Topeka, KS Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)

TMC 10.35.040 sets operating requirements for electric-assisted scooters citywide. Operators must be at least 16, no driver's license required, and riders under 18 must wear a helmet. Every scooter trip must comply with the traffic regulations that apply to bicycles under Sections 127 through 133 of the Standard Traffic Ordinance (TMC 10.15.010, as amended). On top of that baseline, the code separately bans: operating on a street posted 35 mph or higher unless the scooter stays in a marked bike lane; exceeding 15 mph anywhere; failing to yield to pedestrians or sound an audible signal before passing; ignoring Shawnee County resolutions on county park property, including the regional multi-use trails; inattentive operation; and any conduct showing a careless or heedless disregard for the rights or safety of others.

TMC 10.35.050 governs where a scooter can be left. Riders must park on a hard surface in the sidewalk's frontage or amenity zone, beside a bike rack, transit stop, or bike-share station, or in a spot the City has specifically designated for scooter parking, without blocking the four-foot pedestrian zone. It is separately unlawful to park in a street or posted no-parking area, on a sidewalk in a way that blocks the pedestrian zone, on private property without the owner's written consent, in a way that blocks a bike rack or Topeka Metro bike-share station, or in, or blocking access to, buildings, parking lots or garages, motor vehicle driving lanes or bicycle lanes, loading zones, disabled parking zones, designated street parking spaces, curb ramps, driveways or private entrances, transit zones, and utility infrastructure such as traffic control devices and utility poles.