We're working to help you enjoy the benefits of e-devices while making streets safer for everyone.
E-devices are an affordable way to get around, and they quickly have become an important part of our transportation network. E-devices make it easier to get up hills. They help people bridge the “last mile” to transit. And they’re practical for families.
But San Francisco has seen a sharp increase in serious injuries involving stand-up electric scooters.
That’s why we have been working closely with other city agencies to improve e-device safety. They include the Department of Public Health and the San Francisco Police Department, among others. Our efforts on this support Mayor Lurie’s Street Safety Initiative.
We want to preserve the many benefits of e-devices while keeping riders and others safe. And we’re going about it in several ways.
- A collaborative approach to e-device safety
- With the help of a new state law
- Tips to stay safe on your e-device
Keeping communities safe with a multi-part strategy
Our public education campaign will help people understand where they can and cannot ride.
The city has been closely monitoring data around e-devices. And we have been working with other city agencies to make streets safer for everyone.
Our citywide strategy includes:
- Public education. SFPD, DPH, our teams and others have been partnering on a “Know Your Ride” campaign. This social media series breaks down the many types of e-devices. It explains requirements around age, helmets, licenses and more for each one. The campaign is critical because many riders may not know they’re breaking laws.
- E-Mobility Working Group. The city formed a working group with device providers, advocates and riders. Together, we are working on recommendations to raise awareness and prevent risks.
- Speed reduction. At the SFMTA we've been working to reduce dangerous speeding so that e-device riders and others are safer on city streets. Our speed camera program has contributed to a significant drop in car speeding in San Francisco. We are also lowering speed limits near 230 schools thanks to a new state law. Our teams will continue to look at other opportunities to reduce speeding where data shows a need.
- Street design. Our teams use the High Injury Network to prioritize where street design changes could help. These updates could include separated bikeways, on-street bike parking and other options. Certain e-devices can travel on bikeways and use bike parking.
- Enforcement. In addition to supporting public education, SFPD has been increasing enforcement. Officers focus on high-incident corridors and schools, among other areas.
- Data analysis. We will continue to share injury data between departments. This will help us adjust our strategy where needed.
Increasing our impact with a new state law
SB 1167 will help us improve safety across shared and privately-owned e-devices.
A new state law, SB 1167, will help us improve e-device safety in a few key ways.
- The law makes the rules clearer around what is a legal e-bike vs. a high-powered vehicle.
- It strengthens accountability for products that are not properly labeled or marketed.
- And it improves the quality of information available to regulators and law enforcement.
This law will give city agencies better data. That will help improve our public education and our shared mobility programs. City partners will also be able to make more informed calls on infrastructure and safety investments.
With better data, it will be easier for us to keep communities safe.
The e-mobility basics
Protected bikeways are a good option for people riding legal e-devices.
Most of all, we want to give you practical tips to stay safe!
There are some basic rules for riding any e-device in San Francisco.
- Yield for pedestrians
- Obey all traffic laws
- Never ride while under the influence
- Never ride on the sidewalk
- Ride in the direction of traffic
- Park responsibly and keep sidewalks clear
Helmets are required for all riders under 18 and strongly recommended for riders of any age or experience level.
Not sure if you’re riding a more powerful e-device? Check out the California DMV’s page on Motorcycles, Mopeds and Scooters.
E-devices have found their place in San Francisco. So, we’re working as a city to make sure you feel safe and confident riding them and sharing space with them.