Electric Scooters in California

California is one of the most e-scooter-friendly places in the United States, with clear statewide rules in the California Vehicle Code. Here is what you need to know before riding an electric scooter in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego or anywhere else in the state.

Are e-scooters legal in California?

Yes. California law calls them "motorized scooters": two-wheeled devices with handlebars, a floorboard to stand on and an electric motor. They can be ridden on public roads and in bike lanes, as long as you follow the rules below. Motorized scooters do not need to be registered, insured or carry a licence plate.

Rider rules

  • You must have a valid driver's licence or instruction permit (California Vehicle Code section 21235).
  • Riders under 18 must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet. Helmets are optional, but recommended, for adults.
  • One rider only: no passengers.
  • Keep at least one hand on the handlebars, and do not carry anything that prevents this.
  • Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal.

Speed and where you can ride

  • The maximum speed for a motorized scooter is 15 mph on any road, including in bike lanes (Vehicle Code section 22411).
  • You can ride on roads with a speed limit of 25 mph or less.
  • On roads posted above 25 mph, you must stay in a Class II bike lane or Class IV separated bikeway. Cities can allow scooters outside bike lanes on roads posted up to 35 mph.
  • Sidewalk riding is not allowed, except to enter or leave a property.

Equipment and parking

  • Your scooter must have a brake that can make a wheel skid on dry, level pavement.
  • At night you need a white headlight visible from the front, plus a red rear reflector and side reflectors.
  • Do not leave a scooter lying on the sidewalk, or parked in a way that blocks pedestrians.

City rules

Cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego add their own rules, mostly for shared rental scooters, including slow zones, no-ride zones and designated parking areas. Check your city's rules before riding.

The HAZEL 1.0 in California

Hazel Studios ships the HAZEL 1.0 folding electric scooter to the United States. Its top speed of 24 km/h (14.9 mph) is within California's 15 mph limit for motorized scooters. For rules in other states, read our guide to e-scooter laws in the United States.

This page is a general summary, not legal advice. Rules can change, so always confirm the current California Vehicle Code and your city's rules before riding.