Electric scooters, or e-scooters, are a popular way to get around Los Angeles due to the many available rentable options. Many people use e-scooters without knowing or understanding the laws surrounding these vehicles, however, which can put them at risk of colliding with motor vehicle traffic. Learn the basics of California’s electric scooter laws to reduce your crash risk. Speak to a Los Angeles electric scooter attorney for more information.
What Is an Electric Scooter?
An electric scooter is referred to as a “motorized scooter” under California law. California Vehicle Code (CVC) § 407.5 defines a motorized scooter as: “any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, has either a floorboard that is designed to be stood upon when riding or a seat and footrests in place of the floorboard, and is powered by an electric motor.”
Do You Need a Driver’s License to Operate an E-Scooter?
Yes, you must possess a valid driver’s license to operate an electric scooter in the State of California under CVC § 21235. This law states that an individual may not operate a motorized scooter without a valid driver’s license or instruction permit. Under this rule, anyone who is over the age of 16 years old and has a legal learner’s permit is allowed to operate an e-scooter.
What Else Do You Need to Ride an E-Scooter in California?
In California, you do not need to register an e-scooter with the Department of Motor Vehicles. It is also not necessary to have automobile insurance. However, the electric scooter must be equipped with a brake that enables the operator to make the braking wheel skid on dry, level,l and clean pavement. In addition, a rider who is under the age of 18 legally must wear a helmet that adheres to the standards described in Section 21212 of the CVC.
Where Can You Take an E-Scooter in California?
When operating an electric or motorized scooter in California, you must use bicycle lanes whenever available (CVC § 21229). If a bicycle lane is not available, you must ride on the road. However, e-scooters are not allowed to operate on roads in California with speed limits over 25 miles per hour.
The maximum recommended speed on most e-scooters, including Bird and Lime scooters, is 15 miles per hour. No e-scooters are permitted on freeways and other roads with high speed limits. You cannot ride an e-scooter on a sidewalk in California except when it is necessary to enter or leave a property.
What Traffic Laws Apply to Electric Scooters in California?
California law requires e-scooter users to follow all basic traffic laws and roadway rules as if they were operating traditional motor vehicles. When riding on the road, you must travel in the same direction as the flow of traffic. You must follow all speed limits, stop signs, traffic lights, right-of-way laws and other traffic signals.
There are also specific laws that only apply to electric scooters. For example, it is against the law in California to operate an e-scooter with a passenger on the vehicle. These vehicles are small and only have low-power motors, which makes it unsafe to accommodate more than one person at a time.
Injured in an Electric Scooter Accident? Contact an Attorney
California’s electric scooter laws require riders to share the road with motor vehicle drivers. Unfortunately, distracted, careless, and reckless drivers can cause e-scooter collisions that may result in severe injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in an electric scooter accident in Los Angeles or elsewhere in California, contact a Los Angeles accident attorney for legal help and advice. You may be eligible for financial compensation.