Electric scooters have become a popular way to get around in California cities like Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and San Diego. They’re quick, affordable, and eco-friendly, but they are also linked to an increasing number of accidents and injuries. Many riders and drivers don’t fully understand California electric scooter laws, which can lead to serious crashes and legal confusion. If you’ve been injured in a scooter accident, our electric scooter accident lawyers offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and recover compensation.
What Are Electric Scooters and Why Are They Risky?
Electric scooters, also called motorized scooters, are small two-wheeled vehicles powered by an electric motor. Under California law, a motorized scooter is defined as having handlebars, a floorboard designed to be stood upon when riding, and a maximum speed of 15 mph. They are legally distinct from e-bikes, mopeds, and electric skateboards, which have separate rules and classifications.
These scooters are intended for short-distance travel and are often rented through apps like Bird or Lime. Scooter riders are required to follow local regulations, utilize designated bike paths or Class II lanes, and wear helmets when mandated. But accidents happen when people ignore these rules or when roads and sidewalks aren’t safe for scooter use.
Cracks in the pavement, drivers opening car doors, or riders without a valid license can quickly turn a quick trip into a serious injury. Knowing how these scooters work and what the laws require can help protect your safety and rights.
Understanding California’s Electric Scooter Laws, One Rule at a Time
To help prevent injuries, the state passed a series of electric scooter laws under the California Vehicle Code (CVC). These rules apply to all scooter riders, regardless of whether the scooter is rented or personally owned. Below, we break down each important law so you know what’s expected and what happens when others break the rules.
1. Motor Vehicle Laws Apply to Scooters
Although electric scooters may be small, riders are required to follow the same rules as drivers. That means obeying traffic signals, stopping at stop signs, and yielding the right-of-way. The law treats scooters similarly to a motor vehicle in many ways.
This also means that riding a scooter while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited. CVC §21221.5 prohibits operating a motorized scooter under the influence, and violators can face a fine of up to $250. Riders arrested for this offense have the right to request a chemical test, similar to DUI procedures for car drivers.
Following these rules keeps everyone safe. If a scooter rider runs a red light or speeds through a crosswalk, they could be held responsible for any accident they cause. Understanding this rule helps all road users avoid preventable accidents involving electric scooters.
2. Electric Scooters Are Required to Have Lights & Reflectors at Night
Operating a scooter at night presents greater risks than during daylight hours. Reduced visibility makes it more difficult for drivers to detect smaller vehicles like electric scooters. To address this hazard, California law requires scooters to be equipped with specific lights and reflectors designed to enhance rider visibility. These safety measures prevent nighttime collisions and reduce the likelihood of serious injuries.
Electric scooters must be equipped with:
- A white front light that is visible from 300 feet
- A red rear reflector that is visible from 500 feet
- White or yellow reflectors on both sides that are visible from 200 feet
These safety features protect riders. Without the right lighting, scooter riders are almost invisible at night. Drivers may not see you in time to slow down or stop, which could lead to severe injuries. These visibility tools are a key part of electric scooter laws and reduce the risk of nighttime collisions.
3. E-Scooter Use Is Limited by Road Type
California Vehicle Code 21224 establishes specific restrictions on where electric scooters may be operated, focusing on rider safety. The regulation aims to reduce the risk of collisions by prohibiting scooter use on roads where motor vehicles travel at elevated speeds. As a result, scooters are only permitted on lower-speed streets or roadways that include designated bicycle lanes.
Electric scooters can only be used on:
- Roads with a speed limit of 25 mph or less
- Any road that has a Class II bike lane (a painted lane on the street for bikes and scooters)
Faster roads aren’t safe for electric scooters because drivers often don’t expect them. If you’re riding without a bicycle path, cars may not have time to react or move over. These limits are part of California electric scooter laws that aim to keep traffic organized and riders out of danger.
4. Every Scooter Needs a Safe Stopping System
Being able to stop quickly can mean the difference between a close call and a serious crash. That’s why California law requires every electric scooter to have fully functional brakes capable of bringing the scooter to a complete stop on dry pavement. In addition, the electric motor must automatically shut off when the brakes are applied or when the throttle is released, ensuring the rider has full control during an emergency stop. Whether you’re riding your scooter or using a rental, the equipment must meet these safety standards to be legal and to protect you and those around you.
If your electric scooter lacks functioning brakes or has defective ones, you risk colliding with a moving vehicle, a parked car, a stationary object, or even a pedestrian. Accidents caused by faulty brakes aren’t always the rider’s fault. When a scooter doesn’t stop properly, especially one rented through an app, the company that owns and maintains it may be legally responsible for your injuries.
5. Scooter Riders Must Walk Left Turns Across Crosswalks
Turning left on a scooter isn’t as simple or safe as in a car. Because electric scooters are smaller and less visible, crossing multiple lanes of traffic can be extremely dangerous. California law requires a different, safer approach to protect riders and others on the road.
Instead of turning directly into traffic, scooter riders must:
- Stop at the right curb
- Get off the scooter
- Walk across the street using the crosswalk
This simple rule helps prevent risky moves in busy intersections with turning or speeding cars. Turning left in front of traffic is one of the most dangerous situations for scooter users. By requiring riders to walk their scooters across the street, this law helps lower the chance of a serious crash and keeps riders and drivers safer.
