Newport Beach, CA Mobility & Curb Rules: Shared E-Scooter Rules (2026)

Municipal Code § 12.54.025 flatly bars operating or riding a motorized scooter, defined per California Vehicle Code § 407.5 and covering shared rental e-scooters, anywhere on the Oceanfront Boardwalk running from 36th Street to a point east of E Street. A rider who violates § 12.54.025 is guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine up to $200 under § 12.54.070(A). Off the boardwalk, Chapter 12.56 folds motorized scooters into the broader term 'motorized wheeled conveyance' and prohibits unsafe operation on any public right-of-way or in any city park under § 12.56.060, 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.

Section 12.56.080 lets the Chief of Police or any officer impound a motorized wheeled conveyance, including a shared scooter, operated in violation of the chapter; a minor's device is held until released to a responsible adult, and devices held ninety days unclaimed are deemed abandoned and disposed of under Civil Code §§ 2080.1-2080.5. 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.

General infractions under Chapter 12.56 fall back to the citywide fine schedule in § 1.04.010: $100 first offense, $200 second within a year, $500 for each further offense.