Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
California regulates electric scooters as "motorized scooters" under California Vehicle Code (CVC) § 21235.
The law in California makes no distinction between a rental scooter and a privately owned vehicle like the Bo Model M which means both must adhere to the same stringent operational standards.
Licensing and Age Regulations
Driving License: Unlike e-bikes, you must possess a valid driver’s license or instruction permit to operate an e-scooter in California (CVC § 21235(d)).
Rider age: Because a permit is required, the effective minimum age is 16.
While rental companies often enforce an 18+ policy for insurance reasons, a 16-year-old with a learner's permit is legally allowed to ride a privately owned Bo Model M.
Operational Limits (The "15 mph Cap")
Speed Limit: Under CVC § 22411, it is illegal to operate a motorized scooter in excess of 15 mph, regardless of the speed limit of the road or the power of the scooter’s motor.
No Passengers: Riding "tandem" is strictly prohibited. The Bo is designed for solo riders, but it's worth noting that under state law carrying a passenger is a cited offense (CVC § 21235(e)).
Permitted Riding Areas
Bikeways: You are required to use a Class II (painted) or Class IV (protected) bicycle lane whenever one is available (CVC § 21229).
Roadways: You may ride on streets with a speed limit of 25 mph or less. You cannot ride on streets with limits exceeding 25 mph unless a designated bikeway is present.
Note: Local authorities may extend this to 35 mph roads if a bike lane is present, but this varies by city (e.g. Los Angeles vs. San Francisco).
Sidewalks: Riding on sidewalks is strictly prohibited statewide (CVC § 21235(g)), except for the immediate transition to enter or leave adjacent property.
Helmet Laws
Under 18: A properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet is mandatory.
18 and Over: Helmets are not legally required for adults under state law, so it comes down to personal preference. If you do want to use a helmet, we have been impressed by the design of the Unit 1 Helmet, the Bobbin Brown Chrome helmet, and the POC Crane - but Bo cannot endorse or speak to the quality of these products.
Disclaimer: Bo USA Inc. endeavours to keep these documents up to date and relevant, however does not in any manner guarantee the accuracy of the included findings regarding electric scooter laws in the United States. Always carry out secondary research to validate any statement - and refer directly to the relevant authority before presuming accuracy.
Electric scooter riders or those considering to purchase or begin riding electric scooters should refer to their local governments to obtain the most up-to-date information on the applicable, local legal standing of scooters.
The Bo Model-M: Since the electric scooter is legal in California, it is worth investing in a vehicle that is going to have a real integrity and quality to its manufacture. This means it will bring you pleasure every time you use it.
To that end, it is interesting to know that Bo is the only electric scooter designed and engineered by a team of real car guys. Where the rest of the scooter industry took plasticky toys and ruggedised them, we started with a blank sheet of paper to develop the best vehicle in the world for local journeys.
Of course, you can only really feel the benefit of that when you ride it for yourself; that is why we give an extraordinary 60 day return policy and have a customer response team full of the engineers who made it. When you contact Bo, you're going straight to the source.
Visit the Model M page - click here
Learn more about how we made the 'M' - click here
Go watch a Youtube about the Model-M - click here
Return to the State-by-State regulation page - click here
