Electric Scooters
Electric scooters are scooters powered by an electric motor. They help with short to medium distances and come in various styles, from basic models to those with features like suspension and lights. Adult E-scooters differ from electric scooters intended for children because they have larger weight capacity (typically up to 220 lbs), more powerful motors, larger battery, larger deck, and a taller stem. A typical e-scooter weighs under 30 lbs, has a 250-watt motor, a 250 watt-hour lithium-ion battery, has a top speed of 15 mph, a range of 10 miles, and costs around $500. Some of the more popular e-scooter brands include Boosted, Glion, GoTrax, Xiaomi, Swagtron, Zero, and Fluid FreeRide, Kaabo, and MiniMotors.
California Law/ Regulations regarding e-scooters
California electric scooter laws mandate that all e-scooter riders possess a valid driver's license or learner's permit to ride an electric scooter in public spaces. The class of the driver's license (Class C, Class M, etc.) doesn't matter as long as it's a current and legally issued valid license.
California electric scooter law requires riders of electric scooters to be at least 16 years old to legally operate an e-scooter, provided they hold a valid learner's permit. However, it is important to note that many electric scooter-sharing companies set their minimum age restriction for users. In most cases, these companies require riders to be at least 18 years old.
The state only requires riders under 18 years to wear a certified bicycle helmet while operating an e-scooter.
California state law explicitly prohibits tandem riding on electric scooters.
California law does not explicitly prohibit carrying items on your electric scooter, however, there are some limitations.
The law prohibits explicitly carrying any item that would require an e-scooter rider to take both hands off the handlebars. In essence, you must always be able to maintain at least one hand on the handlebars while carrying any package.
It is important to note that riding electric scooters on sidewalks is strictly prohibited in California. Additionally, operating an e-scooter within a system facility or parking structure of a public transportation system is considered an offense. Violators may face fines ranging from $250 to $400, community service of up to 48 hours, or even imprisonment not exceeding 90 days.
Yes, California law allows electric scooters on roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less.
If the speed limit is higher, a class II bicycle lane must be adjacent to that roadway for electric scooters to be permitted. Local authorities may also increase this set speed limit to 35 mph to accommodate e-scooter traffic.
Types of Bike paths
Electric Scooter Batteries
The two most used batteries to power electric scooters are traditional lead acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are the industry standard because they have a high energy density, meaning they can store more power in a smaller space. They also have a longer lifespan and charge faster than lead-acid batteries, but they are usually more expensive.
To maximize battery life, store batteries fully charged and check them once a month, recharging as needed. Avoid storing batteries in extreme temperatures and disconnect them before storing the scooter for more than four weeks.