The disclosed embodiments relate to detecting sidewalk riding by a personal mobility vehicle (e.g., an electric scooter). For example, a method includes collecting sensor data (e.g., vibration data of an accelerometer) generated by the scooter while traveling on a surface of a travel pathway. The method further includes identifying a surface type by processing the collected sensor data with a computer model that can distinguish among different surface types, and determining that the travel pathway is unsuitable (e.g., a sidewalk) for the scooter based at least in part on the identified surface type (e.g., a pattern of concrete sections). In response to determining that the travel pathway is a sidewalk, causing the personal mobility vehicle to assist the user in navigating the personal mobility vehicle, alter a mobility operation of the personal mobility vehicle, or notify a surrounding area of a presence of the personal mobility vehicle.