Newport Beach, CA Mobility & Curb Rules: Shared E-Scooter Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Boardwalk scooter ban
- § 12.54.025, all motorized scooters
- Boardwalk fine
- Up to $200 infraction
- Citywide unsafe riding rule
- § 12.56.060
- Impoundment authority
- Police Dept, § 12.56.080
- Unclaimed device disposal
- 90 days, per Civil Code §2080 et seq.
Summary
Newport Beach bans riding any motorized scooter, including rented shared e-scooters, on the Oceanfront Boardwalk under Municipal Code § 12.54.025. Citywide, Police may impound any motorized scooter ridden unsafely on streets or sidewalks under § 12.56.060 and § 12.56.080.
§ 12.54.025. Motorized Scooters. No person(s) shall operate or ride a motorized scooter upon the boardwalk. (Ord. 2001-7 § 2 (part), 2001; Ord. 2020-24 § 1 (part), 2020)... § 12.56.080.C. Diversion Program. The Chief of Police shall establish and administer a motorized wheeled conveyance diversion program designed to educate violators on safe riding practices and applicable traffic laws.
Full Breakdown
5 and covering shared rental e-scooters, anywhere on the Oceanfront Boardwalk running from 36th Street to a point east of E Street. 070(A). 060, listing examples such as riding against traffic, weaving between pedestrians, failing to use a designated bike lane when signage requires it, and riding without a helmet under age eighteen. 5. First-time minor offenders can be diverted into a Police-run safety education program in lieu of citation, with the fee for that program set by City Council resolution, and the responsible adult bears any impound fee also set by resolution. 010: $100 first offense, $200 second within a year, $500 for each further offense.
Violations & Fines
Riding a shared or personal motorized scooter on the Oceanfront Boardwalk is an infraction with a fine up to $200 (§ 12.54.070(A)). Unsafe operation anywhere else in the public right-of-way can draw impoundment of the scooter under § 12.56.080, plus fines under § 1.04.010 (up to $500 for repeat violations within a year) unless diverted into the Police Department's safety education program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a rented Bird or Lime scooter on the Newport Beach boardwalk?
Will the police take my scooter if I ride unsafely?
Is there a diversion option instead of a fine for a first scooter violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newport Beach
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