Austin, TX Mobility & Curb Rules: Shared E-Scooter Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- License
- Required from City (Sec. 14-9-11)
- Initial fleet cap
- 500 devices, downtown only
- License term
- Six months (Jun 1 / Dec 1)
- Max motor speed
- 20 mph
- Enforcing agency
- Austin Transportation & Public Works
Summary
Shared micromobility companies cannot deploy dockless scooters in Austin's right-of-way without a City license. New operators start capped at 500 devices in a defined downtown zone, on six-month license terms beginning June 1 and December 1 each year.
Except as provided in Subsection (B), a person may not display, sell, offer for sale, exchange, or take orders for the sale or exchange of merchandise, or dockless transportation goods services, rentals or lease within City right-of-way ... as determined by the director of the Austin Transportation Department (director), unless the person has obtained a license from the City.
Full Breakdown
City Code Section 14-9-11 bars offering dockless transportation services for rent in the public right-of-way unless the operator holds a City license, issued through the director of Austin Transportation and Public Works. Licenses run six-month terms starting June 1 and December 1, with applications due the first Friday of the preceding May and November. New licensees are capped at 500 devices confined to a defined downtown zone; fleet size and service territory expand only at renewal. The Director Rules for Shared Small Vehicle Mobility Systems set a 20 mph motor-assist cap and govern parking and no-ride areas.
Violations & Fines
Deploying scooters without a license, or exceeding the 500-device cap or the downtown boundary, exposes an operator to impoundment of devices and loss or non-renewal of its license by Austin Transportation and Public Works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to run scooters in Austin?
How many scooters can a new operator deploy?
How fast can Austin's shared scooters go?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Austin
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Austin to another location·View the Texas mobility & curb rules overview
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