California Electric Scooter Laws 2025 Explained

Electric scooters are a common sight from Los Angeles to San Diego, offering a quick way to get around. But when a crash happens, life gets complicated fast. Suddenly, you’re facing injuries, medical bills, and confusion about your rights. The answers you need are found in the California electric scooter laws for 2025. These rules determine fault and liability after an accident. Whether you were hit by a scooter or crashed your own, Deldar Legal is here to explain your next steps and when it’s time to call a lawyer.

What You Need to Know About CA Scooter Laws

• Know the basic California electric scooter laws: age limit, helmet rules, speed and lane use.
• After a crash your documentation, evidence and legal rights count.
• Insurance and liability work differently for scooters compared with cars or bikes.
• You may recover medical bills, lost wages or other damages if someone else caused the crash.
• Deldar Legal offers bilingual support and free case reviews 24/7

The Risks of E-Scooter Riding: A Look at the Numbers

Zipping through city streets on an e-scooter can feel liberating, but this convenience comes with very real risks. The numbers don’t lie, and they paint a sobering picture of just how often these rides end in the emergency room. It’s easy to see these statistics as just data points, but each one represents a person whose life was suddenly disrupted by a crash. They are now facing a painful recovery, mounting medical bills, and time away from work. Understanding these figures is the first step in protecting yourself and knowing what to do if the worst happens.

E-Scooter Accident and Injury Statistics

The data on e-scooter accidents reveals a startling trend. According to a recent report, approximately 50,000 people visited emergency rooms in a single year because of e-scooter crashes. Younger riders are particularly vulnerable, with individuals under 18 accounting for 16% of those injuries. Here in California, one study tracked 1,354 injuries over a six-year period, which breaks down to about 115 injuries for every one million trips taken. While the convenience is undeniable, these numbers from a Hiboy safety report show that the potential for a serious accident is always present when you ride.

These aren’t just abstract figures; they represent real people who have suffered devastating consequences, from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries. After a crash, the physical, emotional, and financial fallout can be overwhelming. You may be dealing with an insurance company that is trying to downplay your injuries or even shift the blame onto you to avoid paying a fair settlement. Knowing that these risks are real underscores why it’s so important to understand your legal options and have a strong advocate on your side from the very beginning.

What Are the California Electric Scooter Laws for 2025?

Electric scooters and motorized scooters share many features, but California law treats them differently in some cases. Electric scooters run on rechargeable batteries and are designed for short-distance travel in urban areas. They usually have small electric motors, floorboards for standing, and top speeds limited by state law. Motorized scooters, on the other hand, may use gas engines or larger electric systems and can reach higher speeds.

Both types of scooters must follow traffic laws, stop at lights, and yield to pedestrians. Riders of either scooter must stay in bike lanes when available, avoid sidewalks, and obey the same right-of-way rules as cars and bicycles. Despite their size, scooters are treated as vehicles under California law:

Is Your E-Scooter a “Motor Vehicle” in California?

• A motorized scooter has 2 wheels, a motor, handlebars, and a floorboard that you can stand on while riding it.
• You can only drive motorized scooters on a bicycle path, trail, or bikeway, not on a sidewalk, and you cannot exceed a speed of 15 mph.
• You do not need to register motorized scooters.
• You can drive a motorized scooter with any class driver’s license.

E-Scooters vs. Mopeds: Key Legal Differences

It’s easy to confuse electric scooters with mopeds, but California law draws a sharp line between them—and these differences are critical after a crash. Mopeds, also known as “motorized bicycles,” often have gas engines and can reach higher speeds. This means they require DMV registration, a license plate, and a specific M1 or M2 motorcycle license to operate. An electric scooter, however, doesn’t need registration and can be ridden with any valid driver’s license. The helmet rules also differ: it’s mandatory for e-scooter riders under 18, but moped operators of all ages must wear one. Understanding which vehicle was involved in your accident is essential, as it changes the rules of the road and directly affects your options for a personal injury claim.

Do You Need a License or Helmet to Ride?

