First Dockless Scooter Permit Approved In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The City of Alexandria has approved its first permit to bring dockless scooters and bikes into the city. San-Francisco-based Lime will be the first dockless device company allowed to operate in Alexandria. The city is accepting permit applications from companies as part of the nine-month dockless mobility device pilot program approved in November.

Dockless devices are shared devices like bikes and scooters. Unlike Capital Bikeshare, the devices are not stored in docks. Rather users can pick up and drop off the devices at locations like sidewalks.

Companies receiving permits must follow the city's established rules on dockless devices. This includes instructing riders to park devices in appropriate locations like the edge of a sidewalk. Devices cannot impede pedestrian access; obstruct access to fire hydrants and valves, street furniture, crosswalks, driveways or private property; damage landscaping, street trees or other aesthetic features; and interfere with traffic or bus stop operations or operation and use of Capital Bikeshare stations. Companies are allowed a maximum fleet size of 200 devices.

Residents and business owners that find devices blocking access or parked on private property can move the devices or contact the company to remove them.

The city will evaluate the pilot program throughout the nine months. Public feedback will be collected.

For more information, visit the city's Dockless Mobility Device page.

Image via Mario Tama/Getty Images