Jump scooters and Jump bikes are taking over downtown Sacramento! These shared scooters and bikes provide an easy and cost-effective way for users to move around the city.
However, it’s important to know the laws regarding motorized scooters and electric assist bikes before embarking on your first Jump journey!
Bike Vs. Scooter
The laws for scooters differ from bikes in the following ways:
No license is required to operate a shared bicycle, but a valid driver’s license or instruction permit is necessary for operating a scooter.
Users may ride bicycles on the sidewalk in Sacramento but scooters must remain in the street. Scooter users must stay to the right and have to use the bike lane.
Lastly, bicycle users can ride in streets with a posted speed limit greater than 25 mph, even if there is no bike lane. Scooters require a bike lane.
Helmet Requirements
California law requires helmets for both scooters and bike users under 18 as of January 1st, 2019. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury to bicyclists by as much as 85%, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Brain Injury attorneys at Eason & Tambornini, ALC recommends users wear a helmet when operating a shared bicycle or scooter.
Parking
Parking your bike or scooter outside the system area will result in a $25 fine and no bikes can be left in Capitol Park. Scooters must be parked at a bike rack. Bicycles must be locked to a fixed object, preferably a bike rack. Bicycles will beep if not properly locked.
Right of Way
Don’t take shared bikes or scooters to private property. Though bicyclists can ride on sidewalks, they must yield to pedestrians and slow down, stop or dismount if necessary.
Shared Scooters & Bikes Accidents
If you’re injured riding a shared bicycle or scooter, Accident Attorneys at Eason & Tambornini, ALC encourage you to give our office a call at (916) 438-1819. When a bicyclist or scooter user is the victim of an accident caused by an inattentive or negligent car or truck driver, they are entitled to all remedies under the law! While it’s very important that bicyclists and scooter users pay extra attention to inattentive drivers, this does not excuse drivers from their standard of care. If a driver fails to act as another reasonable driver would, then that driver would typically be liable for the personal injuries caused to the bike or scooter user.
