDW approval for "Special Mopeds." As most e-skates do not meet these specific structural requirements (like independent braking systems), they are restricted to private terrain.

Switzerland: Swiss authorities are explicit that electric skateboards hold no type approval and do not meet the technical requirements of any recognised category — they are neither light motor-bicycles nor Segways in the eyes of the law. They may not be used on public traffic areas, including cycle paths, roads and sidewalks. Private property only.

Sweden: With the motor limited to 20 km/h and a continuous power rating of 250 W or less, the Liquid is legally classified as a bicycle in Sweden. No licence, registration, insurance or minimum age applies. You must fit lights, front/rear/side reflectors and a bell, and follow ordinary cyclist rules. (Above 20 km/h or 250 W, it would instead fall into Moped Class II, requiring a permit, helmet and insurance.)

Finland: Classified as a "light electric vehicle," a category that explicitly names electric skateboards. Boards up to 1000 W and 25 km/h are allowed on cycle paths under bicycle rules. Lights, a reflector and a sound signal are required, and the minimum age is 15. Sidewalk use is not permitted. Traffic insurance is only required above 25 kg, so it does not apply to the Liquid.

Austria: Austria's road-legal category for small electric vehicles requires a handlebar, a footboard and no seat. Electric skateboards do not qualify and are instead treated as toy-like devices not intended for the carriageway. They may not be used on cycle paths or roads. Private property only.

Portugal: Equated to "velocípedes" (bicycles), provided the motor's continuous power does not exceed 250 W and speed is limited to 25 km/h. Allowed on cycle paths and roads. Sidewalks are prohibited unless you are pushing the board.

Luxembourg: Classified as a "micro-véhicule électrique," a category that explicitly includes electric skateboards. Permitted on cycle paths and urban roads with a 25 km/h limit and a 250 W power limit. Follows the same priority rules as cyclists. Lights front and rear are mandatory and must be switched on day and night.

Andorra: There is no clear regulation covering electric skateboards. Treat public road use as unavailable until this changes, and ride on private property.

Ireland: While e-scooters were recently legalized, e-skateboards remain in a gray area and are not covered by that legislation. Formal classification is still pending, so public road use should be treated as unavailable. Private property only.

Italy: Italy's micro-mobility rules cover e-scooters, hoverboards, segways and monowheels but electric skateboards are not included. They fall back under the Highway Code's ban on "acceleratori di andatura," which prohibits them from both the carriageway and pedestrian areas. Private property only.

Czech Republic: Electric skateboards fall into a legal gray zone between motor vehicle and sporting equipment, and are not covered by the clear rules that apply to e-scooters. They are not officially permitted on public roads or cycle paths. Private property only.

Poland: Classified as UTO (urządzenie transportu osobistego), a category that explicitly names electric skateboards. You must use cycle paths, with a 20 km/h limit. Sidewalks are only allowed if no cycle path exists and you ride at walking pace. Riders aged 10–18 need a cycling card; adults need nothing.

Romania: Romanian law currently bans electric skateboards from public roads, as the country's e-scooter category requires a handlebar. Riders face fines of over 1,600 lei. Private property only.

Hungary: Hungary currently lacks specific e-skateboard legislation, and official guidance is inconsistent. With no settled classification, public road use should be treated as unavailable. Private property only.

North America

United States: Regulations are a "patchwork." California allows them on bike lanes and roads (speed limit <35mph) if the rider is 16+ and wears a helmet. Conversely, NYC has specific (and often changing) rules regarding sidewalks. Always check your specific State and City DOT website.

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Important Notice

Micro-mobility regulations are changing rapidly across every market we sell in, and the information on this page reflects our best understanding at the time of writing. It is provided as general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.

Rules can differ not only between countries but between cities and municipalities within the same country, and they can change with little notice. Local authorities may impose additional requirements (helmets, reflective clothing, speed restrictions, or outright bans in specific zones) that are not captured here.

The ultimate responsibility for riding legally rests with the rider. Before riding anywhere other than private property, please verify the current rules that apply where you are. Liquid Skateboard ApS accepts no liability for fines, penalties, confiscation, or other consequences arising from use of the LQS001 on public roads or in public spaces.

If you spot something on this page that's out of date or incorrect, please let us know at hello@liquidskateboard.com.