Mobility scooters in Michigan: pedestrians under the code

Is a mobility scooter rider in Michigan a pedestrian or a driver? Since 2019 the Michigan Vehicle Code has answered directly: a person with a mobility disability who is using a "power-driven mobility device" is a pedestrian, and the device is not a motor vehicle. The one twist is the road itself, where the code's requirements apply to the device.

This page quotes the three short definitions that set this up, then looks at Michigan's climate for riders and at scooters for different needs.

Three definitions in the Michigan Vehicle Code

The first is MCL 257.39: "'Pedestrian' means any person afoot. Pedestrian includes an individual with a mobility disability who is using a power-driven mobility device."

The second, MCL 257.43c, added by 2018 PA 391 and effective March 19, 2019, defines the device: "'Power-driven mobility device' means a mobility device powered by a battery, fuel, or other engine and used by an individual with a mobility disability for the purpose of locomotion. Notwithstanding any other provision of this act, the requirements of this act apply to a power-driven mobility device while that device is being operated on a street, road, or highway in this state."

The third, MCL 257.33, keeps the device out of the motor vehicle category: "Motor vehicle does not include a power-driven mobility device when that power-driven mobility device is being used by an individual with a mobility disability."

Put together, a battery scooter used by someone with a mobility disability is a power-driven mobility device, and its rider is a pedestrian. On sidewalks and in crosswalks you have a pedestrian's standing. Out on a street, road or highway, the Vehicle Code's requirements apply to the device, so the safer habit is to stay on sidewalks and paths wherever they exist.

Two limits on what we can tell you: these definitions do not set speed limits or equipment rules for sidewalk riding, and cities can have their own ordinances. If you plan regular trips on a particular route, your city or township clerk can say whether a local rule applies. Note too that the definition turns on the rider having "a mobility disability"; a scooter lent to someone without one is not covered by the same words.

What Michigan weather means for a rider

NOAA's Michigan climate summary describes "large seasonal changes in temperature, with warm, humid summers and cold winters." It singles out heat in the cities: "Extreme heat is a particular concern for densely populated urban areas such as Detroit, where high temperatures and high humidity can cause dangerous conditions." It also notes the Great Lakes' moderating effect, "most evident along the shores, which are considerably warmer during the winter and cooler in the summer than more inland locations."

For scooter owners, summer heat in Detroit and other cities argues for shorter midday trips and water on board. Winter brings snow nearly everywhere, and riders inland face colder nights than those near the lakes. Charge and store the scooter indoors as its manual directs, and keep winter outings to cleared routes.

Scooters for Michigan errands and outdoor paths

• Pride Go Go Elite Traveller Gen 3 4-Wheel: comes apart into five pieces, the heaviest 36.2 lbs, with a 39.2 in. turning radius and up to 14.1 miles on the 18 Ah battery at 220 lbs.
• Golden Buzzaround LT 3-Wheel: pieces no heavier than 28 lbs, a 39-inch turning radius and up to 7 miles per charge, for someone who lifts the scooter into a car often.
• Vive King Neptune: a heavy-duty scooter for riders up to 400 lbs., with an oversized floor base and a tiller charging port so the battery can stay in place.
• Pride Pursuit 2: built for outdoor ground, with 13 in. pneumatic tires, front and rear suspension, 3.8 in. of ground clearance and up to 40 miles on the dual lithium setup, for trails and parks in summer.

Michigan Assistive Technology Program

Before you buy, the Michigan Assistive Technology Program can help you compare. It offers "completely FREE demonstrations" in which you compare different device features side by side, and a free device loan "for typically 14-45 days" so you can use a device "in your own environment." For a scooter, that could mean testing whether it fits through your doorways, turns in your hallway and climbs the slope of your driveway before you commit. The AT3 Center adds device reutilization and a financial loan program to Michigan's listing.

Ordering and delivery to Michigan

Faith Mobility ships to the lower 48 states and DC. Orders over $500 ship free; under $500, shipping is $15. We cover the sales tax on every order, and most products are processed in 2-5 business days, though some brands differ. The Michigan shipping page has more, and the scooter fit check narrows the field by weight, range and portability.

Questions about mobility scooters in Michigan

Am I a pedestrian on a mobility scooter in Michigan?

If you have a mobility disability and use a battery-powered mobility device for locomotion, yes. MCL 257.39 says pedestrian "includes an individual with a mobility disability who is using a power-driven mobility device," and MCL 257.43c defines that device as one powered by a battery, fuel or other engine and used by an individual with a mobility disability.

Is a mobility scooter a motor vehicle in Michigan?

Not while it is used by an individual with a mobility disability. MCL 257.33 says motor vehicle "does not include a power-driven mobility device when that power-driven mobility device is being used by an individual with a mobility disability." The same code also excludes electric personal assistive mobility devices from motor vehicles.

Can I ride my scooter on the road in Michigan?

MCL 257.43c says the Vehicle Code's requirements "apply to a power-driven mobility device while that device is being operated on a street, road, or highway in this state." Use sidewalks and paths where they exist, and ask your city or township about local rules for routes without sidewalks.

How do Michigan winters affect scooter use?

NOAA describes cold winters across Michigan, with the Great Lakes keeping shoreline areas milder than inland places. Plan winter trips on cleared routes, avoid snow and ice, and store and charge the scooter indoors as its manual directs. In summer, NOAA flags heat and humidity in cities such as Detroit.

Explore the mobility scooter collection, try the fit check, or take the full assessment. Questions? Email us at info@faithmobility.com.

Sources

• MCL 257.39 ("pedestrian" defined)
• MCL 257.43c ("power-driven mobility device" defined)
• MCL 257.33 ("motor vehicle" defined)
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries: Michigan (2022)
• Michigan Assistive Technology Program
• AT3 Center: state assistive technology programs
• Product specifications: Faith Mobility product pages for the Go Go Elite Traveller Gen 3, Buzzaround LT 3-Wheel, King Neptune and Pursuit 2