Town Of Herndon Seeks To Regulate E-Scooters, E-Bikes

HERNDON, VA — A new proposal from the Herndon Town Council would enact new regulations and licensing requirements governing the use of e-scooters and e-bikes.

The proposal piggybacks off of a Virginia law that took effect earlier this year that caps the speed limit of "shared mobility devices" at 20 miles per hour, requires head and tail lights, and dictates that anyone 14 years old or younger needs parental supervision.

The proposed Herndon ordinance would define the term "shared mobility device;" require the Town Council to issue a franchise or license argument to operate in the rights-of-way before a permit to operate can be considered; tasks the town manager or his designee with developing permit operational standards; and preserves the town's authority to regulate these devices.

Some of the potential challenges identified in the document includes operational issues with (streets, sidewalks, and parking), the potential for accidents, increased enforcement demands, and the requirement of unknown resources to administer.

The town still has work to do when it comes to setting speed limits, determine operating hours, settling on educational and safety messages, and setting up no-go zones or slow-go zones.

The proposal also indicates that the town expects scooter companies to comply with regulations.

"Scooter companies need permission to park scooters in public rights-of-way," the document states. "If a scooter company 'deploys' scooters without permission, the Town can impound the scooters and charge a fee."

Property owners would be able to decide whether and where to allow scooter parking on their own property. A property owner could remove a parked scooter without permission if it is own their property, the proposal states.

The proposal recommends enacting a draft ordinance by the Jan. 1, 2020, deadline set by state law. Later, the town would gather information to inform further regulations and amend the ordinance if necessary.