Dockless Mobility

The City of Alexandria has launched a pilot program to allow private companies to operate shared mobility devices (such as dockless bicycles and scooters available for rent) in the City under a nine month demonstration program. With multiple neighboring jurisdictions experimenting with these devices and some appearing, without permits, on the streets of Alexandria, the time is right for the City to evaluate if and how they might operate here.

Page updated on Oct 3, 2019 at 3:15 PM

What is the Dockless Mobility Pilot? 

The purpose of this demonstration program will be to evaluate the safety and popularity of shared electric scooters and the overall performance of the companies. City staff is finalizing a report that looks at data being provided under the terms of the demonstration program. The evaluation will look at how and where devices are being used, company responsiveness, safety and other outcomes.

This demonstration program will determine if shared mobility devices such as e-scooters will be allowed to remain in the long term and how such businesses would be required to operate. 

For more information on the program, click here to view the Memo to Council serving as the Mid-Pilot Update

What's New

  • The City is considering a Phase II Pilot Program for 2020.  Over the past 9 months, the City has worked through many challenges and made adjustments to improve the scooter program. While scooters have been used for more than 200,000 trips, issues such as improper parking, unsafe riding, and reporting are challenges that require additional regulation and oversight. In order for the City to continue to (and more strictly) regulate scooter companies and riders, a Phase II pilot program with additional recommendations is being considered.
  • The City is seeking input on these draft recommendations. This input, along with data, research, comments received throughout the program, and feedback from focus group meetings will help guide the development of a final staff recommendation that Council will consider later this fall.  This input, along with data, research, comments received throughout the program, and feedback from focus group meetings will help guide the development of the recommendation that Council will consider later this fall regarding a path forward. Staff will present the Draft Recommendations to City Council on October 2.  The Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing on this item at its October 16 meeting.

Draft Recommendation for a Phase II Pilot Program

During the 2019 Scooter Pilot, the City worked through many challenges and made some adjustments to better manage the program. While scooters have been used for over 200,000 trips, issues such as improper parking, unsafe riding and reporting are challenges that require additional regulation and oversight. In order for the City to continue to (and more strictly) regulate scooter companies and riders, a Phase II pilot program with additional recommendations is being proposed. 

A Feedback Form is open to the public to gather input on the proposed Draft Recommendations for this program. This input, along with data, research, comments received throughout the program, and feedback from focus group meetings will help guide the development of a final recommendation that Council will consider later this fall regarding a path forward. 

Key proposed changes to the program include: 

  • Permitting scooters on sidewalks unless explicitly banned (same as bikes)
  • Requiring a 15 mph speed limit on streets
  • Limiting one rider per device
  • Requiring anyone under 14 to wear a helmet 
  • Requirements for deployment/rebalancing devices in different neighborhoods
  • Convening a City Manager appointed Ad-Hoc Scooter Task Force for duration of Phase II pilot 
  • Developing a streamlined “reporting” process
  • Installation of additional parking corral locations 

Pilot Program Updates

  • In order to evaluate the data collected through September and compile a comprehensive report and recommendation for City Council in November 2019, the pilot has been extended through the end of the year. 
  • The City is implementing "Parking Corrals" and is working with companies to encourage use of these locations for deployment of the devices and is encouraging users to park their devices in these on-street designated areas to better organize them. Parking corrals are visible in company Apps.
  • Based on feedback from the community, new areas of the City have been "Geofenced" to prohibit devices from starting or ending a trip in areas such as Market Square, the City Marina, Waterfront Park and the construction zone near King Street Metro.  
  • A Dockless Mobility Pilot Program update to Council was released on July 23, 2019.  The memo provides data, action items taken during the pilot and an outline of the steps to be taken and process for the duration of the pilot.
  • The City is accepting permit applications from operators. All operators must sign this Memorandum of Understanding, which describes the City's requirements and expectations. Permits have been issued to  Lime,  Lyft,  Jump,  Bird,  Bolt,  Skip, and  Spin to operate scooters and e-bikes within the City right of way and kick off the shared mobility demonstration program.  

Scooter outreach

Community Engagement & Outreach

Education AND Outreach Events 

Over the summer, City staff worked with scooter vendors to host outreach and education events. These events were open to the public to ask questions about the program, learn about safety and parking, and to learn how to ride the scooters safely. 

