Revised E-Scooter Program Proposed In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — City staff will present draft recommendations on a second phase pilot program for electric scooters to Alexandria City Council on Oct. 2. The report calls for revisions to the current pilot program, which was previously extended to the end of 2019.

The second phase pilot program would run through December 2020. Among the changes would be a streamlined reporting process and allowing e-scooters on sidewalks, unless that's banned in a specific area. Revised speed limits would be 15 mph on streets and 6 mph on sidewalks. Only one rider would be allowed on each device, and riders under 14 would be required to wear a helmet.

Proposed requirements for e-scooter companies would include an income-based discount program, placement of e-scooters in parking corrals where available, and rebalancing e-scooter presence in different neighborhoods.

The city identified key resident concerns through public feedback during the pilot program, including improperly parked scooters; safety for pedestrians and people with disabilities; and how concerns are reported. The city made a number of changes during the pilot program, including the addition of parking corrals and geofenced areas where e-scooters cannot be parked.

Draft recommendations for a revised pilot program resulted from community feedback, data evaluation, coordination with other jurisdictions and leading practices. The public can provide feedback on these recommendations through an online survey open through Oct. 15.

Public feedback will be combined with feedback from focus groups and data to develop a final staff recommendation that will go to City Council for a decision later this fall. The Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing on Oct. 16.

For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/DocklessMobility.