Riding an Electric Bike and Scooter in Laguna Beach: New Laws You Should Know

Key Takeaways

Electric bike riders in Laguna Beach must follow new rules to stay safe.

• City ordinances on speed, traffic direction, helmets, and passenger limits protect riders and clarify liability in accidents.

Use visibility, designated lanes, and safe riding habits to reduce risk. 

• Lights, reflective gear, proper hand signals, and riding in approved zones help drivers see and anticipate you.

Even cautious riders face hazards from others

• Negligent drivers, busy tourist areas, and road conditions can still cause accidents despite careful riding.

Rely on a bicycle accident lawyer to protect your rights

• An attorney investigates incidents and pursues compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Riding an Electric Bike and Scooter in Laguna Beach: New Laws You Should Know

From commuters to tourists, more people around Laguna Beach are swapping cars for electric bikes and scooters. However, with convenience comes risk. According to the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS), California averaged 175 e-bike injuries per year between 2022 and 2024, underscoring the need for safer riding practices.

Common safety issues include riding against traffic, ignoring speed limits, or sharing crowded sidewalks. In response, the state enacted a new law to enforce e-bike and e-scooter violations to improve safety and clarify liability in accidents. 

This article breaks down the latest rules for riding an electric bike in Laguna Beach, where and how to ride safely, and how to pursue legal action if you get into an accident.

New Laws When Riding an Electric Bike and Scooter in Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach updated its rules to make riding e-bikes and scooters safer for everyone on the roads and trails. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Observe the citywide speed limit of 25 mph

All e-bikes and scooters must stay at or below 25 mph on public streets, bike paths, trails, and parks. Following the speed limit is the best way to protect your right to compensation, as courts may consider speeding a contributing factor in any collision. 

For instance, steep stretches like Laguna Canyon Road or Coast Highway often tempt riders to push the throttle. However, slowing down can ensure your safety and legal rights.

2. Ride in the same direction as traffic

It’s illegal to ride against traffic. If you do so and get into an accident, you may have a weak claim. Drivers respond better to clear, consistent behavior, so always signal turns and maintain predictable movement.

3. Helmet requirement for riders under 18

Minors must wear helmets when operating or riding an e-bike or scooter. Adults aren’t legally required to, but helmets significantly reduce the risk of severe head injuries. In the event of a crash, failing to wear a helmet can influence liability determinations and affect compensation.

4. Passenger restrictions

Only carry passengers if your e-bike or scooter has a designated seat for an extra rider. If you bring an unauthorized passenger, you increase liability if an accident occurs and incur citations.

5. Enforcement and penalties for violations

Laguna Beach enforces e-bike and scooter rules with escalating penalties. A first offense can cost $100, a second offense within one year rises to $200, and subsequent violations can reach $500. Police may also impound vehicles for repeated or dangerous violations, such as riding against traffic, carrying unauthorized passengers, or speeding. 

It’s crucial to understand the new electric scooter law to avoid fines and protect your rights if an accident occurs. 

Tips for Safe E-Bike and Scooter Riding in Laguna Beach

Riding safely in Laguna Beach isn’t just about avoiding tickets, but protecting your legal rights if a negligent driver causes an accident. Here’s how to stay safe and minimize liability risks:

1. Follow Laguna Beach’s posted speed limits

Class 1–3 e-bikes and rental scooters have specific speed limits. Exceeding them makes collisions more likely, especially on downhill stretches along Laguna Canyon Road or Coast Highway. Courts may consider speeding when determining liability, so staying within limits can help your case after an accident.

2. Stay visible to drivers

Use lights, reflective gear, and brightly colored clothing, especially at intersections and coastal corridors with heavy foot traffic. Fog, sunset glare, or shaded curves can reduce visibility. Poor lighting can also weaken your injury claim if a driver hits you.

3. Use designated bike lanes and permitted riding zones

Laguna Beach actively enforces where e-bikes and scooters can go. Stay in approved lanes to be safe, like the Main Beach or Broadway Street bike lane pinch points. Doing so can also support your position if a vehicle drifts into your lane.

4. Avoid distractions while riding

Phones, earbuds, or recording videos may seem harmless, but they can reduce reaction time. Insurance companies may use distracted riding to lower compensation—even when a driver is primarily at fault. Staying attentive can protect your safety and rights.

5. Ride defensively around tourists and beach traffic

Tourists, rental cars, and pedestrians can act unpredictably. You may face sudden car-door openings, quick stops for photos, or U-turns near beach parking. Even skilled riders can get injured by negligent drivers. Watch for hazards, keep a safe distance, and be ready to brake or move quickly.

How a Rider Accident Lawyer Can Help

Even if you ride carefully, you can still get hurt because of a negligent driver or unsafe road conditions. An experienced personal injury attorney can protect your rights and help you pursue fair compensation. Here’s how:

1. Investigate the accident scene

Attorneys can review traffic camera footage, talk to witnesses, and use data from your e-bike or scooter to show what happened and support your claim.

2. Assess liability

A lawyer can determine whether a motorist, pedestrian, or city negligence contributed to the accident. Identifying all responsible parties guarantees that you pursue maximum compensation.

3. Document injuries and damages

Organize your medical records, rehab costs, lost wages, and property damage. Attorneys make sure that nothing is overlooked when negotiating with insurers or presenting your case in court.

4. Negotiate with insurers

Insurance companies often cite minor rider errors to reduce payouts. Lawyers counter these tactics and advocate for fair compensation.

5. Provide legal representation in court

If necessary, an attorney can take your case to court and seek payment for medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, and other damages. Professional representation helps protect your rights from start to finish.

Riding Forward Safely

If you’re riding a scooter or e-bike in Laguna Beach, you need to know the new laws. Stay within posted speed limits, ride in designated zones, and follow helmet and passenger requirements. More importantly, know your legal rights. Even if you follow every rule, you can still get hurt because of careless drivers or dangerous road conditions. 

If you’re injured while riding, an experienced bicycle accident lawyer at RMD Law can investigate your case, assess liability, and negotiate with insurers. Our personal injury attorneys can pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Schedule a free consultation today to protect your rights and get the support you need.

FAQs

1. What are the new speed limits for e-bikes and scooters in Laguna Beach?

Stay at or below 25 mph on public streets, bike paths, trails, and parks. Exceeding them can result in fines and affect compensation. 

2. Do minors need helmets to ride in Laguna Beach?

Yes, riders under 18 must wear helmets at all times. Adults aren’t required by law, but helmets significantly reduce injury risk. Not wearing one may influence liability in an accident. 

3. Can I carry passengers on my e-bike or scooter?

Passengers are only allowed if your vehicle has a designated seat for them. Unauthorized passengers increase liability and can result in fines or impoundment. 

4. What penalties exist for violating Laguna Beach e-bike and scooter laws?

Citations start at $100, then $200 for a second offense within one year, and $500 for subsequent violations. Repeated or dangerous violations lead to vehicle impoundment. 

5. How can a lawyer help after an e-bike or scooter accident?

An attorney investigates the scene, assesses liability, organizes injury documentation, negotiates with insurers, and provides legal representation in court.