Laws by state and city

California electric scooter laws

California uses the legal term "motorized scooter". The definition sets no top speed, motor power or scooter weight. The riding speed limit is 15 mph. Each rule below is a summary of the official text.

California quick facts

Legal term: Motorized scooter
Riding speed limit: 15 mph
Top speed in the definition: No limit in the definition
Motor power in the definition: No limit in the definition
Scooter weight in the definition: No limit in the definition
Wheel size in the definition: No limit in the definition

Rules by topic

Topic	Rule
Legal definition	A two-wheeled device with handlebars, a floorboard to stand on or a seat with footrests, powered by an electric motor (CVC 407.5(a)). The definition sets no top speed or motor size.
Speed	15 mph maximum on all highways, bikeways included (CVC 21235(b), pointing to 22411).
Which roads	Not on a highway posted above 25 mph unless riding in a Class II or Class IV bikeway. A city or county may allow riding outside a bikeway on roads posted up to 35 mph (CVC 21235(b)).
License	A valid driver's license or instruction permit is required (CVC 21235(d)).
Helmet	Required for riders under 18 (CVC 21235(c)).
Sidewalks	Not allowed, except to enter or leave adjacent property (CVC 21235(g)).
Passengers and cargo	No passengers. No package that keeps the rider from holding the handlebars with at least one hand (CVC 21235(e), (f)).
Minimum age	The City of Sacramento page lists a minimum age of 16. That number is not in the text of CVC 21235. Not confirmed.

The sources for these rules are linked at the bottom of this page.

Sources

This page is a summary of published rules and is not legal advice. Laws change and local ordinances can add rules. The official text at the linked source governs.