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Shared Mobility Device - Draft Pilot Program
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BACKGROUND SUMMARY:
The General Assembly has passed legislation, effective July 1, 2019, that gives localities the ability to regulate SMDs. Localities cannot ban these devices, but may regulate them:
? 46.2-1315
. Powers of localities to regulate use of motorized skateboards or scooters, bicycles, or electric power-assisted bicycles for hire.
Any county, city, town, or political subdivision may (i) by ordinance regulate or (ii) by any governing body action or administrative action establish a demonstration project or pilot program regulating the operation of motorized skateboards or scooters, bicycles, or electric power-assisted bicycles for hire, provided that such regulation or other governing body or administrative action is consistent with this title. Such ordinance or other governing body or administrative action may require persons offering motorized skateboards or scooters, bicycles, or electric power-assisted bicycles for hire to be licensed, provided that on or after January 1, 2020, in the absence of any licensing ordinance, regulation, or other action, a person may offer motorized skateboards or scooters, bicycles, or electric power-assisted bicycles for hire.
OVERVIEW: Public Works staff has created a draft Pilot Program for Shared Mobility Devices for Council consideration. Attached are the draft documents for the pilot program.
SUMMARY/STAFF IMPRESSIONS: There are some fundamental questions or issues that must be considered for the pilot program:
- Should SMDs be regulated the same as bicycles in regards to helmet laws and where in the public right of way they are allowed to operate: On sidewalks? Allowed on Maple Ave?
- How many devices should each vendor be limited to operate in the Town? The City of Fairfax limits the number to 250 per vendor devices per mode (e-bikes or e-scooters).
- Should the service area of these dev...
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