Wausau, WI Mobility & Curb Rules: Shared E-Scooter Rules (2026)

010 defines an electric scooter as a device under 100 pounds with handlebars and an electric motor, capped at 20 miles per hour on a paved level surface; the definition does not distinguish personally owned scooters from shared or rental fleets, so both fall under the same chapter. 030(a) forbids operating an electric scooter on any public sidewalk or City-owned parking ramp, and on any roadway, trail, path, or property posted against bicycles or scooters. Subsection (b) opens a narrow set of sidewalks to riding: the Bridge Street, Thomas Street, and Scott Street/West Washington bridges, and the same stretches of Grand Avenue and Forest Street that bicycles use.

On the roadway, riders must stay within five feet of the curb or edge except when passing or turning left, ride single file in groups (two abreast allowed on unmarked residential streets), and yield to bicycles in bike lanes and paths. The section also bans towing anything behind a scooter, racing or stunt riding, headphones in both ears while riding, and requires a front white lamp and rear reflector visible for 500 feet between a half hour after sunset and a half hour before sunrise.

030(k) sets an eight-year-old minimum age, with six- and seven-year-olds allowed during daylight if a capable adult stays close enough to ensure safe operation. 020 layers on Wisconsin vehicle-operator statutes, including Wis. 805.