As electric-powered scooters and bikes become more popular, safety becomes a critical issue because both come with a higher risk of severe injuries than traditional bicycles and scooters. Per California Vehicle Code 312.5, “an e-bike is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.” Also, California Vehicle Code, Section 21235, requires riders under 18 to use a bicycle helmet while on an e-scooter. The helmet must fit properly and be fastened. Electric motorized bicycle operators must be at least 16 years of age or older.
California Vehicle Code 22411 establishes a speed limit on e-scooters of a limit of 15 miles per hour. California Vehicle Code 21229 requires that e-scooters be operated in bike lanes (a.k.a. bikeways, bike paths, or bicycle paths) whenever one is available. The only time a person is allowed to ride an e-scooter on a sidewalk is to park the scooter or get a parked scooter onto the street. Otherwise, a sidewalk is off limits. California Vehicle Code 21221 is a “catch-all” traffic law for e-scooters. It states that e-scooters have all the same rights and responsibilities as a motor vehicle. The only exception is where those rights or responsibilities “by their very nature, can have no application,” such as on a beach boardwalk.
With school in session, and children walking to and from school, parents should remind their children to look in both directions to check traffic before entering a crosswalk even with a crossing guard present or the “walk” sign illuminated. Also, motorists should practice this same technique before entering an intersection even when there is a steady green light. Pedestrians should always walk on the sidewalk, cross streets at controlled intersections, or in marked crosswalks (no jaywalking) and make eye contact with drivers – don’t assume the driver can see you. Also, pedestrians should wear bright colored clothes and carry a flashlight if walking at night.
With safety in mind, as a general rule, juveniles should only operate e-scooters with adult supervision and exercise good judgement. Pedestrians should walk on sidewalks and walk facing traffic. They should always use crosswalks or an intersection with a stop sign or signal to ensure motorists can see them.
The Temecula Traffic team is committed to your safety, both on the roadways and off. If you see any traffic-related issues in your neighborhoods, please let us know. Be safe and be smart.
California Vehicle Code 22411 establishes a speed limit on e-scooters of a limit of 15 miles per hour. California Vehicle Code 21229 requires that e-scooters be operated in bike lanes (a.k.a. bikeways, bike paths, or bicycle paths) whenever one is available. The only time a person is allowed to ride an e-scooter on a sidewalk is to park the scooter or get a parked scooter onto the street. Otherwise, a sidewalk is off limits. California Vehicle Code 21221 is a “catch-all” traffic law for e-scooters. It states that e-scooters have all the same rights and responsibilities as a motor vehicle. The only exception is where those rights or responsibilities “by their very nature, can have no application,” such as on a beach boardwalk.
With school in session, and children walking to and from school, parents should remind their children to look in both directions to check traffic before entering a crosswalk even with a crossing guard present or the “walk” sign illuminated. Also, motorists should practice this same technique before entering an intersection even when there is a steady green light. Pedestrians should always walk on the sidewalk, cross streets at controlled intersections, or in marked crosswalks (no jaywalking) and make eye contact with drivers – don’t assume the driver can see you. Also, pedestrians should wear bright colored clothes and carry a flashlight if walking at night.
With safety in mind, as a general rule, juveniles should only operate e-scooters with adult supervision and exercise good judgement. Pedestrians should walk on sidewalks and walk facing traffic. They should always use crosswalks or an intersection with a stop sign or signal to ensure motorists can see them.
The Temecula Traffic team is committed to your safety, both on the roadways and off. If you see any traffic-related issues in your neighborhoods, please let us know. Be safe and be smart.
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