Albemarle County, VA Mobility & Curb Rules: Shared E-Scooter Rules (2026)

The Board of Supervisors created the dockless mobility permit program in Chapter 9, Article 7 of the County Code to make sure e-scooter and e-bike sharing services are consistent with public safety and accessibility of rights-of-way, to cut single-occupancy vehicle trips, and to improve the equity of the county's transportation network. Sec. 9-701 defines a Dockless Mobility Device as a bicycle, electric power-assisted bicycle, or motorized skateboard or scooter as defined under the Code of Virginia, and a Dockless Mobility Business as any person who offers such devices for hire on public rights-of-way; state and local transit agencies are excluded.

Sec. 9-702 makes it unlawful for a business to provide Dockless Mobility Service without first obtaining a permit. Sec. 9-703 gives the County Executive authority to adopt regulations covering permit requirements and to set fees, charges, and penalties, and to require insurance, bond, or indemnification. Sec. 9-704 lets the County Executive cap the maximum number of devices allowed to operate under the program. In reviewing an application, Sec. 9-705 directs the County Executive to weigh aggregate demand for the service and any goal in the Comprehensive Plan or Strategic Plan, and the County Executive may approve a different device count than the operator requested.

Sec. 9-706 authorizes the County Executive to suspend or revoke a permit for a violation of Article 7 or of any regulation adopted under it, and Sec. 9-707 requires an administrative appeal process for a denial, suspension, revocation, or reduction in the number of approved devices. Separately, Sec. 00, to park a scooter or bike on a sidewalk or roadway in a way that blocks curb ramps, fire access, or pedestrian paths, or anywhere other than a rack, corral, or curb.