6. Electric Scooters Must Use the Bike Lane When Available
Bike lanes are one of the safest places for electric scooter riders to travel, especially on busy roads. California law recognizes this and requires scooter riders to use a bicycle lane or Class II bike lane whenever available. These designated lanes separate slower-moving scooters and bikes from faster cars and trucks.
Using a bike lane gives riders more space and a clearer path to avoid sudden obstacles or collisions. It also keeps scooters out of regular traffic lanes, where drivers may not see them in time to slow down. Following this rule is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of accidents involving electric scooters and stay protected on the road.
7. Key Safety Rules for Scooter Riders
California Vehicle Code 21235 outlines critical safety rules every scooter rider must follow. These rules exist to reduce crash risk and clarify who may be at fault in an accident. Following them also strengthens your personal injury claim if you’re hurt in a crash.
Electric scooter riders must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have a valid driver’s license or instruction permit
- Wear helmets if under 18
- Ride alone (no passengers)
- Keep at least one hand on the handlebars
Helmet requirements promote rider safety and ensure compliance with California’s electric scooter laws. Under California law, only riders under 18 are required to wear a helmet. However, wearing a helmet is still strongly recommended for adults, especially given the risk of head injuries in falls or collisions. Some local cities or counties may have stricter helmet requirements, so it’s always best to check local ordinances before riding.
However, electric scooter riders must NOT:
- Go faster than 15 mph, even if the road allows more
- Ride on roads over 25 mph unless you’re in a Class II or IV bike lane—or local law allows up to 35 mph
- Ride on sidewalks, unless you’re entering or leaving a property
- Carry anything that prevents you from steering properly
- Use raised handlebars or attach your scooter to another vehicle
- Block sidewalks or leave your scooter in a way that gets in pedestrians’ way
Although electric scooters may appear casual or recreational, California law classifies them in a way that aligns more closely with motor vehicles in certain respects. As such, riders are required to have a Class C driver’s license or instruction permit, ensuring they have a foundational understanding of traffic laws and safe operation.
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Common Causes of Electric Scooter Accidents
Electric scooters offer quick and easy transportation, but come with serious risks, especially when riders or drivers ignore safety rules. Most scooter accidents aren’t random, they happen because someone was careless, distracted, or riding in an unsafe area. Recognizing the most common causes of these crashes can help prevent them and make it easier to determine who may be legally responsible if you’re injured.
Common causes of electric scooter accidents include:
- Distracted drivers who fail to see the scooter in time or don’t check their blind spots
- Faulty brakes or lights on rental scooters that haven’t been properly maintained
- Riders without a valid license or helmet, who may be inexperienced or more likely to get hurt
- Scooters are being used on sidewalks, where they can collide with pedestrians or obstacles
- Poor road conditions, like potholes, cracks, or uneven pavement, that throw riders off balance
- Drivers opening their doors into the path of a scooter, also known as a “dooring” accident
Each of these situations can lead to serious injuries, and most of them are preventable. When someone else’s carelessness causes a crash, you have the right to seek help and explore your legal options.
Who’s Legally Responsible After an E-Scooter Crash?
Determining who is legally at fault after a scooter accident isn’t always straightforward. While some crashes may seem unavoidable, they often result from someone’s negligence, whether it’s a driver, rider, or another party.
Parties who may be at fault include:
- The scooter rider, if they were riding on the sidewalk, ran a red light, or didn’t follow local scooter laws
- A driver, for failing to yield, driving distracted, or opening a door without checking for riders
- The scooter company, if it failed to inspect or fix a scooter with faulty brakes, lights, or tires
- The city for failing to maintain safe roads or allowing dangerous conditions like potholes or missing signage
- The scooter manufacturer, if a defect in the electric motor, battery, or braking system caused the crash
How Our Personal Injury Lawyers Help E-Scooter Accident Victims
What began as a simple trip can quickly become a struggle to heal and recover. From painful injuries to growing medical bills and missed paychecks, the aftermath can be physically and financially draining. Trying to navigate insurance claims and legal deadlines without assistance only adds to the stress, especially when recovery should be your priority.
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we handle the legal burden so you can focus on your recovery. Our experienced personal injury lawyers know how to build strong claims and fight for the compensation you need and deserve.
Here’s what we do for our clients:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly, including reviewing police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage
- Gather crucial evidence, such as medical records and scooter maintenance histories
- Handle all communication with insurance companies to protect you from lowball offers or denied claims
- Negotiate for full and fair compensation, including:
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Lost wages or future loss of income
- Pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
- Long-term rehabilitation or therapy needs
Whether your injuries were caused by a negligent driver, a defective scooter, or dangerous road conditions, we’re here to identify who’s at fault and hold them accountable. And with our no-fee-unless-we-win policy, you can get the help you need without taking on financial risk.
Injured in a Scooter Accident? Get Legal Help Today!
If you were hurt in a scooter crash, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the easier it is to collect the proof needed to win your case. Whether you were injured while riding, walking, or driving, our team can help you understand your rights under California electric scooter laws.
Call us today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you move forward with legal support you can count on.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should consult with an experienced attorney for advice on your specific situation.
