Lincoln, NE Mobility & Curb Rules: Shared E-Scooter Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Operator permits
- Up to 3 operators citywide
- Speed cap
- 15 mph maximum device speed
- Minimum rider age
- 18, valid state ID required
- No-ride zones
- Trails, Shared Use Paths banned
- Enforcement
- Parking Services Division
Summary
Lincoln permits shared mobility devices only under a City program permit, caps speed at 15 mph, and bans riding on hiker-biker trails and the Canopy Street and Pinnacle Arena Drive sidewalks.
Shared mobility devices authorized for use under a program permit may be operated on any public roadway, sidewalk, or bike lane where a person may lawfully ride a bicycle except that it shall be unlawful to operate a shared mobility device on any hiker-biker or multi-use trail as defined by Section 12.08.010 or Shared Use Path as defined by Section 10.02.335 and it shall be unlawful to operate a shared mobility device on sidewalks along Canopy Street and Pinnacle Arena Drive.
b. Every person operating a shared mobility device shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to bicyclists under Title 10 of the Lincoln Municipal Code, except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application, or which are expressly excluded.
(Ord. 21240 §4; March 21, 2022).
Full Breakdown
Under Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 5.52, only shared mobility device operators holding a City permit may deploy scooters or e-bikes within city limits: the Director may issue up to three operator permits at a time. Devices are capped at 15 miles per hour and riders must obey the same rules as bicyclists under Title 10. Riding is banned on hiker-biker and multi-use trails, on Shared Use Paths, and on sidewalks along Canopy Street and Pinnacle Arena Drive. Riders must be at least 18 with a valid state ID, and the Parking Services Division enforces improperly parked or abandoned devices, which may be impounded.
Violations & Fines
Operating a shared mobility device on prohibited trails, paths, or banned sidewalks, or deploying devices without a City permit, violates Chapter 5.52; abandoned devices blocking rights-of-way may be impounded by Parking Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
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