San Diego, CA Mobility & Curb Rules: Shared E-Scooter Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- SDMC § 83.0308
- Balboa Park speed cap
- 8 mph via geofencing
- Boardwalk speed cap
- 3 mph, no parking
- Sidewalks
- Riding/parking banned citywide
Summary
San Diego requires shared e-scooter and e-bike providers to geofence speed and no-parking zones citywide under SDMC § 83.0308: 8-mph caps in Balboa Park and a full ban on riding, locking, or ending trips on sidewalks.
(a) Through geofencing or similar technology, a provider shall reduce the speed of any motorized scooters and motorized bicycles in the provider's fleet to eight miles per hour or less at the following locations: (1) on the public walkways within Balboa Park... (d) a provider shall prevent any motorized scooters and motorized bicycles in the provider's fleet from being operated, locked, parked, or ending a ride on a City sidewalk, except for shared use bikes or e-bikes that can lock to existing City bike racks.
Full Breakdown
SDMC § 83.0308 makes shared mobility providers responsible for enforcing no-ride rules through their own app technology. Providers must geofence Balboa Park, Liberty Station NTC Park, and Spanish Landing Park to cap scooter and e-bike speeds at 8 mph; cut speeds to 3 mph and block parking on boardwalks like Ocean Front Walk and the Embarcadero; and prevent scooters from being ridden, locked, or ending a ride on any City sidewalk. The City Manager can add zones or lock down an area entirely during emergencies or permitted special events.
Violations & Fines
Providers that fail to geofence required zones, or that let riders park, lock, or end trips on prohibited sidewalks and boardwalks, violate their City contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a rental scooter on the sidewalk in San Diego?
Where are shared scooters slowed down automatically?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California mobility & curb rules overview
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Shared E-Scooter Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle shared e-scooter rules.