Charleston, WV Mobility & Curb Rules: Shared E-Scooter Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Rental operators
- Need council-approved city agreement
- Sidewalk riding
- Prohibited for all riders
- Minimum age
- 16 years old
- Passengers
- None allowed
- First-offense fine
- $100-$500
Summary
Rental scooter companies need a city council-approved operating agreement before dropping scooters on Charleston streets, and riders can't take them onto sidewalks.
Notwithstanding the general authorization to operate motorized scooters, in order to eliminate hazards to public health and safety and to abate the potential public nuisance associated with the placement of rented motorized scooters on the public rights-of-way, the city council hereby requires any person seeking to operate a motorized scooter rental business within the city to enter into an agreement with the city, which shall be approved by city council prior to beginning operation.
(Bill No. 7956, 8-15-2022)
Editor's note— Bill No. 7956, adopted Aug. 15, 2022, repealed the former § 114-916 and enacted a new § 114-916 as set out herein. The former § 114-916 pertained to prohibition of operation and use of motorized scooters and derived from Bill No. 6984, § 31-261, adopted Aug. 18, 2003.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).
Full Breakdown
Charleston lets motorized scooters use city streets and alleys, but Sec. 114-916 singles out rental operations: anyone running a motorized scooter rental business must sign an agreement with the city, approved by city council, before starting operations. The stated purpose is to curb hazards and the public nuisance of rented scooters left on public rights-of-way. Riders on any motorized scooter, rented or owned, are barred from sidewalks under Sec. 114-918, must be 16 or older, can't carry passengers, and can't ride where the speed limit tops 30 mph.
Violations & Fines
Riding on a sidewalk, letting a scooter block a sidewalk when parked, or a rental company operating without a council-approved agreement each violate Ch. 114 Art. XIV; violations of Secs. 114-917 through 114-919 are misdemeanors carrying $100-$500 fines, with $250-$500 for repeat offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a scooter-share company just drop scooters in Charleston without permission?
Can riders take shared scooters onto Charleston sidewalks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston
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