California — full brief

Reported limits: 1000 W max motor power · 20 mph max speed

• CVC § 313.5 (definition of "electrically motorized board")Tier C — secondary source; context only, never supports a verdict
• CVC § 415(a) ("motor vehicle" — the residual class)Tier C — secondary source; context only, never supports a verdict

• CVC § 21294 (where and how fast an electrically motorized board may be operated)Tier C — secondary source; context only, never supports a verdict
• CVC § 415(a) ("motor vehicle" — the residual class)Tier C — secondary source; context only, never supports a verdict

• Interstate access survey 2026-08-26 — California: “Allowed if no suitable alternative”Tier C — secondary source; context only, never supports a verdictLaw as of 2026-08-26

• Prohibited on sidewalks and footpaths. Under the CVC 415 motor-vehicle default (CVC 21663), except as necessary to enter or leave adjacent property. Under the electrically-motorized-board route CVC 21295 lets a local authority prohibit sidewalk use.

• CVC § 21663 (no motor vehicle on a sidewalk)Tier C — secondary source; context only, never supports a verdict
• CVC § 21294 (where and how fast an electrically motorized board may be operated)Tier C — secondary source; context only, never supports a verdict

• A helmet is required. Bicycle helmet meeting the CVC 21212 standard, all ages, under the electrically motorized board route.

• CVC § 21292 (helmet meeting the § 21212 standard on highway, bikeway, path, sidewalk or trail)Tier C — secondary source; context only, never supports a verdict

Reported limits: minimum age 16

• Rider must be 16 or older.

• CVC § 21291 (minimum age 16 for an electrically motorized board)Tier C — secondary source; context only, never supports a verdict

• CVC § 415(a) ("motor vehicle" — the residual class)Tier C — secondary source; context only, never supports a verdict

• CVC § 415(a) ("motor vehicle" — the residual class)Tier C — secondary source; context only, never supports a verdict

• CVC § 415(a) ("motor vehicle" — the residual class)Tier C — secondary source; context only, never supports a verdict

Reported limits: 15 mph max speed

• Anywhere it may be ridden: 15 mph or under. CVC 21294(b), plus a reasonable-and-prudent standard in (c).

• CVC § 21294 (where and how fast an electrically motorized board may be operated)Tier C — secondary source; context only, never supports a verdict

• At night: a white front lamp visible at 300 ft, a red rear reflector. Red rear reflector visible 500 feet and white or yellow side reflectors visible 200 feet; reflective material or lamps worn on the person may substitute (CVC 21293).

• CVC § 21293 (night lighting and reflectors for an electrically motorized board)Tier C — secondary source; context only, never supports a verdict

• Riding while impaired by alcohol or drugs is an offence. CVC 21296: under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or any drug; fine of not more than $250. No BAC figure is set.

• CVC § 21296 (operating an electrically motorized board under the influence)Tier C — secondary source; context only, never supports a verdict

• Cal. Health & Safety Code § 26300(h)(1)(D) (SB 1271) — lithium-ion personal mobility device certificationTier C — secondary source; context only, never supports a verdict