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Hiring an experienced e-scooter accident lawyer Orange County victims trust is essential as electric vehicle accidents continue to rise. E-scooter and e-bike crashes involve complex liability questions with scooter companies, negligent drivers, and municipalities. Introduction Electric scooters and e-bikes have transformed how people get around Orange County. Companies like Lime, Bird, and Spin have deployed thousands of devices across cities like Santa Ana, Irvine, and Huntington Beach. But with increased ridership comes increased accidents. Understanding your rights in an e-scooter or e-bike accident in Orange County is essential. California E-Scooter and E-Bike Classifications E-Scooters Under California Vehicle Code §21220-21235, electric scooters are classified as motorized scooters. Riders must have a valid driver’s license (or permit), and riders under 18 must wear a helmet. E-scooters cannot exceed 15 mph on flat ground. E-Bikes California classifies e-bikes into three categories: Class 1 (pedal-assist up to 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle-assist up to 20 mph), and Class 3 (pedal-assist up to 28 mph). Class 3 riders under 18 must wear helmets, and Class 3 e-bikes are restricted from certain bike paths. Where Can You Legally Ride? E-scooters: bike lanes, roads with speed limits under 25 mph, and bicycle paths (unless prohibited by local ordinance). E-bikes: bike lanes and roads; Class 3 e-bikes cannot use multi-use paths unless permitted locally. Neither can be ridden on sidewalks in most Orange County cities. Who Is Liable in an E-Scooter/E-Bike Accident? The Vehicle Driver Drivers who hit e-scooter or e-bike riders are liable under standard negligence principles. […]