Dockless electric scooters have become a popular choice for short trips in San Diego’s urban neighborhoods, but a variety of accidents have prompted new regulations.
To help San Diegans ride safely, the San Diego Police Department and California Office of Traffic Safety worked with nonprofit Circulate San Diego to create an official guide, which was released on Wednesday.
Here are seven key rules to follow when renting and riding a scooter:
- Take your driver’s license. A valid license is needed to unlock and ride a scooter
- Wear a helmet. It isn’t required, but can save your life.
- Only one person on a scooter at a time. Scooters aren’t designed to be ridden by more than one person.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic. Under California law, scooters are considered motor vehicles and must obey traffic laws.
- Don’t ride on the sidewalk. It’s against the law. Use bike lanes when available. Some other areas are off limits, including many beach boardwalks.
- Only ride when sober. Many accidents involving scooters also involve alcohol or marijuana.
- Follow all street signs, traffic signals and markings. It’s the law.
The rules are being distributed in the form of a small, trifold brochure.
Circulate San Diego partners with local governments, school districts, private planning firms, and other nonprofits to improve mobility choices and create vibrant, healthy neighborhoods.