Minneapolis, MN Mobility & Curb Rules: Shared E-Scooter Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- License authority
- Director of Public Works, council-approved
- Unattended limit
- 15 minutes on public right-of-way
- Locking restriction
- No unauthorized locking to bike racks
- Enforcement tool
- Impoundment plus recovery fee
- Governing chapter
- Code of Ordinances Chapter 492
Summary
Minneapolis requires shared scooter and low-power-vehicle operators to hold a city contract or license before renting fleets from public right-of-way, and impounds shared scooters left unattended more than 15 minutes.
[N]o person shall engage in the business of low power vehicle sharing from city maintained right-of-way or other city property without a valid contract or license agreement with the city. ... Any low power vehicle deemed to be part of a low power vehicle sharing operation that is found illegally parked, left unattended on city maintained right-of-way or other city property for a period of more than fifteen (15) minutes ... shall be subject to impoundment
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
Under Chapter 492, no company may run a low power vehicle sharing operation from city right-of-way or other city property without a written contract or license issued by the director of public works and approved by the city council. Shared scooters found illegally parked, left unattended on right-of-way for more than 15 minutes, locked to a bike rack without authorization, or otherwise violating contract terms are subject to impoundment. Riders using an unpermitted shared scooter may still ride it through the city but must stay within five feet of it whenever it is unlocked or locked.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a city contract or license can bring license revocation, suspension, administrative fines, or penalties under Chapter 2; individual scooters face impoundment plus a fee covering the city's enforcement and storage costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any company drop shared scooters in Minneapolis?
How long can a shared scooter sit unattended before it's impounded?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
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