Durham, NC Mobility & Curb Rules: Shared E-Scooter Rules (2026)

Section 50-463 makes it unlawful for anyone to conduct a shared micromobility program in the city except under Article VII. Section 50-464 requires a valid permit before operating, issued for a one-year term and renewable, with the director able to extend renewals up to two additional years based on performance; subsection (b) caps the total number of permits in effect at any time at three, unless the director's reasonable discretion authorizes more based on permittee performance and administrative demands. Permits aren't transferable or exclusive. Operational rules layered on top include GPS tracking and visible serial numbers on every device (§ 50-465); a ban on riding outside designated device operating areas without the property owner's consent, with permittees required to detect and notify customers of out-of-area trips (§ 50-466); customer communications requiring riders be told electric scooter operators must be at least 16, that sidewalk riding is prohibited except to park, and that greenway trail use is restricted (§ 50-467); $1,000,000-plus insurance, indemnification, and a performance bond (§ 50-468); and a requirement that permittees remove and secure their entire device fleet whenever the National Weather Service forecasts sustained winds of 40 mph or higher, or gusts of 58 mph or higher (§ 50-469(e)).