E-Scooter Program Approved By Fairfax County Board Of Supervisors

FAIRFAX, VA — The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to approve the framework for a program for shared mobility devices such as e-scooters. The program will take effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

The county joins other local jurisdictions in establishing e-scooter programs in light of a new state law. The Virginia law allows localities to establish a regulation program for these devices. In the absence of a regulation program, the devices would be allowed without regulation starting Jan. 1, 2020.

Under Fairfax County's regulations, companies can apply for permits to operate scooters in the county. Each company can have a maximum fleet size of 300 devices, but that could be increased to 600 depending on usage.

Riders can use e-scooters on highways, sidewalks, shared-use paths, roadways, or crosswalks but must follow a speed limit of 10 mph. Devices must be parked in an area "that does not impede normal car or foot traffic." Residents who notice devices parked in an improper area will have to contact the company listed on the scooter to have it removed.

The program will be overseen by the county's Department of Cable and Consumer Services. In early 2021, staff will update the Board of Supervisors on the program with data from the first year.

County staff are working on a complaint process for improper use or abandonment of devices. Concerns with devices can be emailed to consumer@fairfaxcounty.gov.

For more about the program, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cableconsumer/csd/shared-mobility.