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EL CERRITO, Contra Costa County, Calif., Oct. 23, 2026 — Two juveniles were taken to a hospital after the electric scooter they were riding together collided with a car Thursday afternoon, October 22, near the Ohlone Greenway and Potrero Avenue in El Cerrito, police said.
Both juveniles were on a single stand-up electric scooter when the operator reportedly ran a stop sign and rode into the path of an oncoming vehicle, according to El Cerrito police. The driver braked but could not avoid the scooter and its riders, police said. Neither juvenile was wearing a helmet, and neither held a driver's license, according to police.
Investigators said the scooter was capable of reaching 43 mph, nearly three times the 15 mph limit California law sets for motorized scooters. Police have cited the failure to stop at the Potrero Avenue sign as the main factor in the crash, with the device's top speed noted as a contributing issue, according to the report.
The juveniles' ages have not been released, and police have not disclosed their condition. It remains unclear whether any charges will follow, authorities said.
The crash comes as El Cerrito police carry out a broader enforcement effort along the Ohlone Greenway, where officers this week impounded illegal electric motorcycles and cited riders for operating without a license. Police have said devices sold as e-bikes or scooters can carry legal requirements, including age, licensing and helmet rules, that differ from what buyers expect, and that a product's ability to go fast does not make that speed legal.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
More on Crashes in El Cerrito, CA
This crash happened on Potrero Avenue in El Cerrito, California. We cover crashes across Contra Costa County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Contra Costa County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What usually causes crashes involving scooters and cars? Many involve a scooter or rider entering traffic without stopping at a sign or signal, or a driver failing to see a smaller, lower-profile vehicle in time to react.
Does speed make a difference in how serious these crashes are? Yes. Higher speeds mean less time to stop or swerve, and the forces involved in any impact increase sharply as speed rises, which tends to produce more serious injuries.
Why is distracted driving especially risky around scooters and bikes? Scooters are smaller and harder to spot than cars, so a driver who is looking at a phone or otherwise not fully focused has far less time to notice and respond to one entering the road.
Do weather or road conditions play a role in scooter crashes? Wet pavement, poor lighting and uneven surfaces can all affect how well a scooter rider can stop or keep control, especially at higher speeds.
What to Do After a Scooter Accident in El Cerrito, CA
If you're involved in a crash between a scooter and a vehicle, you should first check for injuries and call 911 if there is any doubt about the severity. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it's worth getting checked by a medical provider, since some injuries from an impact don't show symptoms right away.
If you're a parent whose child rides an electric scooter or e-bike, it helps to confirm what the device is legally allowed to do, including speed limits, passenger rules, helmet requirements and whether a license or permit is needed, before letting a child use it on streets or shared paths. Reporting the crash to local police and keeping any documentation, such as photos of the scene or the device involved, can also help if questions about the incident come up later.
