Arlington Considering Policy to Address e-Scooters

Arlington County is considering a proposed ordinance to regulate e-scooters and other “micro-mobility devices.”  The County’s pilot program is set to expire at the end of the year and the Department of Environmental Services is soliciting input from local businesses and residents with regard to how the County should address sidewalk riding, parking, speeds, and other issues. 

Shared mobility devices have proven extremely popular in Arlington.  Currently the County has approved seven companies for about 3,000 e-Scooters and 350 e-Bikes with approximately 1,000 e-Scooters deployed each day, 70,000+ trips made each month, and an average trip length of about 1.0 mile.

AOBA members have expressed varying opinions with regard to the pilot program.  Some have lauded the benefits of the devices in terms of increasing accessibility of properties from transit nodes.  Others have voiced challenges with devices being left in front of buildings and obstructing entryways.  

Now is your opportunity to provide feedback to the County as they update their ordinance. 
In particular, the County is seeking feedback with regard to:

• How restrictive should the County be about sidewalk riding?
• Should e-Scooter operations be prohibited during late night hours?
• Should the County Manager impose a cap on the total number of vehicles permitted to operate in Arlington?
• Are there local business concerns about e-Scooters or other micro-mobility devices?

Click here to provide comments and/or concerns to the County for consideration