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Are Electric Scooters Legal in Los Angeles?
Updated on December 1st, 2023
Users must be 18 years or older to legally operate an electric scooter in Los Angeles and should have a valid California driver’s license or learners permit. While helmet use is not mandatory for riders over 18, it is strongly advised for safety reasons. Minors are required to wear a helmet when riding. E-scooters are confined to a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour and are allowed on surface streets, particularly in bike lanes. Riding on sidewalks remains illegal, with a fine for violations. Riders are expected to follow all traffic laws applicable to bicycles and yield to pedestrians at all times.
- Users must be 18 years or older and must have a valid California driver’s license.
- Users are not required to wear a helmet on e-scooters, but helmet use is strongly recommended.
- Only one person at a time may ride an e-scooter.
- E-scooters cannot exceed 15 miles per hour
- Users can ride on surface streets and are encouraged to ride in bike lanes where available. Under California state law, sidewalk riding is prohibited.
- The fine for sidewalk riding is $197.
Max Speed
15 mph
Minimum Age
18 years old with a valid driver's license or learner's permit
Helmets Required?
No for riders over 18, Yes for minors
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