Pittsburgh, PA Mobility & Curb Rules: Shared E-Scooter Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Max speed
- 15 mph
- Minimum rider age
- 18 years old
- Sidewalk riding
- Prohibited except designated shared-use paths
- Riders per scooter
- One rider only
- Scooter source
- Must be from City-authorized operator
Summary
Pittsburgh limits electric scooters to bike lanes, streets posted 25 mph or under, and shared-use paths: sidewalks are off-limits except where a path is specifically designated. Riders must be 18 or older, cap speed at 15 mph, and use only scooters from a City-authorized commercial operator.
An individual may only operate an electric low-speed scooter on a pedalcycle lane on a roadway, a roadway with a maximum posted speed of twenty-five (25) miles per hour, or a designated pedalcycle or shared use path. Electric low-speed scooters may not be operated on any sidewalk, except where specifically designated as a shared use path.
(c) No individual under the age of eighteen (18) may operate an electric low-speed scooter.
(d) No individual may operate an electric low-speed scooter at a speed greater than fifteen (15) miles per hour.
(e) No individual may operate an electric low-speed scooter with more than one (1) person on the device.
(f) Electric, low-speed scooters must be parked perpendicular to the curb in a legal, unrestricted motor vehicle parking space within the public right-of-way; in a designated corral or station; or immediately adjacent to a public bicycle rack. Electric low-speed scooters may not be parked on any sidewalk except in a corral or station or at a bicycle rack.
(g) An individual may only operate an electric low-speed scooter issued by a commercial electric scooter enterprise authorized by the Department.
(h) The Director may issue additional policies as necessary for the operation of electric low-speed scooters.
(i) Failure to comply with any provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to a fine outlined in Section 101.09 of the Pittsburgh Code.
Full Breakdown
Enacted by Ord. No. 32-2021 and codified at § 503.16, effective 9-22-2021, Pittsburgh's electric low-speed scooter rule confines riding to pedalcycle lanes, roadways posted 25 mph or slower, or designated shared-use paths, sidewalks are barred except where a path is specifically marked. Operators must be at least 18, may not exceed 15 mph, and can carry only one rider. Parking is limited to a legal, unrestricted curb space (perpendicular to the curb), a designated corral or station, or directly next to a public bike rack. Riders may use only scooters issued by a commercial electric scooter enterprise the Department has authorized, Pittsburgh's shared-scooter program.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 503.16 falls under the Code's general penalty, § 101.09: a fine up to $300 plus costs, with up to 30 days in jail if unpaid, and each day of continued violation counts separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a rented scooter on the sidewalk in Pittsburgh?
How old do you have to be to ride a shared scooter in Pittsburgh?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
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