Electric Scooters

In December 2019, City of Lynchburg created a permit allowing additional mobility devices to operate in the City. Before beginning operations, private electric scooter and bike providers are required to obtain a permit and adhere to program rules.

Generally, electric powered scooters and bikes should adhere to the same rule of the road as conventional bicycles. Lynchburg has elected to not permit operation of scooters on streets, on greenways or in parks.

Operators should communicate with users through the vendor’s smartphone app about proper parking. Generally, scooters should be parked at the edge of sidewalk areas where they won’t impede pedestrian traffic on sidewalks. Report improper parking or other problems directly to the operator. Each scooter is required to have a contact information label.

Comments, complaints, and compliments should be made to the vendor by using the app, or call

(866) 205-2442

Scooter Rules for Riders

Riders are required to operate e-scooters on sidewalks
Riding on public streets is prohibited.
Helmets are encouraged but not required.
Riders must be 18 or older and possess a valid drivers license.
Riders are required to obey all traffic laws including D.U.I. laws.
Scooters are geo-fenced to only operate within boundary limits.
Scooters have a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour.
Riders are required to park their scooters upright on hard surfaces in a manner that does not obstruct or impede the public right of way at the end of their ride.
Provide a four-foot pedestrian clear zone area in the sidewalk.
Cannot be parked near a fire hydrant, bus bench, utility pole or box, commercial window display or access to or from any building.
Cannot be parked to impede the use of a bicycle rack or news rack.
Cannot be parked in transit zones including bus stops, shelters and passenger waiting areas.
Cannot be parked in loading zones or disabled parking spaces.
Cannot be parked in driveways.

DO	DON'T
Ride on the sidewalk Obey all traffic laws Ride only within the program boundaries Always ride with both hands Ride one person/rider per scooter Wear a helmet Be aware of your surroundings Yield to pedestrians Follow CDC public health guidelines	Ride on the street or in a bike lane Forget to park in a manner that does not obstruct or impede the public right of way Ride outside the boundaries or in a no ride zone Ride with distractions - don’t text and ride Wear headphones Break any traffic laws Ride intoxicated Ride in construction zones

Frequently Asked Questions

How does an e-scooter work?

E-scooters can be rented using the vendor’s mobile app. Once rented, the e-scooter can be operated within the geo-fenced boundary. To end the ride, the e-scooter must be parked in a a manner that does not obstruct or impede the public right of way.

What are no-ride zones, and where are they located?

No-ride zones are areas in which e-scooters are not permitted for use. A map of the no-ride zones can be found within the vendor app.

Can e-scooters be ridden on roadways?

E-scooters are prohibited from being ridden on any roadway.

Can e-scooters be ridden on sidewalks?

E-scooters are allowed to be ridden on public sidewalks.

Where do I park an e-scooter when I am done with my ride?

Riders are required to park their scooters upright on hard surfaces in a manner that does not obstruct or impede the public right of way at the end of their ride.

What if there are issues with improperly parked e-scooters?

Members of the public are encouraged to report improperly parked scooters using the vendor mobile app.

How do I report a broken e-scooter?

Broken e-scooters should be reported directly to the vendor through the vendor’s mobile app.

E-scooter Boundary Map

A boundary map can be found within the vendor app.

Vendor Information

E-scooter companies must be granted a permit from the City of Lynchburg. If a scooter is parked improperly, or to report concerns, please report issues through the vendor’s mobile app.