With the rising number of electric scooters in the state, California e-scooter laws riders must know to practice safe driving are essential. Compliance with these rules is necessary for a safe and pleasurable riding experience, regardless of your experience with e-scooters.
Read on to learn more about California e-scooter laws and how to protect yourself in case of a scooter accident.
What is an E-Scooter?
An e-scooter, or electric scooter, is a two-wheeled vehicle operated by an electric motor. Unlike regular scooters requiring manual propulsion, e-scooters have a battery and an electronic motor, allowing them to be driven without physical effort.
Moreover, California Vehicle Code 21235 indicates explicitly that an e-scooter is characterized by the following:
- an electric motor,
- a floorboard and
- handlebars.
According to data from Statistica, the e-scooter-sharing market in the United States is anticipated to experience significant revenue growth, reaching $768.40 million in 2024. The market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 8.81% from 2024 to 2028, leading to a projected market volume of $1,077.00 million by 2028.
With the rising number of Scooters in the country, accidents involving such a vehicle will likely increase. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a report revealing that injuries related to all micro mobility devices, such as e-scooters, hoverboards, and e-bikes, rose by nearly 21% in 2022 compared to 2021. Since 2017, micro mobility-related injuries have been increasing, with an estimated annual growth rate of 23%.
While e-scooters are prevalent for transportation due to their ease, eco-friendliness, and low cost, they must ensure safety and follow traffic laws to protect themselves and others when sharing the road.
What Are the California E-Scooter Laws?
California e-scooter laws are intended to protect pedestrians and riders alike and encourage scooter use responsibly. If you are thinking of using an e-scooter for either recreational or transportation purposes, there are the regulations in California you must follow when scooter riding:
Helmet Use
According to CVC 21235, riders under the age of 18 must wear a bicycle helmet when operating an e-scooter. The helmet must be securely attached and fit correctly.
The law also states that riders must have a valid driver’s license or instruction permit and should not allow any passengers to ride the e-scooter. Finally, driving on the sidewalk is also prohibited unless you are to park or get the parked scooter onto the street.
Note that violating this law may result in legal consequences, including fines of up to $200.
Speed Limit
The state that limits the speed of e-scooters is California Vehicle Code 22411. This law mandates all e-scooter drivers to drive up to 15 mph only. You may be pulled over and given a ticket worth $250 if you exceed this speed limit.
Use of Bike Lanes
California Vehicle Code 21229 requires E-scooters to be ridden in bike lanes (bikeways, bike paths, or bicycle paths) whenever available.
A “Class II bicycle lane” is located on the right edge of a street. It is marked by solid white lines on both sides and usually features a bicycle symbol within the white borders. This lane facilitates one-way riding only.
Moreover, riders can avoid riding in bike lanes under the following conditions:
- When passing another vehicle or pedestrian
- When making a left-hand turn
- To avoid debris or other hazards in the bike lane
- When turning right
Dismount and Walk for Left Turns
California Vehicle Code 21228 imposes particular requirements for E-scooter riders when making left turns. It requires them to:
- Stop at the right curb after the intersection,
- Dismount from the scooter, and
- Cross the roadway on foot.
Crosswalk Restrictions
According to California Vehicle Code 275, sidewalks are considered crosswalks, typically right-angle street intersections. Riding an e-scooter on a sidewalk is prohibited; thus, riding one in a crosswalk is also a violation. The fine for this offense is $200.
E-Scooters Must Adhere to Traffic Rules Similar to Those for Motor Vehicles
According to California Vehicle Code 21221, e-scooter riders have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers, except when these rights and responsibilities inherently do not apply.
The law also mentions that riding an e-scooter while intoxicated can result in a DUI charge and a traffic ticket of approximately $350.
By adhering to California’s e-scooter laws, riders and other road users can ensure safe travel and minimize the risk of accidents.
What to Do When Involved in Scooter Accidents
Scooter accidents can become complicated, especially if a teen driver is involved. This is why it is crucial to know and follow to ensure the safety of everyone involved and protect your legal rights.
- Try to get yourself out of the way of oncoming traffic to prevent more collisions.
- Report the accident to the police, primarily if injuries and other damages result.
- If a teen driver is involved, avoid acting aggressively and pointing blame, as this can scare them away and result in a hit-and-run incident.
- Document the accident scene, such as taking pictures and videos of the vehicle’s damage, the state of the road, and any clearly evident injuries.
- Contact a California scooter accident lawyer if you have suffered severe injuries or losses. A lawyer can walk you through the claims procedure and assist you in understanding your legal rights.
Following a scooter accident, you can protect your safety, preserve your legal rights, and strengthen your compensation claim by following these procedures. Always put your health and safety first, and hire an experienced personal injury lawyer when pursuing a case.
