Full Notification

For Immediate Release
July 26, 2018
 
Contacts: Sergeant Scott Combs, Traffic Sergeant,
                    (310) 802-5166, Sergeant Tim Zins, PIO,
                     (310) 802-5186                                       

Date of Incident:  July 26, 2018
 
Subject: Operation of Motorized Scooters in the City of Manhattan Beach           

Location:  Manhattan Beach, CA, 90266
                                               
With the increased use of motorized scooters throughout Los Angeles County, the Manhattan Beach Police Department would like to remind our residents and visitors of the laws regarding the use of motorized scooters.  The Manhattan Beach Police Department will be enforcing all Vehicle Code violations pertaining to the use of motorized scooters in the City of Manhattan Beach.  Please do not leave any motorized scooters on private property or blocking a sidewalk.  An operator of a motorized scooter must be at least 16 years old, possess a valid driver’s license or instruction permit, and wear a helmet. The following are some of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) laws pertaining to the use of motorized scooters:
 

• CVC 407.5(a) – A “motorized scooter” is any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, has a floorboard that is designed to be stood upon when riding, and is powered by an electric motor. This device may also have a driver seat that does not interfere with the ability of the rider to stand and ride and may also be designed to be powered by human propulsion.

 

• CVC 21221 - Every person operating a motorized scooter on a highway receives all the rights of and is subject to the same provisions applicable to any other driver of a vehicle.  These provisions include, but are not limited to, driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs.

 

• CVC 21235 – Operation of Motorized Scooters: Prohibitions

An individual operating a motorized scooter is not permitted to operate an electric scooter:
 
(a) Without a brake
 
(b) On a road/highway with a speed limit higher than 25 mph
 
(c) Without a fastened, properly fitted bicycle helmet meeting standards described in CVC 21212
 
(d) Without a valid instruction permit or driver’s license (any class)
 
(e) With passengers
 
(f) While carrying packages, articles, or bundles that keep him/her from having at least one hand on the handlebars
 
(g) On a sidewalk, unless necessary to leave or enter an adjacent property
 
(h) On a highway with raised handlebars requiring the operator to have his/her hands elevated above the shoulders
 
(i) Leave an electric scooter lying down on a sidewalk or park the scooter on a sidewalk in a position that blocks the path for pedestrians
 
(j) Attach the scooter or himself/herself to another vehicle while on the roadway
 

• CVC 21229(b) - No individual operating an electric scooter is permitted to leave the bicycle lane unless it can be accomplished with reasonable safety and only after giving the appropriate signal in the event any vehicle could be affected by this movement