Motorized Scooter, Bike Pilot Program Explored In Vienna

VIENNA, VA—Town of Vienna staff are recommending a pilot program regulating motorized scooters and bikes be established by Jan. 1, 2020. It was a topic of discussion at a June 10 Town Council work session.

The consideration comes after the passage of a state law on motorized scooters and bikes, also known as shared or dockless mobility devices, InsideNova first reported. The law, which takes effect on July 1, 2019, allows localities to regulate the operation of these devices. But starting on Jan. 1, 2020, these devices will be allowed without regulation even if the localities do not establish a regulation program.

To view the law, click here and scroll down to 46.2-1315.

Motorized scooters and bikes are typically rented through smartphone apps. If a locality has a pilot program regulating the devices, users must follow guidelines on where to drop the devices off, where to ride them and more.

The District of Columbia and Montgomery County, Maryland were the first in the region to establish pilot programs in 2017. Arlington County and the City of Alexandria joined in 2018, and the City of Fairfax is set to begin a pilot program on July 1.

Aside from Vienna, the City of Falls Church, George Mason University and Fairfax County are exploring pilot programs. If a pilot program is approved in Vienna, the Public Works Department would be responsible for managing it.

Town staff say Vienna should start a pilot program similar to those in the City of Fairfax and other jurisdictions. The Town Council work session included a discussion on the City of Fairfax's regulations for the devices.

According to InsideNova, the Town Council will have another discussion in September.