• California electric scooter laws require you must at least 16 years old to ride.
• Riders under 18 must wear a properly fastened bicycle helmet.
• A valid driver’s license or learner permit is required.

Where Can You Ride and How Fast Can You Go?

• You may ride only in bike lanes or on streets with speed limits of 25 miles per hour or less.
• Electric scooters cannot exceed 15 miles per hour anywhere in California.
• Riding on sidewalks is banned statewide and can result in fines of up to $200.

Riding in Bike Lanes on Faster Roads

This is where the rules can get a little tricky. While you can ride in a bike lane, that permission only applies when the lane is on a street with a speed limit of 25 mph or less. You cannot legally ride your e-scooter in a bike lane on a 45-mph road, for instance, because the street’s overall speed limit is the key factor. This law exists to protect you from the dangerous speed difference between your scooter, capped at 15 mph, and much faster car traffic. Following this rule is critical, as drivers on high-speed roads may not see you in time to prevent a collision. If an accident does happen, determining who was obeying traffic laws is a crucial first step. These cases can be complicated, often sharing similarities with bicycle accident claims where lane positioning and vehicle speed are central to the case. Remember, hopping onto the sidewalk to avoid a fast street isn’t a legal option—it’s banned statewide and could get you a fine.

Key Rules for Safe Operation

Beyond the basics of speed and location, California has specific rules for how you must operate an e-scooter to keep yourself and others safe. These aren’t just suggestions; they are laws designed to prevent common types of accidents. Knowing these operational details can help you avoid a ticket, but more importantly, it can help you avoid a collision. From turning at intersections to staying focused on the road, following these guidelines is essential for every rider.

One Rider Per Scooter: No Passengers Allowed

Electric scooters are designed for a single rider. California law is very clear on this point: you are not allowed to carry passengers. Doubling up on a scooter makes it unstable, harder to control, and significantly increases the braking distance. If you are involved in an accident while carrying a passenger, it could complicate your ability to recover damages, as you would be found partially at fault for violating a key safety law.

How to Make a Left Turn Safely

Making a left turn on an e-scooter requires a specific and careful maneuver. You cannot simply merge into a left-turn lane as a car would. Instead, you must ride straight through the intersection to the far corner, stop on the right side of the road, get off your scooter, and then walk it across the street like a pedestrian. This “box turn” method keeps you out of the direct path of faster-moving vehicles and is the legally required way to turn left.

DUI Laws Apply to E-Scooter Riders

Operating an e-scooter under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and extremely dangerous. E-scooter riders must follow the same traffic laws as car drivers, including rules about driving under the influence (DUI). A DUI on a scooter carries serious penalties, including fines and a potential driver’s license suspension. If you are injured by an impaired scooter rider, their negligence is clear, similar to any other drunk driving accident.

Staying Alert: Avoiding Phones and Headphones

Your full attention is needed when riding an e-scooter. To stay alert to your surroundings, you should not use your phone or wear headphones in both ears while riding. You need to be able to hear approaching cars, sirens, and other important traffic sounds. Distracted riding is a leading cause of scooter accidents, and staying focused is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from a preventable crash.

E-Scooter Safety Gear: Required vs. Recommended

The law mandates certain equipment for every scooter on the road, while other gear is simply a smart choice for your personal safety. California’s requirements are designed to ensure visibility, especially at night, making you more noticeable to drivers and pedestrians. While the state only requires helmets for riders under 18, the potential for serious head trauma in an accident makes wearing one a critical decision for adults, too. Understanding both the legal mandates and the strong recommendations can help you prepare for a safer ride.

Legally Required Equipment for All Scooters

To be street-legal in California, every electric scooter must be properly equipped for visibility. This includes a white headlight that is visible from 300 feet away, a red reflector on the rear that can be seen from 500 feet, and white or yellow side reflectors. These are not optional accessories; they are required by law to ensure other road users can see you, particularly during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours.

