Riders should wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet, eye protection, and high-visibility clothing. Additional safety gear includes gloves to protect hands in a fall, jackets and pants with built-in armor for elbows, knees, and back, and sturdy, over-the-ankle footwear to support and protect feet and ankles. In wet conditions, waterproof gear is advisable to stay dry and maintain body temperature.

Licensing requirements for riding a scooter vary depending on the engine size and local laws. Smaller scooters, often those under 50cc, may only require a regular driver's license, while larger ones typically necessitate a motorcycle endorsement or specific scooter license. Some regions might also mandate a minimum age, safety courses, and even separate registration and insurance for scooter operation.