Personal Mobility Device refers to any wheeled device that includes, but is not limited to, bicycles, scooters, and skateboards. They can be electric or manually powered. This definition does not include wheelchairs or other mobility devices designed for use by an individual with a mobility disability.

Personal mobility devices may also be referred to as “micromobility devices.”

Shared Micromobility: UCLA currently has a partnership with Bird and Veo to provide shared electric scooters and electric bikes on campus.

 A moving violation could result in points against your driving record. 

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 a MAX of 15 mph CVC 22411

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

Safety Rules CVC 21221.5, CVC 21235, CVC 27400

• No sidewalk riding except as may be necessary to enter or leave adjacent property
  • Ride on campus permitted pathways and observe the dismount zones
• 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)
• No sidewalk riding except as may be necessary to enter or leave adjacent property
  • Ride on campus permitted pathways and observe the dismount zones

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 that has one or more wheels and is propelled exclusively by human power through a belt, chain, or gears.

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

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]

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.

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

John Wooden Center:

• Bicycles and electric scooters are not permitted indoors.
• Skateboards and non-electric scooters must be stored at an appropriate rack or in a locker.

On Campus Housing:

• Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and roller skates/blades may not be ridden in buildings and may be stored only in residents’ rooms or designated areas (i.e., bicycle racks).
• The aforementioned items may not be stored in stairwells, lounges, lobbies, or hallways or attached to handrails.

Campus Libraries:

• Bicycles, e-scooters, and hoverboards are not permitted inside libraries.
• Users can carry skateboards and manually operated leisure scooters into the buildings, but they must be able to be folded or stored close to the patron and cannot block pathways creating a tripping hazard. Bicycles and e-scooters must be parked outside of the libraries, at bicycle or scooter racks.

ASUCLA Facilities:

• Bicycles, Skates, Rollerblades, Skateboards, Scooters, & Other Coasting Devices: The parking, riding of bicycles, use of skates (in-line or otherwise), skateboards, scooters, and other coasting devices is not permitted.
• All devices must be parked in designated areas excluding exterior handrails and should not be chained to staircases nor parked in front of doors and walkways.

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

• Helmets can save your life
   

• Ride on the street or on campus permitted pathways
• Stay off sidewalks and out of crosswalks
• Yield to pedestrians
• Do not speed (15 mph or below at all times)
   

• Devices should be parked at any designated scooter parking or bike parking locations
• 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. 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

If your device was parked illegally, chained to a pole or railing, or appeared to have been abandoned, it may have been impounded.

To verify if your device was impounded, please email transportation@ts.ucla.edu with the device’s make, color, style, serial number, and last known location.

For further information on the necessary steps to be taken before the release of an impounded device, please visit our Parking Citations page.

• Verify if your device was impounded by emailing transportation@ts.ucla.edu with the device’s make, color, style, serial number, and last known location.
• Otherwise, work with the UCLA Police Department to file a report by calling (310) 825-1491. You should also report the device stolen on Bike Index.

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.

Beware of Fake UL Marks 

• Look out for unauthorized UL marks. Note that legitimate UL marks are traceable through their UL control number and unique ID.
• 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 Certification Databases:

Using the UL Product iQ database: 

Step 1: Look for the UL Mark. See example below. 

Learn more about UL marks.

Step 2: Note the company name, product type, also known as the Category Code Number (CCN), and the UL File Number (unique identifier). The CCN for e-scooters and e-skateboards is “FKIS” and “QGNS” for e-bikes.