Electric Scooter Accidents

San Diego Electric Scooter (Lime, Bird) Accident Attorneys

Khashayar Law Group represents people seriously injured in electric scooter crashes throughout San Diego County — riders thrown from scooters, pedestrians struck on sidewalks, and motorists impacted by scooters in roadways. California Vehicle Code §21235 governs motorized scooter operation, and the scooter share companies' user agreements typically include arbitration clauses, liability releases, and indemnification provisions that affect every claim. The firm handles these cases with attention to the procedural and contractual layers.

California Vehicle Code §21235 Motorized Scooter Rules

Key California rules under Vehicle Code §21235 and related sections include:

• Helmet — required for riders under 18 (§21235(c)).
• Driver's license or instruction permit — required to operate.
• Maximum 15 mph in bicycle paths and trails.
• Bike lane required where available — generally cannot operate on sidewalks (§21235(g)).
• No carrying passengers, no carrying packages that prevent control, no operating while wearing headphones in both ears.
• Vehicle Code §21235(b) — cannot ride at speeds greater than 15 mph in bike lanes and paths.

The Multi-Party Structure of E-Scooter Cases

Depending on the facts, the following parties may be involved in an e-scooter case:

• The scooter operator — for negligent riding.
• The share company (Lime, Bird, Spin, etc.) — for negligent maintenance, failure to remove defective scooters, or failure to enforce age/license restrictions.
• The scooter manufacturer — for design or manufacturing defects (steering, throttle, brake failures, battery fires).
• A third-party driver — when a motor vehicle caused or contributed.
• The municipality — when a road defect or improperly placed scooter (left blocking a sidewalk) contributed under California Government Code §835.

Share-company user agreements typically include binding arbitration clauses, liability releases, and indemnification provisions. The enforceability of these provisions in California is contested and case-specific.

How Khashayar Law Group Handles These Matters

Khashayar Law Group approaches every matter with the same trial-ready discipline that produced over $165 million in recoveries firm-wide. Daryoosh Khashayar has tried cases before juries, before judges, and before the California Court of Appeal, where he has secured multiple reversals of Superior Court rulings. He has litigated against major insurers including GEICO and Progressive, and against large corporations including Walmart and Costco.

ABOTA Membership and What It Means for Clients

Daryoosh Khashayar is a member of ABOTA — the American Board of Trial Advocates, an invitation-only organization for attorneys with exceptional verified civil jury trial experience and judicial recommendations. The firm has recovered more than $165 million for clients and prepares every matter — transactional or litigated — with the trial-readiness corporate counterparties respect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to ride a Lime or Bird scooter in California?

Yes. California Vehicle Code §21235 requires a driver's license or instruction permit to operate a motorized scooter.

Can I sue Lime or Bird directly after a scooter crash?

Often yes, depending on the facts. The user agreements include arbitration clauses, releases, and indemnifications, but the enforceability of these provisions varies. The firm evaluates contractual defenses and pleads around them where possible.

Where can I legally ride a scooter in California?

Roadways with a speed limit of 25 mph or less, bike lanes, and bike paths. Sidewalk riding is generally prohibited under Vehicle Code §21235(g).

Are scooter helmet laws different from bike helmet laws?

California Vehicle Code §21235(c) requires helmets only for scooter riders under 18, whereas helmet rules for bikes (§21212) and Class 3 e-bikes (§21213) have different age requirements. The Vehicle Code distinguishes among the three modes.

How long do I have to file a scooter accident claim in California?

Two years under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1; six months for a written government claim under Government Code §911.2 if a public entity is involved.

Talk to a San Diego E-Scooter Accident Attorney

Khashayar Law Group serves clients throughout San Diego and California. Consultations are free and confidential. Call (858) 509-1550 or visit our office at 1350 Columbia St., Suite 303, San Diego, CA 92101.