As electric scooters, also called e-scooters, grow in popularity across California, riders need to understand the legal rules that apply to them. Under California Vehicle Code 21235, electric scooters, defined as two-wheeled, stand-on vehicles powered by an electric motor, are classified as motorized scooters. These scooters are subject to specific operational and safety standards. They should have working brakes, and California VC 22411 limits them to 15 mph. 

Also, California law provides that riders under 18 must wear helmets, scooters should not ride on sidewalks, and the rider must have a valid license or learner permit. They have equal rights and responsibilities as drivers and are liable for DUI. Whether you are commuting, riding recreationally, or were injured in an e-scooter accident, below are eight key e-scooter laws you need to know in California:

  1. Helmet Requirement for Minors, California VC 21235(c)

California VC 21235 requires a properly fitted, fastened bicycle-style helmet that complies with the standards. The focus on the bicycle style and the ability to comply with specific safety standards, such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), implies that the general recreational helmets might not be enough, as the standards provide a certain degree of impact protection and structural integrity, which is essential to the safety of the head. 

The fact that major shared-scooter companies encourage all riders, including adults who are not legally obligated to wear helmets, to wear them only supports the understanding of the industry of their protective qualities. 

Underage violators could be subject to a ticket of approximately $200. This fine, along with possible traffic checks and law enforcement, is supposed to prevent non-compliance and emphasize the significance of this safety feature to vulnerable young riders. The lack of exemptions due to terrain, experience, or scooter model also strengthens the universality of this safety rule among minors.

  1. Maximum Speed Limit—15 mph, California VC 22411

According to California VC 22411, the speed limit of motorized scooters in a standing position is fixed at 15 mph, and exceeding it violates the law. Law enforcement can make traffic stops due to speeding on scooters, and the penalty for exceeding the limit can be up to $250 per violation. To make it mandatory, manufacturers, especially those who run shared-use fleets, should properly install electronic speed limiters on scooters that comply with the law.

Nevertheless, real-life factors such as downhill acceleration or unauthorized modification may unintentionally push the speed above 15 mph. Riders should thus frequently check that their scooter limiter is operating correctly, and remember that even brief periods of exceeding the legal speed may lead to fines.

  1. Mandatory Use of Bike Lanes, California VC 21229

California Vehicle Code 21229 requires e-scooter riders to ride in a Class II bicycle lane with solid white lines marking the boundaries and bicycle symbols when present in the roadway. This requirement removes scooters from the faster-moving traffic and makes the riders and pedestrians safer. Nonetheless, the law acknowledges four particular cases in which it is acceptable to leave the bike lane:

  1. Overtaking another vehicle or a pedestrian is impossible within the limits of the lane when it is not safe
  2. A left-hand turn needs the operator to safely leave the lane, stop, dismount by the right curb or edge, and turn on foot. 
  3. Not slipping on the hazards or debris in the lane, including broken glass or potholes, can affect the rider's safety. 
  4. When making a right turn, reach a point where there is space to maneuver out of the lane to signal and make the turn. 

Moreover, subsection (b) of 21229 obliges riders to ensure they can safely re-enter the bike lane and signal before entering, protecting other lane users.

  1. No Sidewalk Riding and Valid License Requirement, California VC 21235

According to California Vehicle Code 21235(g), riding an e-scooter on any sidewalk is illegal, except briefly upon entering or leaving adjoining property, including on a curb-mounting or parking curb. Crosswalks are also prohibited, as they are treated as sidewalks under CVC 275. Therefore, passing through a crosswalk without dismounting is considered a sidewalk violation and is subject to a citation.

Operators may use sidewalks only briefly to mount or dismount in the vicinity of driveways or curbs. Additionally, cruising, standing, or riding in the pedestrian areas or crosswalks is still prohibited.

Permitted Sidewalk Use

The only acceptable sidewalk is to mount or dismount the scooter next to the property, usually along a curb or driveway, to park. After getting on the scooter, the riders must transfer to the street, bike lane, or an allowed pathway. This prohibition protects pedestrian zones and ensures that sidewalks are for foot traffic only.

  1. Licensing Requirements California VC 21235(d)

According to California Vehicle Code 21235(d), any rider of an e-scooter on the road or in a bike lane must possess a valid California driver's license or a learner's permit. The law requires no motorcycle endorsement or special classification. A standard Class C license or learner permit is acceptable. Nevertheless, the documentation has to be on hand during the ride.