Recommended Protective Gear for Riders

While adults are not legally required to wear helmets, it is strongly recommended for safety. A fall from a scooter, even at 15 mph, can result in catastrophic brain injuries. Beyond a helmet, consider wearing other protective gear like elbow and knee pads, wrist guards, and closed-toe shoes. In the event of a crash, this equipment can significantly reduce the severity of your injuries, preventing road rash, fractures, and other painful harm.

Proper E-Scooter Parking Rules

How you park your scooter is just as important as how you ride it. Improperly parked scooters can create serious hazards for pedestrians, especially those with visual impairments or mobility challenges. You should always park your scooter upright in designated bike racks or special scooter parking zones whenever possible. If you must park on a sidewalk, ensure you are not blocking the path of travel, driveways, or building entrances. A scooter left lying in the middle of a walkway can easily cause a trip and fall accident, making the last rider liable for any resulting injuries.

Beyond State Law: Local and Rental Company Rules

California’s statewide vehicle code provides a baseline for e-scooter regulations, but it’s not the final word. Many cities and counties have enacted their own local ordinances that may add further restrictions, such as designated “no-ride” zones or different parking rules. Furthermore, the rental company you use—like Lime, Bird, or Spin—has its own user agreement that you consent to before riding. These agreements often contain important rules that can affect your ride and your liability in an accident.

Checking Local City and County Ordinances

Because e-scooters are most popular in dense urban areas, local governments often add their own rules to manage them. Cities like Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and San Francisco may have specific regulations about where you can ride and park. Before you ride in a new area, it’s a good idea to check the local city or county transportation website for any additional ordinances that apply. This can help you avoid fines and ensure you’re riding in compliance with all local laws.

Understanding Rental Company Policies

When you rent a scooter, you agree to the company’s terms of service. These policies often include rules that are stricter than state law. For example, while California law allows 16-year-olds to ride, most rental companies require riders to be 18 or older. The user agreement will also outline your responsibilities in case of an accident and may include liability waivers. It’s important to be aware of these policies, as violating them could affect your insurance coverage or legal standing after a crash.

New Battery Safety Standards: What to Expect (SB 1271)

As technology evolves, so do the laws that govern it. California is actively working to improve the safety of micro-mobility devices. A new law, SB 1271, addresses the growing concern over lithium-ion battery fires. Starting January 1, 2026, the State Fire Marshal is required to create new safety standards for e-scooters, e-bikes, and their batteries to protect consumers from fire and electrical hazards. This forward-thinking legislation aims to hold manufacturers to a higher standard, hopefully reducing incidents of catastrophic failure that can cause severe burn injuries and property damage.

Common Fines for E-Scooter Violations

While zipping around town on an e-scooter is convenient, ignoring the rules can hit your wallet hard. California’s traffic laws for scooters aren’t just suggestions; they come with specific fines designed to keep everyone safe. Understanding these penalties is the first step to protecting yourself, both physically and financially. If you’ve been in an accident, knowing whether a traffic violation occurred is a critical piece of the puzzle when determining fault. These fines show just how seriously the state takes scooter safety, and they can add up quickly if you’re not paying attention to how and where you ride.

Fines for Speeding and Improper Riding

The 15 mph speed limit for electric scooters is a firm rule across California. It might feel slow when you’re trying to get somewhere, but it’s in place to protect you and the people around you. According to state law, you can face a $250 fine for going over the 15 mph limit. Another common and costly mistake is riding on the sidewalk. It’s illegal statewide and can get you a $200 ticket. Bike lanes and streets with speed limits of 25 mph or less are your designated zones. These rules are strictly enforced, and a violation can complicate your claim if you’re involved in a pedestrian accident.

Penalties for Helmet and License Infractions

Safety is paramount, and California law reflects that, especially for younger riders. If you are under 18, you are legally required to wear a certified bike helmet. Forgetting to do so isn’t just risky—it can also lead to a ticket of about $200. While adults aren’t legally mandated to wear helmets, it’s always the smartest choice to protect yourself from a potential brain injury. Furthermore, you can’t just hop on an e-scooter without the proper credentials; you must have a valid driver’s license or a learner’s permit to operate one legally in the state.

