TRAFFIC EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMS

Motorized Scooter Law

As of January 1st 2005 there are several new laws that pertain to motorized scooters. At first glance, the scooters may seem fairly harmless, however, there are several laws that address serious hazards that scooters can pose. Parents and young riders should weigh the risks and know the laws before making a scooter purchase. The Livermore Police Department's Traffic Unit is hopeful that publicizing the laws will make riding safer.

The definition of a motorized (gas, battery or electric powered) scooter as used in the Vehicle Code is: any two-wheel device that has handlebars, is designed to be stood or sat upon by the operator and is powered by a motor capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion.

Some of the regulations are as follows:

1. The operator must have a valid driver's license or instruction permit.

2. No insurance, registration or license plates are required

3. The operator must properly wear a bicycle helmet (even adults).

4. The operator may not have any passengers.

5. The operator must have a least one hand on the handlebars at all times.

6. Driving under the influence is applicable on scooters.

7. Scooters may not be operated at a speed greater than 15 mph.

8. Scooters may not be operated on streets with a speed limit more than 25 mph, unless it is operated in a marked bicycle lane.

9. Scooters may not be operated on sidewalks.

10. The operator may not make a left turn at an intersection. The operator shall stop and dismount at the right hand side of the roadway or curb and then complete the turn by crossing the roadway on foot.

11. The handlebars must be at or below the level of the operator's shoulders.

12. The operator may not park the scooter on a sidewalk if it blocks the path of the sidewalk.

13. The operator may not attach them self or the scooter to any other vehicle on the roadway.

14. Equipment requirements during darkness:

1. Must have a white headlight visible from 300 feet from the front and the sides.
2. Must have a red reflector on the rear of the scooter or attached to the operator of the scooter visible from 500 feet.
3. Must have a white or yellow reflector on each side visible from 200 feet in front and the rear of the scooter.
4. Must have an engine/motor kill switch that activates when released or when the brakes are applied.

15. Motor scooters shall not emit excessive noise. This usually is the result of a modified exhaust system.

An operator of a motorized scooter may be cited by a police officer and ordered to appear in court for violating the laws regulating these vehicles. Parents/guardians of a minor may be liable for injury to persons or property in a collision. Motorized scooters can be a lot of fun but can also be dangerous if not driven responsibly.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Livermore Police, Traffic Education Officer Traci Rebiejo at (925) 371-4858. (revised January 1st 2007)

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the Business, Transportation & Housing Agency