Hampton, VA Mobility & Curb Rules: Shared E-Scooter Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Yes, from city manager
- Application fee
- $100
- Prerequisite
- City Council franchise agreement
- Revocation wait
- 1 year to reapply
- Rider rules
- Set separately in Chapter 6
Summary
Hampton requires shared e-scooter and e-bike companies to obtain a Shared Mobility Device License from the city manager, but that license cannot issue until city council first grants a franchise agreement setting the terms for operating in the public right-of-way.
It shall be unlawful for any person to offer shared mobility devices for hire without first obtaining a shared mobility device license from the city manager. For purposes of this article, offering shared mobility devices for hire shall mean offering a ride for hire that originates within the City of Hampton.(b)A shared mobility device license shall not be issued unless the applicant has first obtained approval, in the form of a franchise or other similar agreement, from the city council to use public rights-of-way for this purpose
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31 | Zoning: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 38, Article I of the Hampton City Code makes it unlawful to offer shared mobility devices, motorized scooters, bicycles, or e-bikes, for hire without a city-issued Shared Mobility Device License, and no license can be issued until city council first approves a franchise or similar agreement for use of the public right-of-way. That franchise may set geographic area limits, sidewalk-use rules, speed limits, helmet use, ADA compliance, insurance, and data-reporting terms. A $100 fee must accompany every license application, and city council may require competitive bidding or a pilot program before acting. Licenses can be suspended or revoked for violations, false statements, or loss of the franchise; a revoked operator must wait one year to reapply.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a license is unlawful; violations are a misdemeanor with each day a separate offense, and courts may order correction or an injunction under § 38-8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any company just start operating scooters in Hampton?
What does the $100 fee cover?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hampton
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