Four events were held at  Four Mile Farmers Market (Check out the video posted on the Farmer's Market Twitter feed), Southern Towers Farmers Market, Old Town at King St. and Union and First Thursday event in Del Ray. 

Previous Community Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQs and responses have been provided below but should you require more information, please contact us at  dockless.mobility@alexandriava.gov

1. How can I provide feedback on this demonstration program?

You can email us at dockless.mobility@alexandriava.gov

2. Where can I ride a shared mobility device?

Scooters cannot be ridden on sidewalks, but may be ridden on streets, in bike lanes, or certain trails.

E-assist bikes can be ridden anywhere that a conventional bicycle can be ridden.

Riders should always ride safely, considerately, and must follow all applicable traffic laws. Click here for a guide to safe walking and bicycling in Virginia.

3. Who is in charge of the shared mobility devices?

Individual private companies operate and maintain these shared mobility devices.

4. How do I report bikes or scooters that are left on my property or in another inappropriate location?

You should report the device to the company providing the service. Contact information for each company is provided on the devices, and below:

To report improper parking please contact with details on the intersection or address and why it is improperly parked (blocking sidewalks, ramps, etc.):

5. Where should the bikes or scooters be parked?

Anywhere a bike could be reasonably and respectfully parked that allows for at least a five-foot clear pedestrian zone and does not impede access by any other person or transportation mode.

Follow these videos on how to appropriately park scooters or ebikes:

How to park your scooter

Don't block pathways or ramps  

Scooters and E-Bikes should be parked in a way that DOES NOT block access to:

  • Travel lanes
  • Driveways
  • Sidewalk and ramps
  • Fire hydrants
  • Parked cars
  • Bus stops
  • Entrances to buildings

Additionally, do not park anywhere where you have been asked not to park before, a place that cannot be accessed by other shared mobility device users, or on private property where you do not have permission to park.

6. What can I do if a bike or scooter is parked inappropriately? 

If they are parked on your private property, or somewhere that impedes access, you may move the device to a more appropriate location yourself, if possible, or reach out to the company directly and request that they remove the device.

7. Is dockless bikeshare part of Capital Bikeshare?

No. Capital Bikeshare is jointly owned and operated by the City of Alexandria, District of Columbia, Arlington County, the Montgomery County, Fairfax County and Prince George's County. These shared mobility devices are not affiliated with Capital Bikeshare. Capital Bikeshare bikes must be returned to docking stations.

8. How do I sign up to use a shared mobility device?

Visit the website/mobile app of the company. You will need a separate account from Capital Bikeshare as there is no affiliation between the two.

9. How many devices can each company deploy?

Each company can deploy up to 200 devices.  They may request to expand their fleet by 25 additional devices if they show that devices are being used at least 3 times per day for a 4 week period.

10. Which companies are allowed to operate in Alexandria?

The City Council approved this pilot program on November 13th, and the City is currently accepting permit applications from shared mobility device companies. The companies that are currently permitted to operate in Alexandria include:

To contact shared mobility device companies that are operating in the region:

Equity and Access

  • Bird offers a Text-to-Ride feature allowing users who lack smartphones to rent scooters through texts. Also, their One Bird program waives the $1 unlocking fee. Individuals can enroll by emailing  One@Bird.co with their name, phone number and any document showing they've qualified for a state or federal assistance program (including, but not limited to, Medicaid, SNAP or discounted utility bills).
  • Lime Access offers a 50% discount on Lime rides ($0.50 unlocking fee, $0.07 a minute vs. $1 and $0.15), text-to-unlock options and cash payment options at PayNearMe locations throughout the country.
  • The  Lyft Community Pass allows qualifying low-income users to sign up for $5 a month for unlimited, free 30-minute rides within the DC-area service region.
  • Skip's Rider Accessibility Program offers qualified users a 50% discount on all Skip rides. Alexandria users can enroll in this program by visiting their  website and providing proof of participation in a state or federal assistance program such as Medicaid or SNAP. Skip also offers call-to-unlock and cash payment options – interested users can contact  support@skipscooters.com for more information.
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