Electric scooters have changed the way many California residents reach destinations within their communities. An e-scooter is a fast, efficient way to navigate congested streets. They often move significantly faster than stalled traffic and offer residents and tourists an eco-friendly option for transportation.
E-scooters continue to grow in popularity in California, but before you take to the streets in an open, unprotected electric scooter, it’s essential to know California’s electric scooter laws to avoid a traffic citation, or worse, a serious accident.
California’s E-Scooter Laws Under The State’s Vehicle Code
Article 5 of the California Vehicle Code lists the state’s scooter laws under California Vehicle Code 21235, which prohibits the following:
- Riding a scooter without a working brake
- Riding at over 15 miles per hour
- Operating a scooter on a highway with a speed limit of more than 25 miles per hour, or 35 miles per hour in some jurisdictions
- Riding without a helmet if under the age of 18
- Operating a scooter without a driver’s license or permit
- Carrying packages that don’t allow at least one hand on the handlebars at all times
- Riding on sidewalks, except within the portion of sidewalk leading into a driveway or parking lot
- Tandem-riding or carrying a passenger
- Using a scooter with the handlebars raised above shoulder height
- Leaving an e-scooter lying on a sidewalk or public walkway, or parking a scooter in a place where it blocks public access to a sidewalk
- Attaching a scooter to a vehicle
Engaging in any of the above prohibited activities not only dramatically increases the risk of an accident but also leaves the e-scooter rider subject to traffic citations and fines.
In addition, the law prohibits operating an e-scooter while intoxicated. Doing so may result in DUI charges.
E-Scooter Operating Requirements In California
In addition to prohibiting specific actions, California law requires E-scooter riders to comply with state requirements, such as wearing helmets, which are recommended for all riders and mandatory for those under 18. In addition, the law states that e-scooters riders must do the following:
- All E-scooter riders who ride in traffic must have a valid driver’s license or a learner’s permit, but do not require a special license or endorsement for using a scooter
- Use a bike lane wherever one is available, except when passing a pedestrian or cyclist
- Dismount and walk the scooter across marked and unmarked crosswalks, and when making left turns
E-scooter operators must follow all traffic laws for motor vehicles, such as yielding the right of way and coming to a complete stop at stop signs.
Can an E-Scooter Operator Be Liable for Damages In an Accident?
E-scooter operators have the same rights and obligations as other drivers, including the right to recover compensation for injuries in an accident caused by someone else, such as a negligent or reckless driver. If an e-scooter operator causes an accident by carelessness, recklessness, or failing to follow the laws, they may be held liable for property damage and injury damages to others.
After an accident, the insurance company assigns investigators to determine the cause of the accident and to assign each party a percentage of fault. This allows an injury victim to recover a portion of their total damages even if they contributed to the accident, including e-scooter operators.
Unfortunately, insurance companies often unfairly assign fault to e-scooter users to minimize the amount they have to pay on a claim. A Van Nuys injury lawyer protects against this and other insurance company tactics to seek the maximum available compensation.