Learner Permit and Full Driver's License

Both types are legally acceptable for operating an e-scooter under 21235(d). No higher-level approval is needed for such Class M motorcycles. The critical requirement is that the license or permit be up-to-date, valid, and in the rider's possession when in operation.

Learner’s Permit and Full Driver’s License

Both types are legally acceptable for using e-scooters under 21235(d). It does not need higher-level approval, for example, a Class M motorcycle. The primary requirement is that the license or permit must be current, valid, and in the rider's possession when in operation.

Associated Fines

Breach of the sidewalk ban or riding without a valid credential is considered an infraction, with an average fine of about $200. It is also enforced in cities, where citizens are more concerned with their safety and the flow of pedestrians, and numerous riders have been cited during regular inspections.

  1. Left-Turn Procedure—Dismount and Walk, California VC 21228

According to CVC 21228(b), riders are expected to treat left turns on e-scooters as pedestrians. Before a left turn:

  • Pull up on the right curb or side of the road, as near as possible. This places the riders out of the moving traffic and prepares them to dismount.
  • Get off the scooter and walk it across the road, using the crosswalk where possible, and then return to the other side.

The law of California mandates the following steps:

“In making a left turn, the operator shall bring it to a stop and dismount as near as practicable to the right-hand curb or right edge of the roadway and make the turn by crossing the roadway on foot.”

Safety Rationale

This dismount-and-walk procedure is in place because left turns are among the riskiest maneuvers of e-scooter riders. When mounted, the rider is usually in the way of vehicles moving or turning at high speeds, which exposes them to higher chances of crashing. 

Therefore, the law requires riders to walk their scooters across because:

  • It minimizes speed differences, and riders can use pedestrian crosswalks with increased visibility
  • Enhances predictability so that their movement is more visible to drivers
  • Makes the maneuver easy, and a complicated traffic situation becomes a simple walking process

Also, CVC 21228 (a), (c), and (d) promote riding near the curb and permit an exception for hazards or narrow lanes, which further supports the idea that safety and predictability are the driving forces behind California e-scooter laws.

  1. Crosswalk Riding Prohibited, California VCs 275 and 21235(g)

California Vehicle Code 275 states that the painted lines at the intersection of streets or the extension of the sidewalks through the intersection by right-angled roads are known as a crosswalk. Since these crosswalks are legally considered sidewalks, California Vehicle Code 21235(g) prohibits riding on sidewalks with e-scooters and bans riding through crosswalks. Practically, it implies that every e-scooter rider who crosses a crosswalk on it violates a law, as scooters are considered motorized vehicles and the sidewalks contain crosswalks according to the law.

When riders approach a crosswalk, they must dismount and carry the scooter like a bicycle. The failure to do so may lead to a traffic citation, which usually comes with a penalty of approximately $200 and may be enforced by local and state traffic officials.

  1. E-Scooters Follow Motor Vehicle Rules, California VC 21221

California Vehicle Code 21221 provides a catch-all rule. Anyone who rides a motorized scooter on a public road is treated as a driver with the same rights and duties, unless a rule is logically inapplicable to a two-wheeled vehicle. This implies that the riders must follow stop signs, traffic lights, lane markings, hand signs, yielding, speed limits, and other road regulations, just like they would in a car. Ordinary traffic tickets may be caused by violations like running a red light or failing to signal a turn.

DUI Provisions and DUI Enforcement

CVC 21221 links e-scooters with DUI. It criminalizes the use of scooters when intoxicated by drugs or alcohol, and it is punished in the same way as DUI in cars. Section 21221.5 makes it clear that scootering under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an infraction punishable by a maximum fine of $250 and that the rider is entitled to a chemical test, either breath or blood, when they are arrested.

The infraction can be interpreted as a misdemeanor DUI by local jurisdictions, such as Los Angeles, with increased penalties, including fines of up to $350, probation, DUI school, and even ignition interlock devices. However, many cases have legally seen the courts reduce charges to infractions limited to a maximum of $250.

Riders ought to realize that the suspicion of impairment may lead to both administrative DMV proceedings and criminal citations, and the two sets of consequences may include license suspensions, DUI education programs, and insurance and future DUI risk implications.

Local Ordinances

Although CVC SS21221 provides statewide direction, California VC 21225 permits cities and counties to enact further e-scooter ordinances, including parking areas, path prohibitions, or safety gear requirements.

Cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego may have specific ordinances that mandate scooter racks, restrict speeds in areas, or require reflective clothing. Consequently, riders must research and adhere to the state traffic and local e-scooter regulations before riding.

  1. Single-Occupancy Only—No Passengers, California VC 21235

The California Vehicle Code 21235(e) explicitly outlaws tandem riding; carrying a passenger on an e-scooter is unlawful, irrespective of the passenger's age or relation to the rider. Such a rule indicates that e-scooters are designed for one person. Adding a second rider reduces the intended balance and weight distribution, making steering slow and unpredictable. The extra weight extends braking distance in emergency braking or sudden maneuvers and overloads braking systems, and may cause mechanical failures.

Safety-wise, it is very risky to overload an e-scooter with two people. The second individual changes the center of gravity, upsets the frame, and increases the risk of falls or collisions, particularly at greater speeds or uneven surfaces. Scooters are designed to handle the dynamic loads of one rider; twice that load may be beyond the design limits, causing structural or motor failure.

Tandem riding is considered an infraction in legal terms and is fined similarly to regular traffic tickets, usually about $200. In addition to the fine and alcohol, drivers ought to know that insurance coverage can be invalidated in the case of a fine and alcohol, and drivers and passengers can be held civilly liable for injuries sustained during the violation of the law. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the safety standard for helmets worn by riders of e-scooters under 18 years in California? What are the repercussions of non-adherence?

California Vehicle Code 21235(c) requires that riders under 18 years wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that has been approved under VC 21212, which refers to helmets that have been certified by either the CPSC or ASTM, meaning they have undergone thorough testing to ensure they can withstand impacts, retain the rider, and hold up under any stress.

The right fit implies that the helmet is placed evenly on the head, with the forehead covered, and the fit is tight but comfortable, with the straps tightened so that the helmet does not move. Non-compliance with this requirement is a violation that usually leads to a fine of about $200. The law is applicable in all riding conditions and terrain, which supports its mandate of protecting minors.

What is the balance between rider safety and urban practicality of the e-scooter laws in California regarding bike lane use and turning?

California Vehicle Code 21229 mandates e-scooter users to ride in Class II bicycle lanes when they exist; these are indicated by solid white lines and bicycle icons intended to separate riders and vehicular traffic. The code has four thin exceptions to pass: prepare a left turn, avoid lane hazards, or approach a right turn.

Regarding left turns, the riders must stop, dismount, and walk the scooter across as pedestrians, which minimizes the risks of turning in mixed-traffic conditions, according to VC 21228(b) requirements. Riding on crosswalks or sidewalks against VC 21235(g) & 275 is also illegal, further supporting pedestrian safety. These subtle regulations increase safety without unnecessarily limiting movement in crowded cities.

What are the consequences of breaking the e-scooter laws in California, particularly on DUIs and local ordinances besides fines?

Although the state infractions usually vary between $20 and $350, the violations may provoke more severe legal outcomes. According to VC 21221.5, riding an e-scooter under the influence is an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $250, and riders are entitled to demand a chemical test.

Though the state considers this an infraction, local jurisdictions such as Los Angeles have tried DUI e-scooter cases as misdemeanors, which results in increased fines, probation, required education programs, and license restrictions. Additional compliance can be in the form of local ordinances that may regulate parking, speed zones, or reflective gear.

The single-occupancy rule prohibits passengers, specifically VC 21235(e). Its violation is not only a source of fines. Still, it may also lead to the loss of insurance and the emergence of civil liability in the case of an accident, which indicates that the observance of the rule is not only the guarantee of legal status but also personal liability.

Find an Orange County Personal Injury Attorney

The eight key e-scooter laws in California aim to ensure the safety of the riders, pedestrians, and other road users. Riders should know that minors should wear helmets, the speed limit is 15 mph, and bike lanes are mandatory unless otherwise noted. Also, sidewalks and crosswalks are forbidden, and a license or a permit is required. Left turns should be made on foot, and no passengers are allowed. Any violation of these rules can be penalized, leading to fines of about $200 to $350. At Orange County Personal Injury Attorney, we are determined to assist any e-scooter accident victim of another person’s negligence. If you want to know more or take a case, call us at 714-876-1959">714-876-1959">714-876-1959 and get a free consultation.