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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 11Ch. 1Art. 6§ 21281 Epamd Safety Equipment Requirements

§ 21281 Epamd Safety Equipment Requirements

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 21281 Epamd Safety Equipment Requirements

This law says that electric scooters or similar devices must have safety features like reflectors, brakes, lights at night, and a way to make noise to warn people.

Key Takeaways

  • •Your scooter must have reflectors on the front, back, and sides.
  • •You need working brakes to stop safely.
  • •If you ride at night, you must have a bright front light that can be seen from 300 feet away.
  • •Your scooter should have a bell or horn to warn people when needed.

Example

Riding an electric scooter at night

If you ride your scooter after dark, you need a white light on the front so people can see you from far away, or you could get in trouble.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 21281 Epamd Safety Equipment Requirements

Every electric personal assistive mobility device, or EPAMD, shall be equipped with the following safety mechanisms: (a) Front, rear, and side reflectors. (b) A system that enables the operator to bring the device to a controlled stop. (c) If the EPAMD is operated between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise, a lamp emitting a white light that, while the EPAMD is in motion, illuminates the area in front of the operator and is visible from a distance of 300 feet in front of the EPAMD. (d) A sound emitting device that can be activated from time to time by the operator, as appropriate, to alert nearby persons. (Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 979, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2003. Section operative March 1, 2003, pursuant to Section 21283 (later repealed).)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

electric personal assistive mobility deviceEPAMDfront, rear, and side reflectorscontrolled stoplamp emitting a white lightsound emitting device

Related Statutes

  • § 21280.5 Electric Mobility Device Definition
  • § 21281.5 Epamd Speed And Safety
  • § 13020 Digital Driver’S License Pilot
  • § 21280 Electric Mobility Device Use
  • § 21282 Local Electric Scooter Regulations

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 21281.
View Official Source