E-Scooters Target Of Enforcement Operation In Santa Monica Today

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) — Police cracked down on e-scooter riders Friday to make sure they're following the rules of the road.

Both e-scooters and e-bikes were under extra scrutiny during an enforcement operation between noon and 6 p.m. Friday, which happens to be the start of Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial kickoff of summer.

With summer crowds on the way, Santa Monica says it wants to make sure visitors are aware of the e-scooter rules of the road, which include a prohibition of scooters on the beach bike path, sidewalks and on the Third Street Promenade.

CBS2/KCAL9 reporter Cristy Fajardo observed the crack down and spoke to people who thought it was time someone looked out for pedestrians.

Police were especially on the lookout for scooters, being ridden by children or anyone without a valid license or permit, or have two people on one scooter.

Santa Monica officials also want e-scooter riders to be parked in one of its 100 drop zones, upright and to the edge of a curb so they don't litter the path of wheelchair users and pedestrians.