Winston-Salem, NC Mobility & Curb Rules: Shared E-Scooter Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit cap
- Two permits per device category yearly
- No-ride zones
- Sidewalks, greenways, parks, decks, Old Salem
- Civil penalty
- $250.00 per violation
- Impound fee
- $50.00 per day, per device
- Minimum rider age
- At least 16 years old
Summary
Winston-Salem caps shared scooter and dockless bike permits at two per company each year and bans riding stand-up scooters on any public sidewalk, greenway, park, city parking deck, or in Old Salem.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, no person or business may:(1)Use, display, proffer or make available for rent any electric stand-up scooter or new mode of dockless, shared transport upon any greenway, public park, or city parking deck, or within Old Salem;...(3)Ride any electric, stand-up scooter upon any public sidewalk;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 102 | Personnel: Supplement 96 | Water and Sewer: Supplement 56 | Solid Waste: Supplement 15).
Full Breakdown
The city's micromobility ordinance requires any company that offers shared electric scooters, dockless bikes, or other dockless shared transport to hold a micromobility device permit before operating in the public right-of-way. A selection committee may issue up to two permits per device category each year, though it can add more if demand outstrips supply. Riders and operators are barred from using or riding electric stand-up scooters on any public sidewalk, greenway, public park, city parking deck, or within Old Salem; new dockless-transport modes face the same sidewalk ban.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a permit or violating the ordinance triggers a $250.00 civil penalty per violation, plus daily impound fees of $50.00 per device and possible permit revocation or denial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a rental scooter on the sidewalk in Winston-Salem?
Where else are shared scooters off-limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Winston-Salem
Compare Winston-Salem to another location·View the North Carolina mobility & curb rules overview
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