Can I File a Claim for a California Scooter Accident?
In scooter accidents, an injured victim can typically file a claim if it results from another driver’s wrongful actions. The liable party’s insurance provider will likely cover the crash-related expenses in such cases. Moreover, they can pursue a case against the driver if they can establish the following elements of negligence:
- The driver had a duty to ensure the safety of others.
- The driver breached this duty.
- This breach led to the accident.
- The accident caused injuries or other damages.
Suppose you are involved in such an accident. In that case, you need to evaluate the actions of all parties involved before the crash and gather evidence to determine who is responsible for the collision. In most cases, insurance companies will look for sufficient evidence showing that their client is at fault for the crash.
You can present the following types of proof to justify your claim:
- Photos of the accident scene
- Video recordings capturing the occurrence, such as CCTV or dash camera footage
- Police reports
- Witness testimonies
Lawyer’s Tip: Several parties can be responsible for a scooter accident, depending on the circumstances of the collision. For instance, if a teen driver is liable, you can also hold their parents or guardians accountable for the crash. It is best to contact a lawyer to learn more about such complexities.
What Damages Can I Seek?
When assessing the potential compensation you may receive, you must consider the different damages applicable to your situation. This can include:
Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses supported by documentation such as receipts and invoices. Examples include:
- Past, present, and future medical expenses
- Costs for vehicle repair or replacement
- Lost wages due to missed work
- Expected future income loss
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
Non-economic damages are intangible losses from the accident, such as pain and suffering. Non-economic damages encompass:
- Emotional distress
- Psychological suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of close relationships and companionship, among others
Punitive damages are additional awards a court may grant if it deems the negligent party’s actions particularly malicious or extreme.
A California scooter accident lawyer has the expertise to assess financial losses, evaluate non-monetary damages, and determine eligibility for punitive damages to maximize your compensation.
How Can California Scooter Accident Lawyers Help Me?
Scooter accidents can become complicated, especially if there are several factors to consider. What happens if your teen is involved in a scooter accident and flees the scene due to fear and confusion? Will they be automatically liable for the crash?
A California scooter accident lawyer can protect your teen’s rights in such cases by collecting ample evidence and establishing the other party’s liability. They typically undertake the following actions to strengthen your case:
- Gather sufficient evidence to demonstrate the negligence of the other party.
- Determine the party responsible for the accident.
- Evaluate the full extent of the damages incurred.
- Manage all communications with the insurance company.
- Adhere to all pertinent legal deadlines.
- Proceed to trial if necessary.
If you need legal representation for an e-scooter accident, Jacoby & Meyers provides some of California’s most proficient and capable personal injury lawyers, committed to securing the justice you deserve. While many law firms assist individuals seeking compensation for accidents, Jacoby & Meyers distinguishes itself with its dedicated legal process to protect your rights, making us the preferred choice for accident victims.
Since 1972, Jacoby & Meyers has consistently advocated for the legal rights of individuals involved in accidents, achieving substantial settlements. Our remarkable track record, surpassing $2 billion in settlements, underscores our unwavering dedication to our clients.
If you have sustained injuries in a California scooter accident, Jacoby & Meyers is here to assist you. We offer free consultations for injury victims and operate on a contingency fee basis.
Jacoby and Meyers. Because You Deserve Justice.
Hear From Our Past Clients
Instead of relying just on our guarantees, consider what satisfied clients say about our services.
“I was in a bad car accident one year ago. The attorneys and their reps are very helpful. 100% satisfied with the service rendered.” – Maritza
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have further questions regarding personal injury claims? We got you! Here are some frequently asked questions from injured victims that may help explain some aspects of your case.
- Can I Receive Compensation for an Accident Caused by an E-Bike Fire?
- Can I File an Injury Claim If an Elderly Driver Hits Me?
- Accident in California: Who is Responsible for a Backing-Up Car Accident?
- Scooter Accidents And How To Deal With Them
Works Cited
“California Vehicle Code 21228.” Casetext. Accessed 21 May 2024.
“California Vehicle Code 21229.” Case Text. Accessed 21 May 2024.
“California Vehicle Code 21235.” California Legislative Information. Accessed 21 May 2024.
“E-Scooter-sharing – US.” Statista. Accessed 21 May 2024.
“Micromobility Products-Related Deaths, Injuries, and Hazard Patterns: 2017–2022.” U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Accessed 21 May 2024.
“Section 21221 – Person operating motorized scooter upon highway, Cal. Veh. Code § 21221.” Casetext. Accessed 21 May 2024.
“Section 22411 – Speed limit for motorized scooter, Cal. Veh. Code § 22411.” Casetext. Accessed 21 May 2024.
Section“ 275 – “Crosswalk” defined, Cal. Veh. Code § 275.” Casetext. Accessed 21 May 2024.
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