Dockless Vehicle Ordinance, San Antonio, Texas, 2019

On October 11, 2018, the San Antonio City Council approved a six-month dockless vehicle (e-scooters and e-bikes) pilot program that began on October 18, 2018. The sections of the initial ordinance:

• Defines “Motor-Assisted Scooters, Electric Bicycles, and Bicycles Equipped with GPS,” as well as the definition of the roles within the public-private partnership.
• Sets operational requirements: travel within the right of way, parking, and required equipment. Also, set’s customer service requirements, and
  • (1) The use of helmets is encouraged for the safety of the drivers;
    (2) The legal parking of dockless vehicles;
    (3) The legal operation of dockless vehicles, including the duty to yield to pedestrians.
    (4) For motor-assisted scooters and electric bicycles, the areas where riding and parking are
    prohibited
• Enumerates the requirements of, and fees for, the permit application.
• Sets insurance/indemnification requirements.

The ordinance was amended on February 14, 2019 to prohibit the operation of the vehicles from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM. It also allows the city to remove vehicles parked in prohibited areas, though not impose an impound fee.

The ordinance passed on May 30, 2019 establishes a program, extending the pilot for approved operators to September 30, 2019 (with pro-rated fees) with a maximum overall fleet size of 8850 vehicles. The revision also prohibits riding on sidewalks and sets other right-of-way provisions.