Consequences of Riding Under the Influence (DUI)

Operating any vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense, and e-scooters are no exception. California law treats riding an e-scooter while impaired the same as driving a car while impaired. If you are caught, you can face a DUI charge and a fine of about $350, along with other potential penalties. This isn’t just a simple traffic ticket; a DUI can have long-lasting consequences. If an accident occurs, proving the other party was under the influence can be a critical factor in your case, much like in other drunk driving accident claims.

Crashed on an E-Scooter? Follow These Steps

• Seek medical care even if your injuries appear minor.
• Call the police so you get a report for injuries or major vehicle damage.
• Keep the scooter, helmet or any gear as evidence.
• Photograph the scene, scooter damage, road hazards or skid marks.
• Get contact information for witnesses, the scooter operator or driver of the other vehicle.
• Preserve phone data or app logs if the scooter has sharing program features.
• Avoid giving recorded statements or signing anything without legal counsel.

Your lawyer can help you request the police report, the scooter company’s maintenance and usage logs, and any city transit or bike lane data. You should track your medical treatment and gather all related expenses. Document time off work, loss of productivity and any permanent change to your ability to earn income.

Who Pays After a Scooter Accident? Understanding Your Rights

After a scooter crash, insurance coverage can become confusing. Many riders assume the process is simple, but scooter accidents rarely follow the same rules as car collisions. Multiple insurance policies may come into play, and every company will try to limit what they pay. Knowing your rights before speaking to an adjuster protects your claim and helps you recover the full amount you deserve.

Who Is Financially Responsible for Your Injuries?

When a driver hits you while you ride an electric scooter, that driver’s liability insurance usually pays for your injuries and damages. You can file a claim directly with their insurer or work through your own company if you have the right coverage. California follows a comparative fault rule, which means your compensation can decrease if you share part of the blame. Acting quickly to gather evidence and witness statements strengthens your position and helps prove who was truly at fault.

Does Your Auto or Homeowners Insurance Cover You?

Scooter riders often forget that their personal policies may cover part of an accident. Your homeowner or renter policy could apply if you own the scooter, while your auto policy might include some limited protection. Rental scooters from sharing companies may have small amounts of built-in liability coverage, but these limits are usually low. Reviewing your policies with a lawyer helps identify every available source of recovery before making a claim.

Don’t Fall for These Insurance Settlement Tricks

Insurance companies move fast after a crash and may ask you for a recorded statement right away. They do this to collect details that can later reduce the value of your case. Early settlement offers may look reasonable but rarely include the cost of future care, therapy, or lost income. Speaking with a lawyer before signing anything helps you avoid mistakes and keeps control over your claim.

What If the At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance?

When the at-fault driver has little or no insurance, your uninsured or underinsured motorist policy (UIM/UM) can cover your losses. This coverage applies in many auto policies even if you were riding a scooter instead of driving a car. It can pay for medical treatment, lost wages, and pain caused by the crash. Checking your policy and filing the claim correctly can make the difference between a denied claim and fair compensation.

What Compensation Can You Recover After an Accident?

Under California electric scooter laws, riders have the same right to pursue compensation for their injuries as any other motorist or pedestrian. If your accident was caused by another person’s negligence, a distracted driver, bicyclist, unsafe road conditions, or a defective scooter, you may be eligible to recover damages through a personal injury claim. These damages generally fall into three main categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and future care costs.

1. Covering Your Medical Bills and Lost Wages

Economic damages cover the direct financial losses tied to your scooter accident. Depending on your case, this may include:

• Emergency room visits, hospital bills, and diagnostic testing
• Physical therapy or chiropractic treatment
• Replacement or repair of the damaged scooter
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity during recovery
• Transportation costs to medical appointments

Documentation such as medical records, repair receipts, and employment statements help your attorney calculate the full value of your economic damages under California law.

