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Los Angeles Scoop · Aug 7, 2026

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Scooters Are Gaining Popularity On Shabbos In Some Los Angeles Neighborhoods On Shabbos in Pico Robertson, it is becoming increasingly common to see adults and children using non-motorized scooters to get to and from shul — noticeably more than in communities such as Hancock Park. A similar difference can be seen in New York, where Shabbos scooter use is more common in the Five Towns than in neighborhoods such as Boro Park. One reason may be the sheer size of Los Angeles’ Jewish community. The Los Angeles Community Eruv covers an enormous area, bounded largely by the 405 Freeway on the west, the 10 Freeway on the south and the 101 Freeway on the north. Many families therefore live significant distances from their shuls. For some, a scooter makes it practical to attend shul while keeping Shabbos, and some people may scooter who might otherwise drive or simply be unable to make the long walk. That said, many in yeshivish and Chassidish communities do not use scooters on Shabbos. Halachic opinions and community customs vary considerably. LA SCOOP’S OPINION: LA Scoop is certainly not here to judge anyone on this issue. There were prominent Poskim in previous generations who permitted even riding a regular, non-motorized bicycle on Shabbos! At the same time, many communities have traditionally avoided bicycles and scooters because they view them as inconsistent with the spirit of Shabbos, while some Poskim may consider such riding uvdin d’chol — weekday-like activity — and therefore prohibited. Ultimately, this is a matter of Halacha and community practice. Everyone should follow the guidance of their own Rav.

*Scooters Are Gaining Popularity On Shabbos In Some Los Angeles Neighborhoods* On Shabbos in Pico Robertson, it is becoming increasingly common to see adults and children using non-motorized scooters to get to and from shul — noticeably more than in communities such as Hancock Park. A similar difference can be seen in New York, where Shabbos scooter use is more common in the Five Towns than in neighborhoods such as Boro Park. One reason may be the sheer size of Los Angeles’ Jewish community. The Los Angeles Community Eruv covers an enormous area, bounded largely by the 405 Freeway on the west, the 10 Freeway on the south and the 101 Freeway on the north. Many families therefore live significant distances from their shuls. For some, a scooter makes it practical to attend shul while keeping Shabbos, and some people may scooter who might otherwise drive or simply be unable to make the long walk. That said, many in yeshivish and Chassidish communities do not use scooters on Shabbos. Halachic opinions and community customs vary considerably. LA SCOOP’S OPINION: LA Scoop is certainly not here to judge anyone on this issue. There were prominent Poskim in previous generations who permitted even riding a regular, non-motorized bicycle on Shabbos! At the same time, many communities have traditionally avoided bicycles and scooters because they view them as inconsistent with the spirit of Shabbos, while some Poskim may consider such riding uvdin d’chol — weekday-like activity — and therefore prohibited. Ultimately, this is a matter of Halacha and community practice. Everyone should follow the guidance of their own Rav.

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