In California, electric scooter sidewalk riding laws vary by city. State law prohibits riding e-scooters on sidewalks at speeds exceeding 15 mph, but local ordinances often override this. Most major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco ban sidewalk riding entirely, while smaller towns may allow it. Always check municipal codes to avoid fines up to $250.
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How Does California State Law Regulate Electric Scooter Use?
California Vehicle Code 21235 classifies e-scooters as motorized vehicles subject to bicycle-like regulations. Riders must be 16+, wear helmets if under 18, and follow traffic signals. The state prohibits sidewalk riding only when exceeding 15 mph, but this baseline rule is frequently modified by stricter city-specific ordinances.
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Recent amendments to CVC 21235 now require scooter manufacturers to install speed governors that automatically restrict devices to 15 mph in state-defined “pedestrian zones.” Law enforcement agencies have issued 23% more citations since 2023 for modified scooters bypassing these restrictions. The California Highway Patrol’s 2024 enforcement guidelines mandate visual inspections of rental scooters’ speed capabilities during routine traffic stops.
What Are Local Ordinances for E-Scooters in Major California Cities?
Los Angeles (LAMC 56.15), San Francisco (SF Transportation Code 7.2.7), and San Diego (SDMC 84.20) all prohibit sidewalk scooter riding entirely. Sacramento allows it only in business districts marked with “Scooter Zone” signage. Santa Monica permits sidewalk riding on Ocean Avenue but nowhere else. These municipal rules supersede state guidelines through California’s “home rule” doctrine.
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San Diego’s updated 2024 ordinance introduces time-based restrictions, banning sidewalk riding entirely between 6-9 AM and 3-6 PM in downtown areas. Los Angeles now requires scooters to yield right-of-way to pedestrians within 50 feet of public transit stops, with violations carrying $287 fines. San Francisco’s “Red Zone” program uses GPS tracking to automatically slow scooters to 8 mph near hospitals and schools.
| City | Max Sidewalk Speed | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 0 mph (total ban) | Yes |
| San Francisco | 0 mph (total ban) | No |
| San Diego | 0 mph (total ban) | Yes |
What Penalties Apply for Illegal Sidewalk Scooter Operation?
First-time offenders face $197 fines under CVC 21235(g). Repeat violations incur $350+ penalties and potential scooter impoundment. San Francisco adds “reckless endangerment” charges carrying 30-day license suspensions. Los Angeles imposes mandatory safety courses costing $150. All violations appear on driving records, potentially increasing insurance rates by 22-30%.
Are There Proposed Changes to California’s Scooter Laws?
AB 371 (2024) proposes statewide sidewalk riding ban with exceptions for cities under 50,000 population. The bill mandates geofenced speed limits (8 mph max near schools) and requires scooters to emit audible warnings when approaching pedestrians. If passed, these regulations would take effect January 2026, standardizing currently fragmented local rules.
“California’s scooter law patchwork creates dangerous compliance gaps,” says Michael Griffith, former Caltrans safety director. “We’re seeing 40% of riders mistakenly believe state laws protect them in all cities. The proposed AB 371 could reduce scooter-related ER visits by 54% based on Sacramento’s 2022 pilot program results.”
- Can I Ride a Scooter on Venice Beach Boardwalk?
- No. Los Angeles Municipal Code 63.44 prohibits all motorized vehicles on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, including e-scooters. Violations carry $300 fines.
- Do Scooter Laws Apply to Private Property?
- Yes. California’s scooter regulations extend to parking lots, driveways, and business complexes open to public access. True private property (residential yards) allows unrestricted use.
- Are E-Scooter DUI Laws Enforced on Sidewalks?
- Yes. CVC 21221.5 applies DUI penalties (up to $1,000 fines) regardless of riding location. 142 BAC-tested scooter riders were cited in LA during 2023’s holiday DUI crackdown.