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San Francisco, CA Mobility & Curb Rules: Shared E-Scooter Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Minimum age
18 years
Sidewalk riding
Prohibited
Permit program
Article 916
Operator cap
Three companies

Summary

Shared electric scooters in San Francisco operate only under SFMTA's Powered Scooter Share Permit Program. Riders must be 18 or older, use bike lanes where available, and avoid sidewalks; companies are capped citywide.

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... (c) Operate a motorized scooter without wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet... if the operator is under 18 years of age. (d) Operate a motorized scooter without a valid driver's license or instruction permit... (g) Operate a motorized scooter upon a sidewalk, except as may be necessary to enter or leave adjacent property.

Source: SFMTA Powered Scooter Share PermitView official code

Full Breakdown

Transportation Code Division II Article 916 authorizes SFMTA to permit a limited number of shared scooter operators (currently three: Lime, Lyft, and Spin) with fleet caps and equity, parking, and labor conditions. Riders must be 18+, hold a valid driver's license, and ride in bike lanes or with traffic; sidewalk riding is prohibited and triggers a $100 base fine. Scooters must be parked upright in designated scooter corrals or out of the pedestrian path. CPRA helmet recommendations apply, and operators must remove improperly parked devices within two hours of a complaint.

Violations & Fines

Sidewalk riding: $100 base fine. Parking-blockage: scooter impound plus operator daily penalty. Underage rental: account ban and $250 fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are personally owned scooters covered by the permit program?
No. Article 916 governs shared fleet operators. Personal e-scooters follow California Vehicle Code rules: helmet under 18, bike-lane use, and no sidewalks.
Where can I park a shared scooter?
Use designated scooter corrals where present, or park upright at the curb without blocking the pedestrian path, curb ramps, transit stops, or driveways.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Francisco

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All San Francisco rules

California rules heatmap·Compare San Francisco to another location·View the California mobility & curb rules overview

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