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Milwaukee, WI Mobility & Curb Rules: Shared E-Scooter Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
§ 101-53
Base ban
No dockless devices on streets/sidewalks
Exception
DPW-approved program only
Impound redemption fee
$100 (§ 81-43.7)
First-offense penalty
$50-$500 per device/day

Summary

Dockless scooters and other shared mobility devices are banned on Milwaukee streets and sidewalks unless the operator joins the city's DPW-administered dockless mobility program and gets approved to participate.

No person may operate a dockless mobility system in the city upon the highway including public streets and sidewalks. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the operation of a dockless mobility system shall be permitted if the operator participates in the dockless mobility system program administered by the department of public works pursuant to common council file number 231648. Participation in the dockless mobility system program may only occur upon application and approval of the department of public works.

Source: Milwaukee Department of Public WorksView official code

Full Breakdown

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Section 101-53 bans operating any dockless mobility system - shared bikes, scooters, skateboards or other micro-mobility devices rented via app, website or PIN - on city streets and sidewalks. The ban lifts only for operators enrolled in the Department of Public Works dockless mobility program under Common Council File No. 231648, which requires application and DPW approval before a company can deploy devices. Devices violating the section or program rules, including improper parking, can be impounded immediately; owners face a $100 redemption fee under Section 81-43.7 plus impoundment costs, and unredeemed devices held 30+ days may be auctioned, donated or scrapped.

Violations & Fines

Operating without DPW program approval draws a forfeiture of $50-$500 per device per day; a second or later conviction runs $500-$1,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a company just drop scooters in Milwaukee?
No. Section 101-53 bans dockless mobility devices on city streets and sidewalks unless the operator applies to and is approved for the DPW-run program under Council File No. 231648.
What happens to an improperly parked scooter?
The city can impound it immediately; the owner pays a $100 redemption fee plus impoundment costs, and devices unclaimed after 30 days may be auctioned, donated or scrapped.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Milwaukee

Bike Lane RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue PermitsFew Restrictions

All Milwaukee rules

Compare Milwaukee to another location·View the Wisconsin mobility & curb rules overview

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Shared E-Scooter Rules in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Milwaukee County handle shared e-scooter rules.

Wauwatosa, WI
Some Restrictions