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 Sep 22, 2020 at 12:01 PM

Covid-19 Update

The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) recommends that all community members change their daily behavior to reduce risk from COVID-19, particularly to protect our most vulnerable populations. The City of Alexandria has already taken proactive measures to further reduce risk and encourages all organizations and individuals to take necessary steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Additional information about the City of Alexandria's response to COVID-19 can be found here.  

The City's dockless mobility program continues to operate. Spin, Bird, and Razor devices are available to the community to access essentials (grocery stores, medicine, etc.), and Lime has paused its service in the City. Shared mobility can be an alternative mode of travel while social distancing. To reduce risk to users and the community, the City is coordinating with each company on their disinfecting practices. The City also recommends that scooter riders wash their hands before and after riding, disinfect points of contact (handlebars, etc.) prior to riding, consider wearing gloves, and minimize touching their face.

What's New

As part of an action in December, City Council approved the creation of an Ad Hoc Scooter Task Force. After receiving many applications, the final list of the Task Force members is provided here. Meetings are open to the public and materials will be provided online. The first meeting of the Task Force was held virtually via Zoom on September 21, 2020 at 7 p.m. During the meeting, the Task Force discussed their recommendation to City Council. The Phase II Pilot was approved to 2020 to determine next steps for the dockless program.

Meeting Recording: Sept. 21 Ad Hoc Scooter Task Force

Meeting agenda 

Phase II Pilot Program

2019_11_06_Alexandria Dockless Mobility Evaluation_coverDuring the 2019 Phase I Dockless Pilot Program, the City worked through challenges and made some adjustments to better manage the program. While scooters have been used for around 286,000 trips (through December 2019), 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 was proposed and approved. Key changes from the first pilot include: 

  • More equitable distribution of scooters across the City
  • A ban on riding scooters on any sidewalk in the City
  • Establishment of an Ad-Hoc Scooter Task-Force
  • Stricter requirements of scooter companies including data sharing requirements and increased permit fees
  • Installation of additional parking corrals

Materials from the City Council Meeting that provide more details on the Staff proposed changes can be viewed here. The Dockless Mobility Pilot Evaluation Report summarizes key findings and draft recommendations from the 2019 Pilot findings and data.

The City began accepting permit applications from operators in January and will continue to throughout 2020. All operators are required to sign the 2020 Memorandum of Understanding, which described the City's requirements and expectations. Permits have been issued to Lime, Bird, Razor, Spin, and Helbiz. 

Phase I Pilot Program

Information about the Phase I Pilot Program can be found here. The Dockless Mobility Pilot Evaluation Report summarizes key findings and draft recommendations from the 2019 Pilot findings and data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. How can I provide feedback on the Phase II pilot program?

To provide feedback on the Phase II pilot program, please fill out this comment form. Comments will be reviewed and will be considered as the Pilot is evaluated. Comments or questions received via the form will not receive a response. If you have a question about the Phase II pilot program, please reach out to the City.

2. Which companies are allowed to operate in Alexandria?

Lime, Bird, Spin, Razor, and Helbiz are currently permitted to operate in Alexandria.

3. Where can I ride a scooter or e-bike?

Scooter and e-bike riding is not permitted on sidewalks per City Code, but is allowed on streets, in bike lanes, and certain trails. Riders must follow all applicable traffic laws and should always ride safely, considerately.

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

Individual private companies operate and maintain the shared mobility devices.

5. 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 with the location of the device, why you are reporting it, and (if possible) the device ID number. Contact information for each company is provided on the devices, and below. 

6. Where should e-bikes or scooters be parked?

Devices should be parked in a way that does not impede pedestrian or ADA access. Do not park on private property or anywhere that cannot be accessed by other users. Additionally, devices should not block access to sidewalks, ramps, entrances to buildings, fire hydrants, bus stops, parked cars, travel lanes, and driveways.

Follow these videos on how to appropriately park scooters or e-bikes:

7. What do 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. How many devices can each company deploy?

Each company can deploy up to 200 devices. They can request additional devices based on criteria outlined in the 2020 Memorandum of Understanding, at the discretion of the City Manager. 

Equity and Access

Bird, Lime, Spin, and Razor provide low cost plans for riders who qualify:

Bird, Lime, Spin, and Razor also provide non-smartphone access (SMS or call to unlock devices) and non-credit card payment options.

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