Trystan Casey
Electric scooters have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation in cities across the globe, and Los Angeles is no exception. With the rise of electric scooter rental companies, many residents and visitors in LA have begun opting for these zippy and portable scooters as their primary means of getting around the city. But can you take an electric scooter on the LA Metro?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are electric scooters allowed on LA Metro? | There is no mention of electric scooters being allowed on LA Metro. However, a Reddit user has mentioned taking their electric scooter on the trains for a year without any complaints. Bikes are allowed on LA Metro. |
| Are electric scooters allowed in Los Angeles? | Yes, the use of electric scooters has been legalized in Los Angeles. |
| Are there any speed restrictions? | Riders must not go more than 15 miles per hour (mph). |
| Are there any parking restrictions? | Scooters must be parked upright, on the outer edge of the sidewalk, near bus benches, parking meters, and advertising kiosks. |
| Are there any age restrictions? | If you are 18 years old or younger, you must wear a helmet and will need a learner rider's permit. |
| Are there any restrictions on Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)? | The legal limit for Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is set at 0.08 per cent for all drivers and riders aged 21 years and above. |
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What You'll Learn
LA Metro allows bikes on board
When bringing your bike on board, make sure it is properly folded and stored under a rear seat so as not to block aisles and doorways. Folding bikes with 20-inch or smaller wheels are allowed on board. Motorized folding bikes are not permitted. Additionally, bicycles over 55 pounds cannot be accommodated on Metro bus bike racks.
All Metro trains have designated open areas to accommodate bicycles, marked with a yellow symbol. On the Red/Purple Lines, this area is at the end of the car. On the Green and Gold Lines, stand with your bike in the designated area marked with a symbol. On the Blue and Expo Lines, stand with your bike in an available area at either end of the rail car.
If you are using a bus, you are responsible for loading and unloading your bicycle. Wait until the bus is fully stopped before loading your bike, and always approach from the sidewalk. Sit or stand near the front of the bus to keep an eye on your bicycle during your trip. Before your stop, inform the bus operator that you will be retrieving your bike from the rack and exit through the front door.
It is important to note that some types of bicycles are not allowed on LA Metro. These include fuel-powered, three-wheeled, tandem, recumbent, and over six-foot-long bicycles, as well as all mopeds and trailers.
LA Metro also offers electric bikes through its Metro Bike Share program. These bikes have a pedal-assisted electric motor that provides a boost of speed up to 17 mph, making it easier to climb hills and cover longer distances. Riders need to be at least 16 years old, and those under 18 need parental permission. Electric bikes are subject to the same rules as traditional bikes when brought on board.
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Electric scooters are legal in LA
Electric scooters are legal in Los Angeles, but there are rules and regulations that riders must follow. Firstly, you must have a valid driver's license or a learner rider's permit to ride an electric scooter. This is because it is classified as a motorized scooter, and so can be driven with any class of driver's license. However, you do not need to register your electric scooter.
There are other safety requirements that riders must adhere to. For example, if you are aged 18 or under, you must wear a helmet. While it is not legally required for adults, it is still strongly recommended as a safety precaution. Electric scooters must also be equipped with reflectors: a red rear reflector that is visible from 152.4 meters or 500 feet away, and white or yellow side reflectors visible from 61 meters or 200 feet away.
In terms of riding behavior, electric scooters cannot be ridden just anywhere. Riders should use Class II bicycle lanes where possible, and must not ride under the influence of alcohol, with a legal limit of 0.08% BAC for all drivers and riders aged 21 and above. Riders can also be charged with a DUI regardless of their BAC if they are showing signs of intoxication. Electric scooters also cannot be parked on sidewalks as they obstruct pedestrian traffic.
While electric scooters are legal in LA, they were temporarily banned for 6 months in 2018 while California and Los Angeles city officials worked on new regulations and infrastructure for their safe use. Now, electric scooters are allowed on LA Metro trains, but there may not always be room, and riders with wheelchairs or strollers will be given priority.
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Local regulations must be followed
Electric scooters are allowed in cities where they have not been specifically banned. For example, in Los Angeles and Santa Monica, it is legal to rent and ride an electric scooter, but you must follow local regulations. Local regulations must be followed to avoid penalties.
