Charleston has not adopted a comprehensive shared-scooter ordinance, and dockless fleets are not currently operating downtown, while privately owned e-scooters must follow general WV traffic rules.
Unlike larger metros, Charleston has not entered into franchise agreements with major shared e-scooter companies, and there are no permanent dockless fleets along Capitol Street or the Town Center Mall corridor. Privately owned e-scooters and e-bikes operate under WV Code Chapter 17C, which addresses motorized devices and helmet rules for younger riders. Riders should treat e-scooters like bicycles for purposes of lane use and yielding. Sidewalk operation in the downtown commercial core is generally discouraged. Future shared-fleet arrangements would require Council action and likely permit fees, parking corrals, and geofencing.
Riding e-scooters in prohibited downtown sidewalk zones, on the Capitol Complex without authorization, or at night without lights may produce citations.
Charleston, WV
West Virginia Senate Bill 167, enacted in 2017, prohibits sanctuary policies. Charleston cannot adopt rules barring police cooperation with federal immigrati...
Charleston, WV
Charleston cannot set its own minimum wage above the West Virginia rate of 8.75 dollars per hour set by W. Va. Code Section 21-5C-2. State law preempts local...
Charleston, WV
Charleston levies a business and occupation gross receipts tax under Chapter 10 of the City Code, with rates that vary by business classification such as ret...
Charleston, WV
Charleston has not adopted a hotel worker retention ordinance like those in some larger cities. Hotel sales or change-of-control transactions in Charleston f...
Charleston, WV
Charleston hotel guests pay a 6 percent city hotel occupancy tax under W. Va. Code Chapter 7 plus a 6 percent state consumer sales tax, totaling roughly 12 p...
Charleston, WV
Charleston enforces loud party rules through the city noise ordinance and disorderly conduct provisions in Chapter 24, with stronger response near East End r...
See how Charleston's shared e-scooter rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.