A Guide to Motorized Scooters for the Community

Motorized Scooter Laws

Vehicle Code Section 407.5
(a) A "Motorized Scooter" is any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, is designed to be stood or sat upon by the operator, and is powered by an electric motor or other source that is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion. For purposes of this section, a motorcycle, as defined in section 400, a motor-driven cycle, as defined in section 405, a motorized bicycle or moped, as defined in section 406, or a toy, as defined in section 108550 of the Health and Safety Code, is not a motorized scooter.
(b) A device meeting the definition in subdivision (a) that is powered by a source other than electrical power is also a motorized scooter.

VC 21224 Registration, license plates and insurance
A motorized scooter is not subject to the provisions of the VC relating to registration, license plate requirements or financial responsibility.

VC 21221 Authority to cite
Every person operating a motorized scooter upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions of the rules of the road that are applicable to a driver of a vehicle, except those provisions, which, by their very nature, have no application.

VC 21221.5 DUI
No person may operate a motorized scooter while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any combination thereof.

VC 21223 Required Equipment during darkness
Motorized scooters operated during the hours of darkness are required to be equipped with authorized lamps and reflectors or, the operator must be equipped with authorized lamps and reflectors

VC 21229 Bicycle Lane
Any person operating a motorized scooter upon the roadway shall ride within an established bicycle lane.

VC 21330 Bicycle Path
A motorized scooter may be operated on a bicycle path or trail or bikeway, unless prohibited by local authority.

VC21228(a) Driving at less than normal speed
Operator shall ride as close to the right curb as possible, except to pass or turn left.

VC 21235 Scooters: Prohibitions
The operator of a motorized scooter shall not do any of the following:
(A) Operate a motorized scooter unless it is equipped with a brake.
(B) Operate a motorized scooter on a highway with a speed limit posted in excess of 25 mph, unless the scooter is operated within a “Class II” bicycle lane.
(C) Operate a motorized scooter without wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.
(D) Operate a motorized scooter without a valid driver's license or instruction permit.
(E) Operate a motorized scooter with any passengers.
(F) Operate a motorized scooter while carrying any package, bundle or article that prevents the operator from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars.
(G) Operate a motorized scooter upon a sidewalk, except as may be necessary to enter or leave adjacent property.
(H) Operate a motorized scooter on a high- way with the handlebars raised so that the operator must elevate his/her hands above the level of his/her shoulder height
(I) Leave a motorized scooter lying on its side on any sidewalk.
(J) Attach the motorized scooter or him/herself while on the roadway, by any means, to any other vehicle while on the roadway.

VC 22411 Maximum Speed for Motorized Scooters
The operator of a motorized scooter may not operate the motorized scooter in excess of 15 Miles per hour.

Watch Videos

San Carlos Police Department Safety Tips - Helmet Safety (October 2005) 1 mins 47 secs 

San Carlos Police Department Safety Tips - Motorized Scooter Safety (October 2005) 1 mins 32 secs 

Provided by the San Carlos Police Department Traffic Unit
(650) 802-4277