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Are Electric Scooters Street Legal in California?
In recent years, electric scooters have become a popular mode of transportation in many urban areas, and California is no exception. But are electric scooters street legal in California? The answer is: yes, with certain conditions and regulations that riders must follow.
Understanding California’s Electric Scooter Laws
Electric scooters are regulated under California Vehicle Code Section 21235. According to these laws, a few important points need to be considered:
Age Requirement: Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate an electric scooter.
Helmet Requirement: Initially, California law required all electric scooter riders to wear helmets. However, as of January 1, 2019, adults aged 18 and over are not legally required to wear a helmet while riding. However, wearing helmets is always recommended for safety.
Driver’s License: Riders must have a valid driver's license or a learner’s permit to lawfully ride an electric scooter on public streets.
Traffic Laws: Electric scooter riders must obey all existing traffic laws and are subject to the same rights and rules as bicycle riders.
Speed Limits: Electric scooters can legally operate up to a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour. When riding on public roads, scooters are limited to streets with speed limits of 25 miles per hour unless there is a designated bike lane.
Road Usage: Scooters must be ridden on the road, and where possible, should utilize bike lanes. Sidewalk riding is prohibited.
Parking and Restrictions
Electric scooters must be parked responsibly to ensure they do not block pedestrian pathways or public access ways. In many cities, geofencing technology is employed to prevent scooters from being operated in prohibited zones.
Conclusion
While electric scooters are street legal in California, it’s crucial to understand and adhere to state-specific laws and requirements to ensure a safe and lawful riding experience. Checking local ordinances and updates to the law will also help ensure compliance as cities continue to evolve their regulations in response to this popular mode of transportation.
