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In recent years, electric scooters (e-scooters) have exploded in popularity across California, particularly in cities like Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
With their convenience, affordability, and eco-friendly appeal, it is no surprise that e-scooters have become a favored option for short commutes and last-mile transportation. But with the growing use of these devices comes an increase in collisions, injuries, and legal disputes.
Whether you are a daily rider or considering hopping on your first shared scooter, understanding California’s e-scooter laws is essential, not just for safety but also for legal protection.
At NordstrandBlack PC, we represent victims of traffic accidents involving scooters, bikes, pedestrians, and vehicles.
What Is an E-Scooter?
In California, an electric scooter is legally defined as a two-wheeled device powered by a motor, with handlebars and a floorboard that the rider stands on. These include shared scooters from companies like Bird, Lime, and Spin, as well as privately owned models.
Under the California Vehicle Code (CVC), electric scooters are considered motorized vehicles, which means they are subject to specific traffic laws that differ from bicycle or pedestrian rules.
Key California E-Scooter Laws
Whether you are riding around downtown Santa Barbara or through a residential neighborhood, there are core rules that govern scooter use in California.
Age Requirements
You must be at least 16 years old to operate an electric scooter on public roads. Riders under 18 are required by law to wear a helmet at all times.
Speed Limit
Scooters may not exceed 15 mph, even on designated bike lanes or shared-use paths. Going faster than this can result in citations; in personal injury cases, it may factor into liability if an accident occurs.
Where You Can Ride
- Permitted: Bike lanes, streets with a speed limit of 25 mph or less, and shared-use paths
- Prohibited: Sidewalks (unless allowed by local ordinance), highways, and roads with speed limits over 25 mph (unless a bike lane is present)
This electric scooter traffic law is designed to reduce collisions between scooters and pedestrians on sidewalks while allowing riders to travel safely with vehicle traffic.
Licensing Requirements
You do not need a motorcycle license, but you must have a valid driver’s license or permit to operate an e-scooter legally in California.
No Passengers Allowed
Electric scooters are designed for a single rider. Carrying passengers is illegal and significantly increases the risk of injury.
No Cell Phones While Riding
Just like drivers, scooter riders are prohibited from using handheld mobile devices while operating their scooters.
Scooter Insurance in California: Are You Covered?
California does not require insurance for operating an e-scooter, and many riders assume they are covered by their auto or homeowner’s policy. However, that is not always the case.
- Auto insurance generally does not cover scooter-related accidents
- Homeowners/renters insurance may offer limited liability coverage, but often excludes motorized vehicles like scooters
- Scooter company insurance may be provided with limited coverage by some shared scooter companies, but it often excludes rider injuries or third-party property damage
This creates a legal gray area, leaving both riders and accident victims unsure where to turn. If you are injured or held responsible for injuries while on a scooter, you may need to file a claim using your health insurance or pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.
For these reasons, it is wise to review your policy or speak with a legal professional to fully understand your scooter insurance in California.
E-Scooter Accident Liability
Accidents involving scooters often involve multiple parties, including:
- Motorists who hit a scooter rider
- Pedestrians struck by negligent riders
- Scooter riders injured due to road hazards or faulty equipment
- Cities or municipalities responsible for unsafe roads or poor signage
- Scooter companies that fail to maintain or repair malfunctioning units
In California, we follow a comparative fault system, meaning each party may bear a percentage of the blame, which affects their financial responsibility.
Determining e-scooter accident liability involves analyzing the behavior of all parties, any violated laws, and the condition of the roadway or scooter at the time of the crash.
Common Examples of Scooter Liability Cases:
- A car turning right strikes a scooter in a bike lane
- A scooter rider hits a pedestrian while riding illegally on the sidewalk
- A pothole causes a rider to crash, and the city failed to repair it
- A shared scooter’s brakes fail, causing a collision with another cyclist
If you were injured in an e-scooter crash, whether as a rider or bystander, you have the right to pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Rider Safety Tips to Prevent Scooter Accidents
Understanding the law is one thing; riding responsibly is another. These rider safety tips can help you avoid accidents and protect your rights if something goes wrong:
- Always wear a helmet, even if you are over 18.
- Inspect the scooter before riding—check brakes, tires, and battery.
- Ride defensively—assume cars and pedestrians do not see you.
- Obey all traffic signs and signals.
- Use bike lanes when available.
- Avoid riding at night or in poor weather when visibility is low.
- Do not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Even when you are following every law, other drivers or unsafe infrastructure can still cause a crash. If that happens, legal representation is your strongest protection.
How NordstrandBlack PC Can Help After an E-Scooter Accident
If you have been injured in a scooter crash as a rider, pedestrian, or driver, understanding your legal rights is critical. At NordstrandBlack PC, we help clients navigate the complex web of e-scooter regulations, insurance coverage gaps, and liability disputes to recover full compensation.
We conduct thorough investigations and advocate fiercely on your behalf because we recognize that your recovery should not be undermined by confusing policies or legal loopholes.
Speak With Our Trusted E-Scooter Accident Lawyers in Santa Barbara
Whether you were hit by a car while riding an e-scooter or you were injured by a negligent scooter user, our e-scooter accident attorneys at NordstrandBlack PC have the experience to protect your interests and pursue justice.
Call our Santa Barbara personal injury lawyers today at (805) 962-2022 to schedule your free consultation. Let’s help you understand your rights under California e-scooter laws and hold the responsible parties accountable.