San Jose, CA Mobility & Curb Rules: Shared E-Scooter Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- SJMC § 11.92.100
- Deposit
- $10,000 repair/maintenance
- Zones set by
- Director's Administrative Regulations
- Impound authority
- SJMC § 11.92.170, Ch. 13.24
- Permit term
- Up to 1 year
Summary
Companies need a City permit and a $10,000 deposit before dropping rental scooters on San Jose streets, and blocking a sidewalk or leaving one unpermitted gets it impounded.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, no person shall: A. Display, offer or make available for rent any Shared Micro-Mobility Device within the City, unless the person has first obtained a valid permit for the operation of a Shared Micro-Mobility System; ... C. Leave a Shared Micro-Mobility Device in either the Public Right-of-Way or in a Public Area in a manner that: (1) obstructs travel upon or blocks access to a Public Right-of-Way; (2) poses an immediate public safety hazard; or (3) is otherwise prohibited by applicable laws or the Administrative Regulations.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
San Jose Municipal Code Chapter 11.92 requires anyone offering shared e-scooters, e-bikes or similar devices for rent in the public right-of-way or a public area to first get a Shared Micro-Mobility Operator Permit through the Department of Transportation, plus a $10,000 property repair and maintenance deposit. The Director sets no-ride/no-parking zones, fleet caps and operating standards through Administrative Regulations issued under the chapter, and companies must comply with them alongside the ordinance itself.
Violations & Fines
Displaying or renting an unpermitted device, or leaving one that blocks the right-of-way or poses a safety hazard, is a code violation subject to impoundment under Chapter 13.24 plus Council-set impound fees; owners must prove ownership and pay fees to retrieve an impounded device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any scooter company operate in San Jose?
Who decides where scooters can't be parked?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
California rules heatmap·Compare San Jose to another location·View the California mobility & curb rules overview
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Shared E-Scooter Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle shared e-scooter rules.