Many people enjoy the freedom that e-scooters bring them, but they have no idea of the laws they might not be following. You can learn more about these laws by continuing to read this blog, or contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 if you have been accused of an e-scooter related crime. We can start you off with a free legal consultation.
Riders Under the Age of 18 Must Wear a Helmet
The law requires that any person under the age of 18 who is using an e-scooter (which is defined as a vehicle with an electric motor, handlebars, and floorboard), wears a helmet. The helmet must be fastened and must fit correctly. A person who is caught violating this code can get a ticket of up to $200. Adults do not have to wear helmets.
The Maximum Speed on an E-Scooter is 15 Miles Per Hour
The speed limit for any e-scooter in any situation is 15 miles per hour. A person who goes over this speed limit can be stopped and issued a traffic ticket just as they would if they were driving a car. This ticket could be as much as $250. While the main e-scooter sharing companies only allow their scooters to go up to 15 mph, when the scooters are accelerating and going downhill, they can exceed this speed.
E-Scooter Users Should Use the Bike Lanes
E-Scooter users should not be on the sidewalk or in the street in most cases – they should be in a bike lane. There are exceptions when the rider can be in the road:
- While passing
- While turning left
- To avoid debris or hazards in the bike lane
- While turning right
An E-Scooter Driver Must Have a Valid License
A driver’s license or permit is required to drive an e-scooter. Drivers can also not ride with a passenger on their scooter (sometimes referred to as tandem riding) and cannot ride on the sidewalk. Traffic tickets are the penalty for not following these laws, and those penalties can be about $200. However, note that if a juvenile is caught driving an e-scooter without a valid license, they can face additional penalties.
You Can Get a DUI for Driving an E-Scooter
If you are planning to use an e-scooter to avoid driving home, and therefore avoid a DUI, you should think twice: You can be charged with a DUI for driving an e-scooter while intoxicated. If you are facing this charge, it is one to take seriously. You can contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 now for a free legal consultation.