Programs

E-Scooter Rules & Safety

E-scooters are both convenient and fun. But keep in mind that scooters are a transportation option and not a toy. Obey all traffic laws and please scoot sober.

You can be arrested on drunk driving charges if you operate a scooter while under the influence. That includes alcohol, as well as other substances.

A conviction for DWI on a scooter is the same as if you were driving a car or other vehicle.

Play it safe. Scoot sober and don’t get pulled over.

Charlotte continues to be a nationwide leader in electric scooters. Learn more about e-scooter program successes, and the impact its had in Charlotte since its 2018 launch.

Bicycles, E-Scooters & E-Bikes are Restricted from Sidewalk Riding in Uptown Charlotte

​Sidewalk riding is allowed except in the area of Uptown bound by Church St., Stonewall St., College St., and 7th St. When riding on sidewalks, be visible, courteous and yield to pedestrians at all times.

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E-Scooter Rules, Parking, and Safety Suggestions

Safety for all users of the transportation network – pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, drivers and e-scooter users – is the first and foremost concern of the City. To that end, on January 14, 2019 City Council adopted rules for the use of e-scooters within Charlotte. Read the full text of the rules.

Below are important rules to remember when riding an e-scooter.

  • Speed Limits: E-scooters are limited to 15mph.

  • Sidewalk Riding: Sidewalk riding is allowed except in the area of Uptown bound by Church St., Stonewall St., College St., and 7th St. When riding on sidewalks, be visible, courteous and yield to pedestrians at all times. ​

  • Parking: E-scooters cannot be parked in a manner that block sidewalks, curb ramps, or bus stops. (See more below.)

  • Helmet Use: In concurrence with state law, anyone under the age of 16 must wear a helmet. NOTE: All e-scooter operators in Charlotte currently require riders to be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license.

  • Permits: Companies must secure a permit from the City to operate a fleet of e-scooters in Charlotte. Operators are responsible for meeting the permit requirements specific to safety, maintenance, operations, parking, and data sharing as outlined in the Ch​arlotte Dockless Bike and E-Scooter Share Permit Requirements.

  • Fleet Size: Charlotte has established a "dynamic cap" on the number of e-scooters each company can operate based on our residents' e-scooter usage. If a company's average trips per day for each e-scooter exceeds 3.0, that company may deploy more e-scooters. If a company's average trips per day for each e-scooter falls below 2.0, that company must remove e-scooters from the system.

​When you finish your ride, make sure you park your e-scooter in a location that does not impede a pedestrian walkway. When parking your e-scooter, please remember that someone using a wheelchair or a stroller should always have plenty of room to get through.

E-Scooters should be parked upright:

  • in the pedestrian zone of the sidewalks (leave a 6' pathway for people who are walking, rolling or strolling) OR

  • in the green zone next to the sidewalk (i.e. the planting strip if not landscaped)

When parking your e-scooter, do NOT block:

  • Parklets or sidewalk dining

  • Transit zones, including bus stops, shelters, passenger waiting areas and bus layover and staging zones

  • Loading zones

  • Accessible parking zones and associated loading zones

  • Street furniture that requires pedestrian access (for example - benches, parking pay stations, bus shelters, transit information signs, newsracks, permanent bike share docks, etc.)

  • Curb ramps and signal push buttons

  • Entryways and exits must maintain a 10 foot clearance

  • Driveways

Also, please do not park your e-scooter on private property, county parks, LYNX light rail platforms or in a vehicle travel lane or bicycle lane.

  1. ​It’s recommended to wear a helmet; it’s the safest way to ride an e-scooter.

  2. Watch out for pedestrians.

  3. Obey all traffic laws (e.g. ride on the right side of the road, follow traffic signals and stop signs).

  4. Ride sober.

  5. Make eye contact with motorists before merging and crossing in front of vehicles.

All e-scooter operators in Charlotte require riders to be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license.

Shared Mobility Program

Learn more about the Shared Mobility Program 

Electric Scooter Safety: Riding & Parking

Adopting safe riding and proper parking practices will keep our streets and sidewalks safe for everyone. A transcript is available below.

E-scooters are a great way to connect us to people and places. Enjoy the ride. Always wear a helmet and do not forget about those around you.

Share the sidewalks with everyone. Always yield to pedestrians when using the sidewalk. Pedestrians have the right of way. Always ride slowly or stop as you approach pedestrians.

Reckless riding is dangerous for everyone. Always be considerate and park your e-scooter upright and DO NOT BLOCK THE SIDEWALK. Curb ramps, building entrances and bus/transit stops are off limits. Always be patient when you encounter others, and remember, a few extra seconds is all it takes.

Electric Scooter Safety: Restricted Sidewalks

The popularity of electric scooters has skyrocketed. It’s more important than ever to make sure we’re being safe.

E-scooters cannot be used on sidewalks in center city. When in Uptown, people must ride on the street in the area bound by Church Street, Stonewall Street, College Street and 7th Street.

Pedestrians have the right of way. When riding on sidewalks, please be visible, courteous and yield to pedestrians at all times.

Always wear a helmet and enjoy the ride!