In Los Angeles, the use of electric scooters has been legalized by city officials, but there are rules in place regarding their use. Riders must adhere to a speed limit of 15 miles per hour and park their scooters upright on the outer edge of sidewalks near bus benches, parking meters, and advertising kiosks. Additionally, you must have a valid driver's license or a learner's permit, and it is mandatory to have a red rear reflector and white or yellow side reflectors on your scooter. If you are 18 or younger, wearing a helmet is a legal requirement, and riding under the influence (DUI) of any substance is prohibited.
It is important to note that regulations can vary within a city. For instance, Beverly Hills banned motorized scooters for six months in 2018, and West Hollywood prohibits shared or rented electric scooters from operating within its city limits. However, you are permitted to ride your own scooter or one rented from another city in West Hollywood.
When it comes to public transportation, regulations vary depending on the location and the specific transit system. For example, the LA Metro allows you to bring strollers, luggage, mobility devices, and bikes on board. However, there is no eating, drinking, or smoking allowed on platforms, trains, or buses. On the other hand, Metro/WMATA in DC previously banned bikes on its rail system but later allowed them during off-peak hours. As of 2019, Metro/WMATA permits bikes and scooters on its trains at all service hours, provided there is space available.
Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of and comply with the specific regulations in your local area to ensure safe and legal use of your electric scooter, whether on public roads or when using public transportation.
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Speed and parking restrictions apply
In terms of parking, electric scooters must be left parked upright, on the outer edge of the sidewalk, near bus benches, parking meters, and advertising kiosks. Scooters should not be parked on the sidewalk as this obstructs the flow of pedestrian traffic. This is a common restriction in many cities.
Other restrictions to be aware of when riding an electric scooter in Los Angeles include the requirement to have a valid driver's license or a learner rider's permit. Riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet, and it is recommended that riders over 18 also wear one as a safety precaution. Electric scooters should be driven in the same direction as traffic, keeping to the left-hand curb or edge of a one-way road.
It is also important to note that electric scooters are not allowed to be ridden or parked just anywhere in Los Angeles. For example, Beverly Hills banned all motorized scooters from streets and sidewalks for a period of 6 months in 2018, and West Hollywood prohibits shared or rented scooters within its city limits.
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Scooters must be folded and stowed
While there is no explicit policy on whether electric scooters are allowed on LA Metro trains, it is safe to assume that they are treated similarly to bicycles. LA Metro's policy states that "standard-size bikes will be allowed at all times, on any car of any train, provided that space is available." This policy change was implemented due to the increased space available on newer trains, allowing for more flexibility during rush hour.
Scooters, like bicycles, can be brought on board but must be folded and stowed to ensure they don't obstruct the aisle or doorway. This is in line with LA Metro's priority to keep aisles and doorways clear and accessible. For example, pets are allowed on board but must be secured in enclosed carriers, and luggage and large items have designated spaces, usually at the end of rail cars, marked with a yellow decal. Similarly, scooters should be folded and placed in designated storage areas or other available spaces to ensure they don't impede passenger flow or cause safety hazards.
The compact nature of folded scooters supports this assumption. Electric scooters, when folded, can be very compact, even smaller than a bicycle, making them easier to carry and stow. This compactness reduces the amount of space they occupy on trains, minimizing any potential obstruction. Additionally, some scooter rental companies, like Urb-E, feature compact, foldable scooters in their marketing materials, showcasing people riding the LA Metro with their scooters. This further suggests that folded scooters are permitted on board as long as they are appropriately stowed away.
It's important to note that LA Metro may still have certain restrictions during major events with high ridership. During such times, they may temporarily restrict scooters and bicycles to manage the increased number of passengers. However, outside of these exceptions, scooters, when folded and stowed, should generally be allowed on LA Metro trains, similar to how bicycles are currently permitted. This allows commuters to take advantage of the convenience and portability offered by electric scooters as part of their overall journey.
In summary, while there is no explicit policy mentioned, the treatment of scooters is likely similar to that of bicycles on LA Metro trains. Scooters must be folded and stowed appropriately to avoid obstructing aisles and doorways, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and priority for passenger comfort and accessibility.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric scooters are allowed on the LA Metro.
Yes, standard-size electric scooters will be allowed at all times, on any car of any train, provided that space is available.
Yes, there is no eating or drinking allowed on platforms, trains, and buses. There is also no smoking within 20 feet of any Metro facility entrance, exit, or operable window.
Yes, you must have a valid driver's license or a learner's permit to ride an electric scooter in LA.
Yes, riders must not go over 15 miles per hour (mph) and must leave scooters parked upright on the outer edge of the sidewalk near bus benches, parking meters, and advertising kiosks.
