UCLA prioritizes the safety of the campus community. UCLA Transportation would like to highlight the importance of campus road safety and provide an overview of state laws regarding micromobility devices such as electric scooters.
California Vehicle Code (CVC) 407.5(a) defines a motorized scooter as any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, has a floorboard that is designed to be stood upon when riding, and is powered by an electric motor. CVC 21235 mandates that all scooter riders in California:
- Have a valid driver license
- Ride on the road and remain off sidewalks
- May not park scooters on a sidewalk in a position that blocks pedestrian paths
- Not ride in tandem with any other passengers
If your e-scooter is locked to an ADA ramp or pathway, it will be immediately impounded. To retrieve your e-scooter, please email transportation@ts.ucla.edu. The owner of the impounded e-scooter is subject to penalties and fines.
CVC 21221 states that motorized scooters must follow the same traffic rules as motor vehicles, and a moving violation could result in points on your driver license affecting your driving privileges. For more information, view the Campus Vehicle Code Section 21113, CA Vehicle Code, and campus permitted pathways map.
Our shared micromobility program has contracts with approved vendors to provide shared e-scooters and e-bikes on campus for rent by the minute. Learn more about our shared micromobility program, including how to report improperly parked micromobility devices.
- Helmets can save your life
- Ride only in the street
- Stay off sidewalks and out of crosswalks
E-Scooter Charging
If you have your own e-scooter, here’s how you can safely charge your e-scooter at home or in your dorm room:
- Only purchase e-scooters with the UL 2272 safety certification. Check the manufacturer’s product specifications to confirm the UL safety certification.
- Do not charge e-scooters, e-bikes, or batteries while unattended and/or overnight. Only charge micromobility devices when you are in the room. If you need to leave, unplug your devices.
- Turn off your e-scooter or e-bike while it is charging.
- Keep e-scooters, e-bikes, and batteries out of direct sunlight and other direct heat sources while charging to avoid overheating.
- Use the manufacturer’s charger and cables that are included with the e-bike or e-scooter, or a replacement version from the same manufacturer. Avoid using third-party alternatives or charger from another manufacturer.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after riding an e-bike or e-scooter to start charging to avoid overheating.
Additional Safety Tips
- Be aware of your surroundings as you may not be seen or heard by other vehicles.
- Drive defensively and ride responsibly.
- Use common sense; these scooters are motorized vehicles, not toys, operating on streets.
For information about motorcycles and moped scooters, visit our Motorcycles & Scooters page.
For questions and comments about the micromobility program, email micromobility@ts.ucla.edu.
