Overview
Electric scooters are a new transportation option, operating in multiple cities around the country and in neighboring states. The City of Wichita is currently in the process of conducting pilots that allow multiple scooter companies to operate in Wichita. The pilots will help determine if electric scooter sharing systems are a good fit for Wichita.
Laws and Regulations
On June 18, 2019, the Wichita City Council approved Ordinance 51-049, allowing the operation of electric assisted scooters as part of a sharing system in Wichita and establishing regulations for their operation/use. The regulations do not apply to scooters owned by individuals.
Pilot Operating Agreement
The City Council endorsed the pilot operating agreement on June 4, 2019. Any scooter company that wants to operate a scooter sharing system in the City will need to enter into a 12-month long pilot operating agreement before they can begin operations in Wichita. The agreement includes interim rules and regulations for temporary operations of scooter sharing systems in the City.
The following companies have entered into pilot operating agreements with the City of Wichita for a dockless electric-assisted scooter sharing system.
Safety Information
Per the operating agreements, each of the scooter companies is responsible for the following safety related activities. Please refer to their websites for additional information.
- Working with local businesses or other organizations to promote the use of helmets by users (Section 9.c.)
- Implementing a marketing and targeted community outreach plan at its own costs (Section 9.b.)
Current Practice Review
The City of Wichita worked with a team to develop a document that summarized how scooter operations are permitted and regulated in other communities.
User Guidance
City laws and regulations related to scooter operations can be found in the City's Municipal Code. Please note: the regulations do not apply to scooters owned by individuals.
- Cannot operate on the sidewalk
- Can operate on bike paths and roadways posted 35 mph or less
- Can only operate until 9 p.m. or dusk
- No helmet, insurance, driver's license or registration required
- Cannot ride more than two abreast
- Need to ride as close to the right as possible.
- No more than one person on the scooter at a time and cannot cling to a vehicle
- Parked scooters cannot block transit zones, loading zones, curb ramps, disabled parking zones, parking spaces, and entrances to driveways
- Riders must be 18 years of age or older
