Are gas scooters legal to drive in the streets of Los Angeles?

Depends on what kind of scooter you are referring to. If it's one of those tiny aluminum scooters, they're illegal to drive on the street. If it's a Vespa, it's legal as long as you have an M2 license. It could be M1, but either or.

If they're licensed they're legal. But that don't make 'em safe.