Personal Mobility Device refers to any wheeled device used for transportation, including but not limited to bicycles, scooters, and skateboards. These devices may be motorized or manually powered. This definition does not include wheelchairs or other mobility devices designed for use by individuals with mobility disabilities for the purpose of movement.

You may also hear these devices be referred to as micromobility devices.

Shared Micromobility: UCLA currently has a partnership with Bird and Veo to offer shared micromobility services on campus.

Definition CVC 407.5(a)

A “motorized scooter” is a vehicle that:

• Has handlebars and two wheels
• Runs on an electric motor
• Has a floorboard for standing on OR a seat with footrests
• May also be powered by human propulsion

License Required CVC 21235(d)

Operators must have a valid driver’s license or instruction permit.

Follow Traffic Laws CVC 21221

E-scooter riders have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Riders must:

• Yield to pedestrians
• Obey traffic signs and signals
• Stop at stop signs
• Follow the direction of traffic

Speed Limit: Always 15 mph CVC 22411

The speed limit is always 15 mph, even if the posted limit is higher.

Safety Rules CVC 21221.5, CVC 21235, CVC 27400

• No sidewalk riding (including campus walkways)
• Always keep at least one hand on the handlebars
• Park scooters upright and away from the path of travel
• One rider per scooter (no passengers)
• Keep handlebars at or below shoulder level
• Do not hold onto or attach to another vehicle
• Headphones or earplugs should not be worn in both ears (hearing aids allowed)
• Must not ride while under the influence of alcohol or any drug
• Helmets required for riders under 18
  • UCLA employees riding on campus are required to wear a helmet (UCLA Policy 605)

Where to Ride CVC 21228, CVC 21229, CVC 21235(b)

• No riding on streets with a speed limit above 25 mph, unless in a Class II or IV bikeway
• Stay near the right curb or in a bike lane when available
• Leave the bike lane only to pass safely, make a left turn (two-way streets), make a right turn (one-way streets), avoid hazards, or approach a legal right turn
• Signal before leaving the lane (Chapter 6 Vehicle Code)
• Riding on sidewalks is not allowed

Turning CVC 21228

Left turn on a two-way street or a right turn on a one-way street:

• Stop, dismount, and walk the scooter across the crosswalk

Equipment CVC 21227, CVC 21235(a), CVC 21223

Brakes Required

• Motor must disengage when brakes are applied

Lights and Reflectors Required at Night

• White front light visible from 300 ft
• Red rear reflector visible from 500 ft
• White or yellow side reflectors visible from 200 ft

Reference

This summary is for general informational purposes. For details on current laws, please refer to the Rules of the Road for the Operation of Motorized Scooters.

Definition: Bicycle CVC 231

A riding device propelled exclusively by human power through a belt, chain, or gears, and having one or more wheels.

California Vehicle Codes for the Operation of Bicycles [21200-21213]

Other rules regarding the operation of bicycles.

Definition: Electrically Motorized Board (E-Skateboard) CVC 313.5

A wheeled device that:

• Has a floorboard designed to be stood upon while riding
• Is designed to transport only one person
• Measures no more than 60 inches in length and 18 inches in width
• Is powered by an electric motor less than 1,000 watts
• Has a top speed of 20 mph or less on a paved, leveled surfaces
• May also be powered by human propulsion

California Vehicle Codes for the Operation of Electrically Motorized Boards [21290-21296]

Definition: Electric Bicycle CVC 312.5

A bicycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts of power.

• Class 1: Provides assistance only while the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance at 20 mph
• Class 2: Operates via pedal-assist or throttle and ceases to provide assistance at 20 mph
• Class 3: Provides assistance only while the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance at 28 mph

California Vehicle Codes for the Operation of Bicycles [21200-21213]

Learn more about e-bikes and their classifications.

Definition: Shared Mobility Device CVC 554

A shared mobility device refers to a personal transportation device such as a motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, bicycle, or similar vehicle made available to the public for shared use through a digital platform for a fee.

UCLA currently has a partnership with Bird and Veo to offer shared micromobility services on campus.

Benefits of Registering:

• Deters theft
• It’s completely free
• Prevents fires by ensuring your device is UL certified
• Helps you become equipped to ride more safely

UL certification also signifies a commitment to environmental sustainability.

Students in Campus Housing: Starting Winter Quarter 2026, registration is mandatory for all motorized personal mobility devices such as e-scooters, e-bikes, and e-skateboards.

Registration is currently optional but highly encouraged for the following:

• Students living off campus
• Employees
• Users of non-motorized (human powered) personal mobility devices

Step 1: Determine if your device is UL certified

See “Verifying UL certification” section below.

Step 2: Complete the online registration form

To register your device through Bike Index, you will need the following information:

• Serial number (see “Finding your device’s serial number” section below if stuck)
• Manufacturer
• Model year
• Frame model
• Frame color

Complete the form below.

Step 3: In-person registration

Please bring your device in person at one of our scheduled tabling days or to UCLA’s Transportation Office at 555 Westwood Plaza (open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.).

We will verify that your device is UL certified and that you’ve completed your online registration form. Once verified, we will provide you with a registration sticker that you can affix to your device.

Step 4: Affix your registration sticker to your device

Bikes/E-bikes:

Affix your sticker to a visible, clean, and easy-to-read part of your bike’s frame such as the seat tube.

E-scooters:

Affix your sticker to the stem of your device. It should be facing you while riding.

E-skateboards:

Affix your sticker to a visible, flat, and non-moving part of your skateboard such as the underside of the deck, or on the side of the deck (if applicable).

