Which Traffic Laws Should Drivers Know About Scooters in California?

California has lots of scooters, lots of vehicle traffic, and lots of confusion about how everyone should share the road. If you’re confused about California scooter laws, you’re not alone!

As California scooter accident lawyers, we’ve seen many catastrophic crashes that result from scooter users and other motorists not knowing the law. Here are the laws to keep in mind whether you ride a scooter or drive any other vehicle.

Key Traffic Laws Drivers Should Know About Scooters:

• Scooters have the right to the road: Scooters, including both stand-up and seated models, are legally entitled to use public roads in California cities. They are considered motor vehicles, and drivers must respect their presence on the road.

• Yielding to scooters: Drivers must yield to scooters at intersections, just as they would any other vehicle. Be especially cautious when making left turns, as scooters may be approaching from the opposite direction.

• Giving adequate space: When passing a scooter, give ample space, just as you would a cyclist. Avoid speeding past, as even a slight swerve by the scooter rider could lead to a collision. The law requires drivers to give at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicycle, and this same principle of giving adequate space should be applied to scooters as well.

• Checking blind spots: Before turning or changing lanes, drivers must check their blind spots for scooters. Their smaller size makes them harder to see than cars or motorcycles.

• Understanding scooter classifications: California law distinguishes several scooter types (motorized scooters, electric scooters, mopeds, Vespas, etc.), each with potentially different regulations. Drivers should familiarize themselves with these classifications to understand the specific rules that apply to each type of scooter.

• Respecting speed limits: Be aware that scooters also have speed limits, and some may be prohibited on certain roads due to speed limitations. Do not pressure scooter riders to exceed safe speeds.

• Visibility challenges: Scooters are smaller and more difficult to see than other vehicles. Drivers must be extra vigilant and scan the road carefully for scooters, especially in congested areas and at intersections. Be aware that a small object can appear farther away than it actually is, leading drivers to misjudge a scooter’s proximity.

Distracted driving is dangerous: Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents, including those involving scooters. Put away your phone and avoid any other distractions while driving.

Scooter Riders Have a Right to Use the Road

Scooters, including both stand-up and seated models (like Vespas), are legally entitled to use public roads in California cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. They are considered motor vehicles and, with some exceptions for smaller motorized scooters, can generally use bikeways, trails, and paths unless specifically prohibited by local ordinances. Some larger, properly equipped scooters are even permitted on highways. It’s vital for drivers to recognize that scooters belong on the road and to avoid the common misconception that they should “get off the road.”

Types of Scooters and Their Classifications

Not all scooters are the same, and different laws apply depending on the type. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Motorized Scooters (e-scooters): Stand-up electric scooters, like Bird and Lime, are restricted to bike lanes and roads with a speed limit of 25 mph or less. No license is required.
• Mopeds: Require a Class M1 or M2 license, must be registered with the DMV, and are not allowed on bike lanes.
• Vespas and Motorcycles: These are subject to full motorcycle laws, including helmet requirements and licensing.

Why Are Scooters Hard to See?

One of the biggest dangers scooters face is their small size, which makes them difficult for drivers to see. Motorists often report that scooters seem to “come out of nowhere,” even when they’re in plain sight. This perceptual challenge, coupled with scooters’ maneuverability, means drivers must be extra vigilant. A small object can appear farther away than it actually is, leading drivers to misjudge a scooter’s proximity and risk a collision.

Sharing the Road With Scooters

Some standup scooters and e-scooters are in a grey area where they’re not pedestrians and not actual motorists. While they’re certainly allowed to be on the roads and should share it with other vehicles, they should ride as far to the right as possible and allow traffic to pass them.

When you pass this type of scooter, treat it like a cyclist. A cyclist is allowed to be on the road just like a motor vehicle, but they don’t necessarily flow with traffic the same way. They’re supposed to allow traffic to pass while staying far to the right.

Give a good distance and pass these scooters carefully. Don’t whip past them at a high speed because if they waver or swerve just a small amount, you could hit them.

Specific Scooter Regulations in California

Beyond general road-sharing rules, scooter riders and drivers must be aware of specific California laws:

• Helmet Laws: Riders under 18 must wear a helmet on motorized scooters. Helmets are required for all motorcycle and moped riders.
• Speed Limits: Electric scooters cannot exceed 15 mph and are restricted to roads with a 25 mph limit unless in a designated bike lane.
• Licensing & Registration: Mopeds and larger scooters require DMV registration and a valid motorcycle license. Electric scooters do not require a license.
• Equipment Requirements: At night, scooters must have a front light, rear reflectors, and working brakes. Some scooters require turn signals and mirrors.
• Parking Regulations: Scooters cannot be parked in a way that obstructs pedestrian traffic. Some cities designate specific parking zones.

Night Riding Rules: Proper lighting is required for night riding, and reflective gear is highly recommended.

Avoid Legal Battles By Avoiding Scooters

Were you injured in a scooter accident or did you hit someone? Talk to a lawyer at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers about understanding who’s at fault. In the meantime, here are a few important things to keep in mind.

Things to Keep in Mind

First, it’s each person’s responsibility to drive carefully and keep their eyes on the road. Don’t drive distracted, drunk, or otherwise irresponsibly, or you could injure or kill a scooter user.

As you approach a scooter rider, notice whether it’s one of the larger scooters that’s riding with the flow of traffic or whether it’s a small, standup scooter hugging the right side of the road. Give them a nice, wide berth accordingly and keep your eye on them for sudden movements.

Take extra care at intersections and wherever scooters commonly ride. Watch for sudden left turns in front of you. If you see a scooter coming toward you at a 90-degree angle, play it safe, wait for them to clear the intersection, and then proceed.

By treating scooter riders with extra caution, you’re taking a proactive step that could save lives. At Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers, many of us are scooter riders and cyclists. We thank you for driving cautiously and keeping California’s roads as safe as possible!

We Handle Your Accident Claim So You Can Focus on Your Life

After an accident, contact the attorneys at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers. We handle many types of personal injury claims, including scooter accident claims. We believe you should be able to focus on recovering from your accident while we handle the legal details.

We truly care about the people of California. Contact us today for a free online case evaluation

Video Transcript

The laws you really want to pay attention to if you’re on a scooter, a sit down scooter like a Vespa, would be all the same traffic laws that motorists pay attention to. However, you really just want to make sure that you’re visible, you’re not riding in blind spots, and you’re keeping up with the flow of traffic. Like on a scooter, maybe your scooter only goes 30 miles an hour, that’s fine, but if you’re in an area where people are going much faster than that, you want to stay in the right lane and over to the right-hand side. And you definitely want to abide by any traffic signals, traffic lights, stop signs.

You Really Need to be on the Defensive

What I like to do, especially if I’m at a four way stop, I like to make eye contact with whoever else is there so they know they see me and they know I’m going. So you really need to be on the defensive, you want to make sure people see you. If you’re going to do any sort of lane splitting, you want to do it with caution and with care, don’t just be zipping in and out of things, people may not see you and so you need to be very careful with that.