According to California Scooter Laws, minros have to wear a helmet

California Scooter Laws: 7 Things You Should Know Before Riding Electric Scooters in California

Electric scooters are cool. Whether you have your own or are planning to rent one, there are things you should know before riding off to the streets. You do not want to get a fine, do you? We will tell you all about California scooter laws, as they are set out in California Vehicle Code §21235, so you can ride your scooter safely and happily.

Wear a helmet if you are under 18

It is a legal requirement, which can get you a $200 fine if you do not comply. You can use a bicycle helmet, although a full-face helmet is safer. Remember to fasten it well.

Adults are not required to wear a helmet, but we really recommend it. Scooter accidents are pretty frequent, and you want to avoid head injuries at all costs. If you decide to ride without a helmet, you do it at your own risk.

Have a valid driver’s license

When riding a scooter, you have to carry a valid driver’s license. You also need one to rent a scooter. You can also use a learner’s permit instead. But if the police catch you on a scooter without a driver’s license or a learner’s permit, you will get a traffic ticket.

Do not tandem ride

Taking a passenger with you on the scooter, also known as a tandem ride, is forbidden. It is very unsafe as it becomes much harder to control a scooter with extra weight. 

You also can’t carry any bundles that would not allow you to keep both hands on the handles.

Do not go faster than 15 mph

The speed limit for scooters is 15 miles per hour. If you go over it, you can be stopped and fined: the fine can be up to $250. So be careful not to speed too much!

If you use a Bird or Lime scooter, you won’t even be able to go faster. But if you ride at full-speed downhill, the speed increases, so keep that in mind. 

Dismount when making a left turn

It might sound annoying, we know. But it’s the law, and the authorities passed it to protect you. Left turns are difficult, and the probability of an accident is pretty high. So when you want to turn left on an electric scooter, do this: 

  • At the intersection, stop on the right curb;
  • Dismount;
  • Make a turn by walking.

Do not ride a scooter on the sidewalk

The best place to ride a scooter is bike lanes, either class II or class IV. Class II bikeways are separated from the street by a white stripe. Class IV bikeways have physical barriers from the street traffic, such as cones. The speed limit is also 15mph.

If you can see no bike lanes, you can travel on streets, but their speed limit cannot be higher than 25mph. Local authorities might also allow scooters on roads with speed limits up to 35mph. You still cannot ride the scooter faster than 15mph. 

You can only step on sidewalks when you are planning to park the scooter (also, remember to park nicely to not block the area for pedestrians). Crosswalks are also technically sidewalks, so cross them on foot. You can get a ticket for not doing so.

Follow all other vehicle safety rules

According to the California Vehicle Code, an electric scooter has the same rights and obligations as other motor vehicles. Of course, you don’t have to wear a seatbelt because an electric scooter does not have one. But, for example, do not drive intoxicated: you can get a DUI charge just the same, as well as a ticket up to $350. 

These are the most important laws to abide by when riding an electric scooter in California. There might also be some local rules in certain areas. 

Perhaps you are interested in other types of scooters? Check out our article on it!

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