2025 E-Scooter Laws in California, City-by-City: Banned or Allowed
As the 2025 e-scooter market is revolutionizing across the whole state, the local government is introducing new restrictions and policies for a safer and eco-friendly growth. Sidewalks, parks, beach paths, and transit hubs are restricted zones, while bike lanes and residential streets are open to ride for conscious commuters. This detailed survey of city-by-city reflects a dynamic yet balanced approach of where they’re banned and where they’re allowed, is promoting a sustainable development.
Highlighted Key Statistics:
❌ Where Electric Scooters are Banned: Red Zone
- Long Beach: E-scooters are forbidden on beach paths and marina trails. Laws for Pedestrians, Bikes, E-Bikes, and E-Scooters
- Santa Monica: Banned on boardwalks and in Palisades Park.
- Danville: Prohibited on the Iron Horse Regional Trail and sidewalks. Can the Town of Danville require special permits or registration to ride e-bikes or scooters on local trails?
- San Jose: Riding near schools or in downtown zones is banned.
- Fremont: Parks and business areas are red zones.
- Sunnyvale: E-scooters are not allowed on light trails and in public parks.
- UC Campuses: Campus housing and pathways don’t allow unregistered scooters to ride.
✅ ALLOWED: Green Zones
- Los Angeles County: E-scooters are allowed to ride in bike lanes under 25 mph speed, with geofencing zones in downtown.
- Dublin: Allowed on bike path by follow lane discipline.
- State Parks: E-scooters are allowed on designated trails.
- Santa Monica: Permits to ride at 15 mph speed in bike lanes.
- Sub-Urban San Jose and Dixon: Residential streets are open for riding at 15 mph.
- Designated Parks: Dublin.
What’s the Rule to Follow:
Under California Vehicle Code §21235, 15 mph is allowed.
Riders must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver's license.
Necessary for minors, but recommended for all riders in all other cities.
Need to register an e-scooter in Carlsbad and on UC campuses.
DMV, CHP, and local regulations control these enforcement measures.
Prefer designated parking. Blocking the ADA paths and sidewalks is not allowed.
Breakdown California’s Key Rules by Category
📘 General Rules Requirements
Riders must be older than 16 years and need a driver’s license for security purposes statewide.
Enforce these mandates for scooter equipment, like working brakes for instant stopping, night lights for clear visibility, and adjustable handlebars that comply with height.
California’s cities don’t allow the e-scooters under the influence of drugs and alcohol, as it is illegal and means DUI-level penalties under the California Vehicle Code.
Sidewalk Prohibitions:
E-scooter riding is banned on the sidewalk in:
- Prohibits riding near school zones and business areas in Danville and Dixon. Danville Police Electric Bike & Scooter Laws
- Not allowed near parks and downtowns in San Jose and Fremont.
- Coastal and pedestrian-heavy spots are red zones in Long Beach and Dublin.
- Los Angeles County is concerned about riding on sidewalks.
Allow to ride in Bike Lanes:
E-scooter riding is allowed in bike lanes:
- With limited speed, Los Angeles County and Santa Monica allow riding in bike lanes.
- Riders are allowed to ride in designated parks in Dublin and State Parks.
- Danville is open for riding in bike lanes, while not allowed on sidewalks.
Speed Limit Restrictions:
Riders are allowed to ride at a speed of 15 mph. In most cities, surpassing this limit can cause a violation penalty. In Santa Monica and Los Angeles County, speed is automatically limited by using geofencing tools.
Wearing Helmets Rules:
- The use of helmets is enforced with particular policies.
- Mandatory for riders in particular cities like Dixon, UC Campuses, and Santa Monica.
- Highly preferable to use helmets in Beverly Hills, particularly in mixed-use zones, for safety.
Registration Policy:
- Personal e-scooters need a proper registration in Carlsbad.
- For campus property, UC Davis and Riverside require e-scooter registration.
Insurance Requirements:
E-scooter insurance is not required as much. But, CHP, DMV agents, city police, and campus departments govern these enforcements using citations under CVC §21235 and local codes.
Local Parking Rules:
Violation of parking rules leads to penalties.
- E-scooters are required to be parked in bike racks or furniture zones in Los Angeles County.
- Cities like Beverly Hills, Dixon, and Danville don’t allow e-scooter parking near ramps or private property.
- There are particular designated areas for parking in Carlsbad and Long Beach.
Why is it significant?
California’s local government empowers the rules for a broader vision of micro-mobility across the whole U.S.
- The NACTO report stated that in 2023, assumingly 157 million shared micro-mobility trips happened, it would raise 7% from 2019.
- ScienceDirect study reveals that 32% of carpool trips, 13% of bike trips, and 7.2% of ride-hailing rides are replaced by e-scooters.
- DRIDER’s Carbon Footprint Calculator highlights that an e-scooter saves 1.12 lbs of carbon emissions per 2-mile ride.
Closing Summary:
California’s mandates are structuring access by banning and allowing scooters, ensuring safety, and promoting progress. These enforcements empower responsible growth by delivering an improved infrastructure, cleaner rides, and safer roads. With constant assistance from policymakers, transport agencies, and riders, these e-scooters will remain a key symbol of sustainable transportation.
About DRIDER Scooters:
Tahseen Ameer, content head, claims that “California is not banning the e-scooters, but upgrading to foster their use”. DRIDER scooters are committed to supporting enforcement measures, from helmets to geofencing for designated parking, as California cities are developing rapidly towards a sustainable environment.
Media Contact:
Tahseen, Content Head at DRIDER E Scooters
info@driderescooters.com
(714) 512-5677