2. Compensation for Your Pain and Suffering

Non-economic damages address the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. These can be just as significant as your financial losses. Common examples include:

• Chronic pain or limited mobility
• Anxiety or fear of riding again
• Disruption to daily life or independence
• Loss of enjoyment in outdoor or recreational activities

A skilled personal injury lawyer can use your medical notes, photos, and testimony to show how your injuries have affected your life beyond financial hardship.

3. Accounting for Future Medical Care and Lost Earnings

Some electric scooter accidents lead to injuries that require long-term care. Your attorney can work with medical professionals to estimate the future care costs tied to your recover. This includes ongoing rehabilitation, follow-up appointments, or future surgeries. You only have one opportunity to receive your compensation, so these projected expenses should cover the treatment you may need in the months or years ahead.

Let’s Talk About Your E-Scooter Accident Claim

At Deldar Legal, we’re more than just attorneys, we’re your partners in recovery. If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve a top-rated scooter accident lawyer in California who will fight for your rights and help you rebuild your life. From the moment you contact us, we handle everything, from medical appointments and transportation to insurance negotiations and legal paperwork, so you can focus on healing.

Our experienced team represents clients across a wide range of personal injury cases, including:

• Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
• Uber and Lyft rideshare accidents
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
• Slip-and-fall and premises liability claims
• Dog bites and animal attacks
• Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other catastrophic injuries
• Wrongful death of a loved one

Deldar Legal is here to help. We offer free consultations and work on a no win, no fee basis, so there’s no risk in reaching out.

Call us today at (844) 335-3271 or contact us to speak with an experienced California injury lawyer. Let Deldar Legal fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

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• Latest Electric Scooter Laws In California – WeHo Bans Bird
• Traumatic Brain Injuries; Do You Need An Attorney?
• Lithium Battery Fires – The Worst Electric Bike Accidents

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the insurance company says the accident was partly my fault? This is a very common tactic used by insurance adjusters to reduce the value of your claim. California follows a “comparative fault” rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially to blame. However, your final settlement would be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our job is to build a strong case that minimizes your share of the blame and proves the other party was primarily responsible for your injuries.

I was hit by someone on a rental scooter. Does that change my case? Yes, it can add a layer of complexity. When a rental scooter from a company like Bird or Lime is involved, we may need to investigate the rental company’s insurance policy in addition to the rider’s. These cases often involve navigating the fine print of user agreements and determining if the company shares any liability. We have experience handling these specific situations and know exactly where to look to find all possible sources of compensation for you.

How much does it cost to hire an attorney for a scooter accident? We handle all personal injury cases, including scooter accidents, on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We cover all the costs of building and litigating your case. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict we win for you. Simply put, if we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us a dime.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a scooter accident in California? In California, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. While that might sound like a lot of time, it’s critical to act quickly. Evidence can disappear, witness memories can fade, and building a strong case takes time. Contacting an attorney soon after your accident ensures that crucial evidence is preserved and all deadlines are met.

Why shouldn’t I just accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer? Insurance companies are businesses focused on protecting their bottom line, which means paying out as little as possible. Their initial offers are almost always far less than what your claim is actually worth and rarely account for future medical needs, long-term pain, or the full scope of your lost wages. Accepting that first offer means you lose the right to seek any further compensation, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than you first thought.

Key Takeaways

• California’s Scooter Laws Directly Impact Your Claim: Understanding key rules like the 15 mph speed limit, helmet requirements for minors, and where you can legally ride is essential. After a crash, these laws are used to determine fault, which is the foundation of any personal injury case.
• Your Actions at the Scene Are Critical Evidence: After a crash, immediately gather evidence by taking photos, getting witness contacts, and calling the police. Most importantly, refuse to give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster until you’ve spoken with an attorney, as they can use your words against you.
• Don’t Overlook Your Own Insurance Policies: Compensation for your injuries isn’t limited to the at-fault party’s insurance. Your own auto policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or even your homeowner’s policy might apply, providing crucial financial support for medical bills and lost income.