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a global safety science company and an OSHA-designated Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). It is the largest and oldest independent testing laboratory in the US and is the standard used by California’s Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Purchase UL certified devices. Look for the lab’s mark on the packaging and device. Be wary of a device that is marketed as “tested to/in accordance with” a UL standard. It is probably not UL certified.

UL standards for e-mobility devices:

• UL 2722: Standard for Electrical Systems for Personal E-Mobility Devices (E-Scooters & E-Skateboards)
• UL 2849: Standard for Electrical Systems for E-Bicycles
• UL 2271: Standard for Batteries for Use in Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) Applications

UL certification is required for all of the following device components:

• The device itself, including any built-in battery/electrical system;
• The charging cord and/or charging unit (charger and power cord); and
• Any removable battery and its separate charging unit

Note: Any replacement parts should be UL certified and designed and approved by the original manufacturer.

UL Certification Databases:

Underwriter Laboratories warns buyers to watch out for unauthorized UL marks on e-devices. Legitimate UL marks are traceable through their UL control number. To verify that your device is actually UL certified, you can search the UL certification information here. E-Scooters and e-skateboards are certified under the UL product category “FKIS”, while e-bikes are listed under “QGNS.”

• Look for the UL Mark (the mark should include a control number and the UL standard, e.g. UL 2722)
• Ask the manufacturer or retailer, or look on their website. Look at product descriptions, user manuals, and/or technical specifications
• Search the UL Product iQ database
  • Company name
  • Product type
  • UL control number

E-Scooters: You can consult this database of UL-certified e-scooters before buying. Please note that there may be other UL-certified scooters that are not currently listed in this database.

Bikes/E-bikes:

Refer to Bike Index’s guide

E-scooters:

• Deck: Check the side or underside of the platform where you stand.
• Stem: Look at the bottom of the stem, especially near the base.
• Frame: Sometimes the serial number is directly on the frame.

E-skateboards:

• Deck: Check the side or underside of the platform where you stand.

Other places to look:

• The device’s original packaging
• Device’s user manual

Park your device at a designated parking location. Do not block walkways, ADA pathways, or stairs. Improperly parked devices may be impounded.

• Charging e-mobility devices inside publicly accessible university facilities is strictly prohibited due to the threat of indoor fires.
• Storing any mobility devices inside university buildings is not allowed, except for designated personal spaces like assigned residences, offices or cubicles, or spaces assigned by the responsible facility owner.
• Riding any mobility device inside any university building is strictly prohibited.

Wheelchairs and other assistive devices are always allowed inside any university facility.

Mobility devices are not allowed:

• In indoor public spaces (e.g., Powell Library)
• Laboratories
• On ingress/egress routes (hallways, walkways) or along handrails

Inside our Student Housing and Dining properties on campus, there are restrictions about where devices (bikes, scooters, skateboards, etc) are allowed. Only registered devices are permitted indoors in Student Housing properties, and charging is strictly limited to when a resident is present. It's important to understand the following:

• All devices brought indoors must display a valid registration sticker.
• Registered devices can only be stored inside an assigned residential unit.
• Only UL-2272 (applicable to E-Scooters & E-Skateboards) and UL-2849 (applicable to E-Bikes) certified devices are fully permitted to be stored and charged. All other devices are prohibited from storage and charging and may be denied access to due to fire safety concerns.

• Helmets can save your life
• Do not speed (15mph or below at all times)
• Ride only in the street
• Yield to pedestrians and observe all traffic lights and signs
• Park in a designated location
• Don’t block walkways, ADA pathways, or stairs
• Walk your device in the dismount zone

View more safety tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Lithium-ion batteries in e-mobility devices can catch on fire or explode if used incorrectly, damaged, or installed in devices that haven’t been tested to established fire and electrical safety standards. Follow the tips below to keep yourself and others safe.

Storage:

• Always read and follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions.
• Store batteries and devices at room temperature. Don't leave them in a hot car, in direct sunlight, near heat sources, or in freezing temperatures.
• Do not leave your device charging on flammable surfaces such as pillows, beds, or couches. Keep your device away from combustible materials.
• Avoid exposing your battery and device to a lot of moisture.

Charging:

• Always read and follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions.
• Do not charge your device unattended or overnight. Only charge when you are present. If you need to leave, unplug your device.
• Do not charge or leave your device near exits or points of egress, including bedroom doors, windows, and stairways. Always keep these routes clear so you can escape and emergency personnel can enter.
• Turn off your device while it is charging.
• Avoid overcharging and charge in a well-ventilated area.
• Wait at least 30 minutes after riding before charging to prevent overheating.
• Plug your charger directly into a wall outlet (do not use an extension cord or power strip).

Use:

• Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
• Only use the battery and charger that were designed for and came with your device. If you need a replacement, use one from the same manufacturer. Avoid third-party alternatives and other incompatible chargers.
• Have repairs performed by a qualified professional.

Discontinue use immediately if:

• You notice any odors
• There are any changes in shape or color
• There is any leaking or odd noises

If a fire breaks out, leave the area immediately and call 911. Do not attempt to put the fire out yourself.

Battery Disposal:

• Do not put lithium ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins.
• Take batteries to a designated battery recycling location or contact your local waste department for proper disposal instructions.

Resources:

• Fire Safety Tips from the National Fire Protection Association
• California State Fire Marshal Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
• The Science of Fire and Explosion Hazards from Lithium-Ion Batteries

• Contact UCLA’s Police Department at (310) 825-1491 (310) 825-1491 to see if your device was impounded.
• Otherwise, work with the police to file a report. You should also report the device stolen on Bike Index.