Saint Paul, MN Mobility & Curb Rules: Shared E-Scooter Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Contract required before operating
- Sec. 141.02(a)
- Devices need GPS-style tracking
- Sec. 141.03(c)
- Attaching devices to bike racks banned
- Sec. 141.09
- Owner notice window after impound
- 72 hours, Sec. 141.10(b)
- Unclaimed device sale after
- 60 days, Sec. 141.10(d)
Summary
Any company that wants to put rental scooters or e-bikes on Saint Paul streets first needs a city contract. Legislative Code Sec. 141.02 bars operating a 'shared transportation system' on the public right-of-way or park property without council-approved authorization naming the exact devices covered, and violators risk having devices impounded.
(a)No person may operate a shared transportation system on the public right-of-way or on park property without a valid contract with the city, which has been approved by the appropriate director and by the city council.(b)The contract must specifically identify the types of shared devices that are permitted to be operated. No shared transportation operator may operate a shared transportation system with shared devices that are not specifically identified in the operator's contract with the city.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 133 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 141, adopted by Ordinance 19-20 on April 10, 2019, governs 'shared devices': bikes, e-bikes and motorized foot scooters vended, rented or lent under contract for parking in the right-of-way. Sec. 02(a) requires a valid contract approved by the appropriate director (public works for right-of-way, parks and recreation for park property) and the city council before any operator may run a shared system; Sec. 02(b) confines the contract to the device types it specifically names. Sec. 03 layers on equipment standards: each device must meet federal and state safety and registration rules, carry GPS or similar tracking so the city and operator can locate it, and display the operator's contact information.
Sec. 04 lets the directors of public works and parks and recreation cap the number of devices or systems allowed, weighing the effect on the transportation network, on keeping rights-of-way and park walkways clear, and on public health and safety. Sec. 09 bars locking or securing a shared device to a bike rack or any other immovable right-of-way object unless the operator's contract expressly allows it. A renter using an unauthorized (out-of-contract) device may still ride it through the city under Sec. 05, but may not rent it to a second user or abandon it in the city.
The city keeps full control of the right-of-way under Sec. 06, and operators must follow all other federal, state and local law under Sec. 08.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 141.10 lets any traffic officer or authorized city employee impound a shared device immediately if it is improperly attached, left unattended and blocking traffic or infrastructure, part of an unauthorized system, or otherwise violates the contract or chapter. The city must notify an identifiable owner within 72 hours (excluding weekends and city holidays), and every impounded device is charged an impound fee set to cover enforcement and storage costs. A device unclaimed for at least 60 days may be sold at public auction after reasonable notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Saint Paul require a permit for e-scooter and e-bike share companies?
Can a scooter I rented in another city be ridden into Saint Paul?
What happens if a shared scooter is left blocking a Saint Paul sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Saint Paul
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