Mobility scooters in Nebraska: motor vehicle law and sidewalks

Is a mobility scooter a motor vehicle in Nebraska? That is the question behind most of the others families ask, about licenses, sidewalks and crossing the street. Nebraska's rules of the road give a partial answer in one sentence, and the rest depends on how a scooter fits the words the Legislature chose.

In short, the definition of motor vehicle in Nebraska's rules of the road leaves out "self-propelled chairs used by persons who are disabled." A three- or four-wheel mobility scooter is not named. Here is the text and what to do about the part it leaves open.

Nebraska's definitions, word for word

Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-638, "Motor vehicle shall mean every self-propelled land vehicle, not operated upon rails, except bicycles, mopeds, self-propelled chairs used by persons who are disabled, and electric personal assistive mobility devices." That exception is the key fact: a powered chair used by a person with a disability is not a motor vehicle under the rules of the road.

The pedestrian definition is shorter. Section 60-647 says "Pedestrian shall mean any person afoot." It does not mention wheelchairs or scooters, and we did not find a Nebraska statute that expressly classifies the rider of a self-propelled chair as a pedestrian.

Crosswalk rules still matter for anyone rolling across a street. Where signals are not in place or not working, a driver "shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk who is in the lane in which the driver is proceeding or is in the lane immediately adjacent thereto by bringing his or her vehicle to a complete stop," and "No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to stop" (60-6,153).

What this leaves unsettled is whether a particular scooter counts as a "self-propelled chair," and where a rider should be when no sidewalk exists. We could not confirm how Nebraska agencies or courts have applied the wording to scooters. For your town's sidewalk rules, ask the city or village office or the local police; for licensing or registration questions, the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles. Until you hear back, ride at walking pace among pedestrians and use marked crosswalks.

Scooters for Nebraska distances and weather

On longer errands, range and build matter most. Here are four scooters that fit different needs, with figures from each product's page on our site, which follows the maker's published specifications:

• Golden Eagle 4-Wheel: a heavy-duty outdoor scooter for 500 lbs with 13-inch pneumatic tires, front and rear suspension, 5 inches of ground clearance, a lockable water-resistant compartment, and a listed range of 23 miles on its two 75 AH batteries.
• Pride Maxima 4-wheel: carries riders up to 500 lbs, travels up to 19.5 miles on a charge, and stays in one piece rather than coming apart; an optional power elevating seat adds 6.25 in of lift.
• Golden Buzzaround EX 4-Wheel: comes apart for the car, with a heaviest piece of 53 lbs, carries 350 lbs and runs up to 18 miles on two U1 batteries.
• Pride Go Go Super Portable: folds to a 12-inch depth without removing the seat and weighs 41.6 lbs without its battery, for riders who mostly need a scooter at the other end of a drive.

Hot summers, cold snaps and range

NOAA's state climate summary reports that "Since 2000, summer temperatures have been above average," that winter "snowstorms and ice storms are a frequent hazard," and that average precipitation runs from just over 17 inches in the panhandle to more than 34 inches in the southeast. Nebraska also averages 57 tornadoes a year, which NOAA says is the fifth-highest number of any state.

For a scooter, cold mornings and long summer rides both eat into battery range, so treat the listed miles as a best case and plan errands with room to spare. Store the scooter and charge it indoors in winter. A covered or lockable compartment, like the Eagle's, helps on a rural route where rain can catch you between stops, and good tire tread helps on wet or loose surfaces.

Try before you buy through ATP

The AT3 Center lists Nebraska's Assistive Technology Partnership with device loans, device demonstrations, device reutilization, financial loans and other state financing. Its website also lists a ReUse Network. If you are unsure between a scooter and a power chair, ask ATP whether a demonstration or loan is possible near you.

Getting a scooter delivered in Nebraska

A scooter ships to your door, ready for you to set up. We ship to the lower 48 states and DC. Orders of more than $500 ship free, those under $500 ship for $15, and we cover the sales tax on every order. Processing takes 2-5 business days for most products, though some brands differ. See shipping to Nebraska, and let the scooter fit check narrow the choice.

Questions about mobility scooters in Nebraska

Is a mobility scooter a motor vehicle in Nebraska?

Nebraska Revised Statute 60-638 defines motor vehicle as every self-propelled land vehicle not on rails, except bicycles, mopeds, "self-propelled chairs used by persons who are disabled," and electric personal assistive mobility devices. Scooters are not named, so for a ruling on a specific model ask the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles.

Can I ride my scooter on the sidewalk in Nebraska?

State law does not answer this directly. Section 60-647 defines a pedestrian as "any person afoot" and does not mention scooters or wheelchairs. Local ordinances may address sidewalks, so ask your city or village office or police department. Wherever you ride, go at walking pace and give people on foot room to pass.

Do drivers have to stop for me at a Nebraska crosswalk?

Section 60-6,153 requires a driver, where signals are not in place or not working, to yield to a pedestrian crossing within a crosswalk in the driver's lane or the adjacent lane by coming to a complete stop. Whether a scooter rider counts as a pedestrian is not spelled out, so cross with care and make eye contact with drivers.

Which scooter suits rural Nebraska roads and driveways?

Look for pneumatic tires, suspension and clearance. The Golden Eagle 4-Wheel has 13-inch pneumatic tires, front and rear suspension, 5 inches of clearance and a 500 lb capacity, with a listed 23-mile range. Lighter travel scooters such as the Go Go Super Portable are built mainly for pavement and indoor floors.

How does Nebraska weather affect scooter range?

Cold and heat both cut battery range, and NOAA describes Nebraska summers above average since 2000 and frequent winter snowstorms and ice storms. Plan trips well inside the listed range, charge and store the scooter indoors in winter, and keep an eye on the forecast during storm season.

Browse our mobility scooter collection, start the fit check, or work through the full assessment. Questions? Email us at info@faithmobility.com.

Sources

• Nebraska Revised Statutes 60-638, motor vehicle defined
• Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-647, pedestrian defined
• Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,153, right-of-way in crosswalks
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries: Nebraska
• AT3 Center: Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership
• Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership
• Golden Eagle 4-Wheel product page
• Pride Maxima 4-wheel product page
• Golden Buzzaround EX 4-Wheel product page
• Pride Go Go Super Portable product page