Ask Officer Michelle – Question #214
Posted by PHUON9DO916
HI I HAVE A MOTORIZED SCOOTER AND I WANT TO KNOW IS IT LEGAL FOR ME TO DRIVE IT ON A BIG STREET INSTEAD AROUND MY NEIGHBORHOOD
Dear PHUON9DO916,
That depends on which type of scooter you are speaking of. There are the scooters that look like a skateboard with a handlebar; there are the scooters like the moped; and finally there are the “Lark” type. If you are referring to the skateboard type, the California Vehicle Code sections relating to motorized scooters are 21220.5, and 21224. The law clearly defines motorized scooters. Some highlights are that you must have a valid learner’s permit, or driver’s license to operate the motorized scooter on public roads. Gas scooter modifications that increase the decibel level or exhaust emissions of the scooter’s motor are banned. The driver must wear a bicycle helmet, and may not travel in excesses of 15 mph. You may not operate the scooter on public roads with a speed limit of 25 mph or more, unless it is operated in a bike lane. You must operate your scooter on the right side of the roadway and next to the curb when feasible, and when you are intending to move left at an intersection, you must walk the scooter in a crosswalk when crossing the roadway. If you are driving your scooter at night, it must be equipped with proper lights. Most importantly, you must have working brakes!
There is also a law pertaining to motorized skateboards which are similar to the motorized scooter. California Vehicle code section 21968 states, “No motorized skateboard may be propelled on any sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a highway or on any bikeway, bicycle path or trail, equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail.” Finally, there is a city code section that states bicycles, motorbikes, or motorized scooters are not permitted to be ridden or stored at the marina, with exception in designated areas only.
I took the liberty to include all of the motorized vehicles from the California Department of Motor Vehicle website so that you can see for yourself which vehicles fit your description. Hope this covers it!
Officer Michelle
Motorized Skateboard Prohibited
21968. No motorized skateboard may be propelled on any sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a highway or on any bikeway, bicycle path or trail, equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail.
Motorcycles, Mopeds, Scooters
Cycles Defined, Registration and Drivers Licensing Requirements
Motorcycles
· A Motorcycle has more than 150 CC, no more than 3 wheels and weighs less than 1500 pounds. Three wheeled motorcycles or motorcycle with a side car require only a Class C driver license. CVC Sec. 400
· A Motorcycle has to be registered and driver must have a Motor cycle license (M1).
· A Motor Driven Cycle has 149CC or less engine size. CVC Sec. 405
· A Motor Driven Cycle has to be registered and driver must have a Motor cycle license (M1).
Mopeds
· A “motorized bicycle” or “moped” is any two-wheeled or three-wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical energy). CVC Sec. 406(s) 406 (b)
· A Motorized Bicycle is issued special license plates and identification cards, which require a one-time $18 fee. No renewal required. (M2) moped/scooter only license or an M1
Scooters
· A motorized scooter is a two-wheeled device that has handlebars, a floorboard designed to be stood upon when riding, and is powered by a motor. More Information CVC Sec. 407.5
· Motorized scooter does NOT have to be registered but driver must have a (M2) moped/scooter only license or an M1
2009 Motorcycle Handbook (PDF)
M1 License: You may operate any two-wheel motorcycle, motor driven cycle or motorized scooter and all vehicles listed under Class M2.
M2 License: You may operate any motorized bicycle (moped), any bicycle with an attached motor, or a motorized scooter.
