The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department offers some important information regarding what is known as “micromobility vehicles.”
Micromobility vehicles are smaller, low-speed vehicles intended for personal transportation. These devices can be any small, low-speed, electric-powered transportation device, including electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes), electric scooters (e-scooters) and other small, lightweight, wheeled electric-powered conveyances.
Children are at higher risk
Children 14 and younger accounted for 36 percent of all micromobility injuries in 2022.
That is two times their share of the U.S. population (18 percent).
Why are young riders at greater risk of accidents?
Lack of experience
Young riders often lack traffic experience, road safety awareness and motor skills to handle the vehicle safely.
Lack of helmet use
Most young riders do not wear properly rated helmets, increasing the risk of series head injuries.
Speed and control
E-bike and e-scooters travel at speeds children are not equipped to manage safely.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommendation
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children under 16 should not operate motorized scooters.
E-bicycle rules in Los Angeles County
Minimum age
Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bicycle.
E-bicycle classification
There are three classes of classification:
Class 1: Pedal-assist only, up to 20 mph.
Class 2: Throttle-assist, up to 20 mph.
Class 3: Pedal-assist only, up to 28 mph.
Helmet required
Helmets are required for ALL riders under 18.
Helmets are required for all riders for class 3 vehicles. All Class 3 riders and passengers must wear a helmet.
Ride in the right place
Ride in bike lanes when available. If no bike lane, ride as far right as practicable. Follow all traffic laws and signals.
Visit https://lasd.org/electric-bike-and-scooter-safety/.
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