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Grand Rapids, MI Mobility & Curb Rules: Shared E-Scooter Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Legal status
Regulated as a 'micromobility device'. Sec. 10.130
Vendor terms apply
Must follow rental app's terms of service
No-ride zone
Sidewalks in Downtown Improvement District
DID exception
Allowed north of I-196

Summary

Shared e-scooters count as 'micromobility devices' under Grand Rapids' bicycle ordinance, riders must follow the rental vendor's terms of service, and downtown sidewalk riding is barred in most of the Downtown Improvement District.

No User, except for people with disabilities with specially equipped devices, shall operate or ride a bicycle or micromobility device upon any sidewalk within the Downtown Improvement District ... except in that portion of the Downtown Improvement District that is north of I-196 ... User shall comply with vendor's terms of service so long as the terms do not conflict with Grand Rapids City Code.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 70).

Full Breakdown

Sec. 10.130(3) defines 'Micromobility Device' to include electric stand-up and sit-down scooters, so dockless shared scooters fall under Article 8's bicycle rules. Sec. 10.133 requires riders to follow the rental vendor's terms of service whenever those terms don't conflict with city code. The clearest no-ride zone sits in Sec. 10.132(1): riding on sidewalks is barred throughout the Downtown Improvement District except in the DID area north of I-196, on sidewalks posted with prohibition signage, or during special events, riders must otherwise use the street, a bike lane, or a designated trail.

Violations & Fines

No standalone fine is specified for Article 8; violations fall under the Code's general penalty (Sec. 1.13): up to $500, 90 days in jail, or both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride a rented scooter on downtown Grand Rapids sidewalks?
Not in most of the Downtown Improvement District. Sec. 10.132(1) bars sidewalk riding there except in the DID area north of I-196 or where signs allow it.
Do I also have to follow the scooter company's app rules?
Yes. Sec. 10.133 requires riders to comply with the vendor's terms of service as long as they don't conflict with the city code.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Grand Rapids

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsBike Lane RulesSome RestrictionsE-Bike ClassesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Grand Rapids rules

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