Motorized Scooters
What is a motorized skateboard or motorized scooter?
Effective 1/1/2005, a motorized scooter is any two-wheeled device that has handlebars and a floorboard that is designed to be stood upon when riding.
It may have a seat that does not interfere with the ability to stand and ride and may also be designed to be powered by human propulsion.
The motorized scooter may be powered by electricity or other source (gasoline engine).
Requirements to Ride a Motorized Scooter
- The rider must be at least 16 years old and have a Class C driver's license or Class C learner’s permit.
- The motorized scooter shall be equipped with a muffler, and the exhaust system cannot be modified in a manner that will amplify or increase the noise level emitted by the motor. The noise level cannot exceed 80 dbA at a distance of 50 feet from the centerline of travel.
- It cannot be ridden faster than 15 mph.
- The rider must wear a bicycle helmet
- The motorized scooter may be ridden on a bicycle path, trail or bikeway, unless there is a local ordinance prohibiting it.
- Motorized scooters may be operated on roadways under the following conditions:
- On a roadway with a posted speed limit of greater than 25 mph, rider must operate in a bicycle lane.
- On roads with a posted speed limit of 25 mph or less, riding in a bicycle lane is not required.
- Operator shall ride as close to the right curb as possible, except to pass or turn left.
- When preparing for a left turn, the operator shall stop and dismount as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or right edge of the roadway and complete the turn by crossing the roadway on foot, in the same manner pedestrians are required to cross.
For further information on laws regarding motorized scooters / skateboards, click on the following link, and look under "Motorized Scooters" - http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/vc_index_m.htm.