San Antonio, TX Mobility & Curb Rules: Shared E-Scooter Rules (2026)

Article VII of Chapter 19 treats shared scooters as a permit-based service rather than a free-for-all. Section 19-662(a) requires a person to register and obtain a permit agreement from the city, and pay any applicable fees, before providing a dockless vehicle for any compensation. The compensation language is wide: money, a thing of value, payment, consideration, donation, gratuity or profit all trigger the permit. Under § 19-660, a dockless vehicle is a bicycle equipped with GPS, an electric bicycle, or a motor-assisted scooter that is available for use for a fee. A motor-assisted scooter needs at least two wheels on the ground, a braking system, a gas or electric motor not exceeding 40 cubic centimeters, a deck for standing or sitting, and the ability to be propelled by human power alone. Mopeds, motorcycles, motorized mobility devices, electric personal assistive mobility devices and neighborhood electric vehicles are outside the article.

The permit agreement is non-transferrable under § 19-662(e), though the code says that rule does not block continued use of trade names. Daily operations must be run by a fleet manager based in the city. The director, meaning the department head the city manager designates, enforces the article under § 19-667 and can inspect any dockless vehicle with or without notice.

Section 19-663 sets the gatekeeping rules. The director must refuse to issue or renew a permit when the applicant misses application requirements, knowingly makes a false statement on a material matter, or has been convicted twice within 12 months under the article or had a permit revoked within two years of applying. A denial comes in writing with the specific reasons and the appeal process. The director must revoke a permit for a false material statement, lapsed insurance, operating more vehicles than the permit authorizes, or unpaid fees, and a revoked operator is shut out for up to two years.

Operating duties under § 19-664 are specific. Every vehicle carries the permit holder's emblem, a unique identification number and a 24-hour phone number. The fleet manager must be reachable by phone seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to take calls from the director. Violations that block an ADA ramp or sit in a prohibited area must be fixed within one hour of notice; other violations get two hours. Broken vehicles must be locked and removed within two hours. After the deadline the city can impound a vehicle, and the operator pays $100 to get each one back. City staff and partners such as Centro San Antonio can pull vehicles from prohibited areas or ADA facilities immediately, without notice and without an impound fee.

Insurance under § 19-665 must match the permit agreement, be on file and approved before the permit issues, and cannot be self-insurance.