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Electric scooters are electric motor-powered, two-wheeled vehicles with handles and a standing floorboard.
In California, you can ride an e-scooter without any class of driver’s license, and the scooter does not need to be registered with the DMV.
However, there are certain rules you need to strictly follow in order to avoid breaking the law and landing yourself an unwanted ticket.
This article will provide you with all the laws you need to follow if you are riding or planning to ride an e-scooter in California.
Is Electric Scooter Legal In California?
Electric scooters have been street-legal in California for many years; however, riders must follow a few laws to ride e-scooters legally.
Californian Law regulates seven essential laws for electric scooter riders, which you will discover further in the article.
7 Essential Electric Scooter Laws In California To Follow In 2025
The 7 essential electric scooter traffic laws in California that e-scooter riders are required to follow are as follows:
1. Riders under 18 Years of age must wear a helmet
According to the California Vehicle Code §21235(c), any vehicle with an electric motor, a floorboard, and handlebars has to follow this law.
Riders under the age of 18 years can also use a bicycle helmet that fits properly and can be fastened.
However, adult riders are not obliged to this rule and can ride without a helmet. To be safer, it’s better to wear a helmet anyway, no matter your age.
Violating this law will result in a ticket fine of $200.
2. You cannot exceed the speed limit of 15 Mph
According to California Vehicle Code §22411, a rider cannot exceed the speed limit of 15 Mph. If any rider tries to break this rule, they will have to pay a fine of $250.
For this reason alone, rental businesses like as Bird and Lime have set a constant 15 mph speed limit.
3. Follow the bike lanes wherever you see one
According to California Vehicle Code §21229, electric scooters and other vehicles like bikes must go through the bike lanes whenever available.
This law can only be neglected in the following scenarios:
- When you are passing other vehicles.
- When you take your left-hand turn.
- When you want to avoid a piece of debris or any type of hazard in the lane.
- When you are taking a right turn.
4. Ride alone and have a driver’s license compulsorily. Plus, no riding on sidewalks
According to California Vehicle Code §21235, along with the compulsion of wearing a helmet, this law includes the following rules:
- Two people can’t ride on a single electric scooter.
- You cannot ride an electric scooter on the sidewalk.
- You must have a driver’s license to ride an electric scooter in California.
You can only use electric scooters on the sidewalk after parking them or walking with them.
People with learner’s permits can ride an electric scooter. If the rules are broken, you’ll be fined $200.
5. Get off the e-scooter while taking left turns
According to California Vehicle Code §21228, a rider must dismount from the electric scooter while taking left turns.
Follow the ways to turn left according to the followings indications:
- Stop after the intersection while on the right curb.
- Dismount (get off the scooter) while taking a left turn.
- Cross the road on foot.
These rules are made to avoid electric scooter accidents.
6. Follow the crosswalk rules
According to the California Vehicle Code §275, crosswalks are considered sidewalks at right angles.
Under this law, riding an electric scooter on a crosswalk (sidewalk) will be considered a Violation. Therefore, the rider will be fined around $200.
7. Compulsorily follow all the motor vehicle rules while riding an e-scooter
According to the California Vehicle Code §21221, electric scooters must follow the same guidelines. Plus, the same rules, regulations, and responsibilities of motor vehicles are applied to electric scooters under this law.
This law specifically mentions riders who ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be charged around $350.
Related Reads:
- Florida Electric Scooter Laws
- Do You Need A License For An Electric Scooter
- Electric Scooter Laws By State
Conclusion: These Are The 7 Laws of Electric Scooters In California You Need To Follow
The e-scooter laws in California are simple yet strict compared to other states. To enjoy a hassle-free ride, it is mandatory for riders to follow government rules and regulations.
The laws are not that complicated, and anyone can understand and follow them.
Some important laws that you need to know are carrying your license, minding the sidewalk rules, and staying within the speed limit.
As long as you follow these rules, you can easily ride your e-scooter without any disturbances.
These are the essential laws you need to follow as an e-scooter rider.
FAQs
Yes, you can ride an electric scooter on the street. However, you need to follow the laws and stay within the speed limit of 15 mph.
As per California’s Vehicle Code (CVC) §21235, you must have a driver’s license of any class to ride an electric scooter in California.
You must avoid riding your electric scooter on sidewalks.
