The Arlington County Board adopted regulations for e-scooters and other shared micro-mobility devices that will allow their use on sidewalks (with limitations), trails, and bike lanes, unless specifically signed or marked otherwise. In operation and user requirements, the devices will be treated largely like bicycles.
Devices will be required to have speedometers. Motorized scooters and skateboards will have a top speed of 15 miles per hour, and e-bicycles will have a top speed of 20 miles per hour on streets and trails. When operating on public sidewalks, the top speed of all the devices is restricted to six miles per hour. The devices will not be allowed to operate on sidewalks where a protected bicycle lane is available and may be prohibited from other sidewalks at the Manager’s discretion.
The Board voted unanimously to approve the regulations and permitting process. To read the staff report and specific requirements of the regulation, visit the County website.
The Board also approved a permit system to regulate the private companies renting the devices in the County. The Board’s actions came after staff collected extensive data on how, where and by whom the devices are being used in Arlington and analyzed hundreds of comments from residents through a pilot program the County launched in October 2018.
For more details, visit the Country Board website.