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

Article XII, retitled "Transportation Devices and Shared Mobility Devices" by Ordinance No. 2019-287 in April 2019 after originally governing only bicycles, sets the rules for the dockless scooters and e-bikes rental companies place around Waco. Section 25-297 requires that a parked transportation device or shared mobility device sit against the curb on the roadway, in a rack built to support it, or against a building, always in a manner that causes the "least obstruction to pedestrian traffic"; a company operating under a written agreement with the city can follow different parking terms set in that agreement instead.

Section 25-298 bans riding a transportation or shared mobility device on any sidewalk within the business district altogether, and separately bars anyone 12 years of age or older from riding one on a sidewalk anywhere in the city, meaning only younger children may use sidewalks outside downtown. Section 25-299, added by Ordinance No. 2018-673 in July 2018, makes it unlawful for a company that rents out shared mobility devices for compensation to place or leave any device in the city's right-of-way or on city property without first signing a use agreement with the city; this is the legal hook that lets Waco require permits, fleet terms, and fees from scooter operators.

Section 25-300 allows riding on shared-use paths but requires yielding to pedestrians, and Section 25-296 holds a parent or guardian responsible if their child or ward violates any part of the article.