Scooters and e-scooters are common on Los Angeles streets, including Beverly Hills. Crashes can cause head injuries, fractures, and time away from work. Knowing the rules and your options helps you protect your health and claim. However, many riders don’t know California’s scooter laws—like the 15 mph speed limit, where to ride, or that DUI rules apply to scooters.
Why People Struggle
- Unknown speed cap: California limits motorized scooters to 15 mph statewide (CVC §22411).
- Wrong place to ride: Riders must use a bike lane when one is provided; sidewalks are off-limits except to enter/leave property (CVC §21229, CVC §21235).
- License/permit rules: A valid driver’s license or instruction permit is required to operate an e-scooter (CVC §21235).
- Helmet confusion: Helmets are required for riders under 18; adults are not required by state law (CVC §21235).
- Injury risks understated: CPSC reports tens of thousands of micromobility injuries each year; head injuries are common in scooter crashes (CPSC Report 2024, JAMA Network Study).
In this article, you’ll learn how to avoid these pitfalls and make informed choices.
Know the Law and Document Everything
Why it matters: Fault and coverage often turn on whether traffic rules were followed. California law caps scooter speed at 15 mph
(CVC §22411),
requires bike-lane use when available
(CVC §21229),
bans sidewalk riding (with narrow exceptions),
requires a license or instruction permit, and requires helmets for riders under 18
(CVC §21235).
DUI rules also apply to scooters
(CVC §21221.5).
What to do now: Call 911 if needed, get medical care, and photograph the scene (road, lane markings, scooter, vehicles), your injuries, and your helmet. Ask for names of witnesses. Save the ride history in your rental app (time, route, scooter ID). These records help show speed, lane use, and impact location.
If your crash involved a rental
Preserve your app ride logs and consult a Los Angeles Lime and Bird scooter accident attorney about operator liability and evidence preservation.
Helpful context: Studies in Los Angeles found common scooter injuries include head trauma and fractures, with low helmet use among injured riders (JAMA Network Study). A CDC-supported study in Austin also found very low helmet use among injured riders and frequent head injuries (CDC EIS Study). Nationally, CPSC has tracked rising micromobility injuries in recent years (CPSC 2024 Data).
If your crash involved Bird or Lime
Rental app data (ride history, scooter ID, route) can be crucial. A Bird or Lime scooter accident attorney can help preserve this data and pursue claims against negligent drivers—or the operator if maintenance or device defects are involved.
Common Mistake: Assuming Car Rules Don’t Apply
Why it happens: Scooters feel like toys, so riders (and drivers) treat them differently.
The issue: On public roads, scooter riders have many of the same rights and duties as drivers and must follow DUI and lane-use rules. Failing to use a bike lane when one exists, riding on sidewalks, or riding impaired can hurt safety and a future claim (CVC §21229, CVC §21221.5).
The correct approach: In Beverly Hills, ride in bike lanes where provided, obey the 15 mph cap, and never ride under the influence. If you’re under 18, wear a helmet as required by law. These rules protect you and strengthen liability arguments if a driver cuts you off or opens a door into your path (CVC §22411, CVC §21235).
When to call a lawyer
If you were injured or your claim is being questioned, talk with a Beverly Hills scooter accident attorney to evaluate liability, insurance coverage, and next steps.
What Results to Expect if You Act Quickly
Timely care and evidence collection can improve outcomes. California’s general deadline to file a personal-injury lawsuit is two years from the injury date
(California Courts Self-Help,
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §335.1).
Acting within this window lets you pursue medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. Medical records that document head injury symptoms (dizziness, nausea, confusion) are especially important because head injuries are common in scooter crashes (JAMA Study, CPSC Report).
Handling scooter crashes across L.A.
If your incident happened outside Beverly Hills or spans multiple jurisdictions, consult a Los Angeles scooter accident attorney to assess venue, insurers, and deadlines.
FAQs
Are e-scooters allowed on sidewalks in California?
No. Riding on sidewalks is generally prohibited, except to enter or leave adjacent property (CVC §21235).
Do I need a license to ride an e-scooter?
Yes. A valid driver’s license or instruction permit is required (CVC §21235(d)).
What is the speed limit for e-scooters?
15 mph statewide (CVC §22411).
Can you get a DUI on an e-scooter?
Yes. Operating a motorized scooter under the influence of alcohol or drugs is unlawful (CVC §21221.5).
For help with Scooter & E-Scooter Accidents in Beverly Hills, CA, contact Crown Law Group, PC at (310) 734-0504.
Visit Crown Law Group, PC
Contact Page
Personal Injury Services
