Los Angeles, CA Mobility & Curb Rules: Shared E-Scooter Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit authority
- LADOT Dockless permit
- Speed limit
- 15 mph maximum
- Minimum rider age
- 16 with license, 18 unrestricted
- Sidewalk riding
- Prohibited citywide
- Equity zone deployment
- Required daily fleet percentage
Summary
Shared e-scooters operate under the LADOT Dockless On-Demand Personal Mobility permit and LAMC §71.26. Riders must be 18+, wear helmets if under 18, stay off sidewalks, and stay under 15 mph. Operators must deploy fleet shares into designated equity zones.
21235. The operator of a motorized scooter shall not do any of the following: (a) Operate a motorized scooter unless it is equipped with a brake that will enable the operator to make a braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement. (b) Operate a motorized scooter on a highway with a speed limit in excess of 25 miles per hour unless the motorized scooter is operated within a Class II or Class IV bikeway, except that a local authority may, by ordinance or resolution, authorize the operation of a motorized scooter outside of a Class II or Class IV bikeway on a highway with a speed limit of up to 35 miles per hour. ...
Full Breakdown
Under LAMC §71.26 and the LADOT Dockless On-Demand Personal Mobility Vehicle program, companies need an annual permit, fleet caps, data sharing through MDS, and per-vehicle fees. Riders must follow California Vehicle Code §21235: no sidewalks, no two riders, helmets required under age 18, and a 15 mph cap. Scooters belong in bike lanes or roads under 25 mph. Operators must deploy a percentage of devices in Disadvantaged Community equity zones daily and respond to relocation complaints within two hours. Improperly parked scooters can be impounded by LADOT; sustained violations risk permit suspension.
Violations & Fines
Sidewalk riding, riding without a helmet under 18, or operating without a permit violates LAMC §71.26 and CVC §21235, drawing infraction fines starting at 197 dollars and possible scooter impound by LADOT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a helmet to ride a shared scooter in LA?
Can I ride a shared scooter on the sidewalk?
Where can companies park scooters?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
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Shared E-Scooter Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle shared e-scooter rules.