Bellingham, WA Mobility & Curb Rules: Shared E-Scooter Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum rider age
- 16 years old
- Sidewalk speed limit
- 4 mph
- No-ride sidewalks
- CBD, Fairhaven, library block
- Helmet
- required, strap fastened
- First-offense fine
- $150
Summary
Bellingham bans riding motorized foot scooters on sidewalks in the central business and Fairhaven districts and on multipurpose trails, requires riders to be 16+, wear a helmet, and limits sidewalk speed to 4 mph.
No person shall ride a motorized foot scooter upon a sidewalk within the central business district (as defined in BMC 11.52.020) or the Fairhaven business district (as defined in BMC 11.52.025) of the city of Bellingham.
2. A person may ride a motorized foot scooter on any area other than a sidewalk, at a speed safe and appropriate for the circumstances, or any roadway, at posted speed limits, unless restricted or prohibited by traffic-control devices.
3. Whenever any person is riding a motorized foot scooter upon a sidewalk, such person shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian.
4. Motorized foot scooters shall not be operated at a speed in excess of four mph upon any sidewalk, crosswalk, or pedestrian zone.
C. Public Highways with Speed Limit in Excess of 25 Miles per Hour. Motorized foot scooters shall not be operated upon any public highway where the speed limit is greater than 25 miles per hour unless the device is operated within a designated bicycle lane. [Ord. 2007-11-096].
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-06-015, passed June 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 11.57 BMC governs every motorized foot scooter operated in Bellingham: a term borrowed from RCW 46.04.336 that covers rental and shared devices, not just personally owned ones. Riding is barred on sidewalks in the central business district and Fairhaven business district, on any public multipurpose trail, and on roadways posted above 25 mph unless in a bike lane. Where sidewalk riding is otherwise allowed, operators must yield to pedestrians and stay under 4 mph. Riders must be at least 16, wear a helmet, and may not carry a passenger. Bellingham has adopted no separate permit scheme for shared-scooter operators; this chapter is the only local rule.
Violations & Fines
Violating the operating rules (lights, helmet, passengers, prohibited areas, roadway use) is a civil infraction: $150 for a first offense, $250 for each offense after that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a rental e-scooter on downtown Bellingham sidewalks?
Is there a minimum age to ride a motorized scooter in Bellingham?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
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