Can I Ride a Scooter on Sidewalks in California?

As with many states, e-scooters and motorized vehicles are on the rise. In California, especially, these vehicles offer individuals an inexpensive and convenient method of transport around their towns or cities. Although these convenient forms of transportation are great for civilians, they do come with some limitations. 

In California, you are unable to ride your scooter on a sidewalk. But, there are some expectations and other rules that e-scooter riders must follow. Sometimes, it helps to speak with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer for more information about the specifics of e-scooter laws. 

Where Can You Ride an E-Scooter in California

If you are someone who has an e-scooter, there are certain laws in place that allow you to operate your scooter safely. These designated places are set for the safety of riders and other civilians. In California, the law will allow riders to ride their scooters on any public street with a maximum speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less. 

Even while driving in this area, the rider is not allowed to drive their E-scooter faster than 15 miles per hour. In some other zones, called limited zones, drivers can use their E-scooter up to 35 miles per hour or below. However, this is only allowed within places where the roads have passed local scooter ordinances. 

Ultimately, any highway or road in a given city doesn’t allow scooters to operate if the minimum speed limit is 35 miles per hour or above. Many cities and towns have established specific pathways for scooters of different classifications. These classifications where e-scooters are allowed are as follows: 

• Class II bikeways: These pathways are attached to bike paths and allow scooters to be operated on them. 
• Class IV bikeways: Similar to the class above, these pathways attached to bike lanes have separate lanes for e-scooters. These lanes are separated by cones or rails, which then allow bikes to travel in two different ways. In this class, e-scooters are not allowed to travel 15 miles per hour or more. 

E-Scooter Sidewalk Laws in California

In California, E-scooters of any kind are not allowed on sidewalks. Here, e-scooters are governed by Rules of the Road §21235. In this section, it states it’s unlawful to ride a motorized scooter on the sidewalk outside of one exception. 

The exception is that motorized vehicles can cross sidewalks if they are only crossing it to get to another street, to leave a property, or to enter a property. Additionally, this section states that you are allowed to park your e-scooter on a sidewalk only if you are following other rules of motorized vehicle use. 

But, when parking, there are still some rules. If you are following e-scooter rules of the road and get to park your bike on a sidewalk, you are unable to block walkways or impede foot traffic. If you are blocking most of the sidewalk, you will be utilizing your motorized scooter illegally. 

Additional E-Scooter Laws in California

Apart from not letting motorists drive on pedestrian pathways and the parking rules, there are other rules that those who own e-scooters must abide by. With the growing popularity of these scooters, California has other strict rules in place for their use. 

1. Helmets: State law mandates that those riding e-scooters under the age of 18 must legally wear a helmet. This isn’t just about being cautious, but it’s about rider injury. By wearing a helmet, head injuries could potentially be reduced by 50%, which makes the rides and pedestrians safer. 
2. Speed limits: As mentioned above, there are certain speed limits for e-scooters and motorized bikes. Generally, the speed limit for e-scooters and motorized bikes is 15 miles per hour. Law enforcement officers can ticket you if you are caught exceeding this speed limit. 
3. Must hold a valid driver’s license: When you are an owner of an e-scooter or motorized bike, you must have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit. If you are unable to present this if you are spoken to by police, then you will be fined. 
4. Proper functioning of the vehicle: Your e-scooter must have all its symptoms working properly, meaning that the brakes must be functioning and the steering should be equalized. 

Types Of E-Scooter Accidents

Even with strict rules set in place for the driving of e-scooters in California, accidents can still occur. Here are the following most common e-scooter accidents:

• E-scooters running into roadblocks 
• Pedestrians walking into e-scooters or e-scooters hitting pedestrians
• Two e-scooters run into each other in an attempt to try and avoid each other
• Turning incidents where e-scooters can’t make a turn property and crash
• E-scooters hitting cyclists or other motorized vehicles on the road 
• Potholes or hazardous sidewalk conditions causing e-scooters to crash 

If you have been involved in an accident from any of the above causes or from something else with an e-scooter, you might be able to start a legal claim for your personal injuries. Seeking help from a reputable law firm, such as Venerable Injury Law, could put you on the right path to collect all you have lost. 

Common injuries that are seen from e-scooters involve fractures in the upper and lower bones, hemorrhages, and other serious injuries. When victims sustain these injuries or any other injuries from an e-scooter accident, they could be entitled to compensation. By speaking with our team of lawyers, we will offer you real support and real knowledge so you can get back on your feet. Literally and figuratively. 

Let Us Help You with Your E-Scooter Questions or Any Injuries Sustained from Someone Else’s E-Scooter

Sometimes, those on e-scooters use their vehicles at high speeds on civilian pathways. This can result in accidents where injuries are sustained because of riders’ negligence. If pedestrians and motorists follow the rules of the road while walking or biking in California, then accidents may not be as common. 

However, if you were involved in an accident as a pedestrian, it is important to know your rights and the next steps. Contacting Venerable Injury Law to schedule your free case evaluation will be a step in the right direction to hold negligent motorists accountable.