E-Scooter and Bike Rentals
The City of Fairfax enacted an ordinance to permit and regulate shared micro-mobility devices including “dockless” or “floating” bikes or e-scooters for hire. The ordinance may be viewed online, or in the public hearing materials for the June 11, 2024 City Council meeting.
If you have questions or would like to report issues about specific devices or companies, please contact the company directly.
Contact Us
To contact City Staff with general questions or comments about the City's dockless micro-mobility program, email dockless@fairfaxva.gov or call 703-293-7150. You may also submit questions and concerns through the city's 311 service, Fairfax City Resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions below for more information about the permit program and about using dockless e-scooters in the City.
Who are the permitted SMD Operators?
The pilot program approved by City Council was renewed January 9, 2024.
Currently Permitted Operators
Bird (e-scooters)
866-441-8538
hello@bird.co
Lime (e-scooters)
888-546-3345
support@li.me
Operators who deposit devices in Fairfax City without a permit will have their devices confiscated.
The city is no longer accepting applications for the FY2025 permit period. Information about the FY2026 permit application is expected to be available in spring 2025.
Who may use a dockless e-scooter or e-bike?
Operators each have their own rules, but most require riders to be age 18 or older. Many also require renters to submit a driver license. Read the rental agreement carefully to understand the rules for each company.
Are helmets required?
Children younger than 14 are required to wear a helmet when operating a bicycle. Per state code 46.2-908.1, children younger than 14 are not allowed to operate e-bikes or e-scooters.
People age 14 and older are not required to wear a helmet when operating a bicycle, e-bike, or e-scooter. However, helmets are encouraged.
Where can I ride?
| Place |
e-Scooter |
e-Bike |
Standard
Bike |
| Sidewalk |
No |
No |
No |
| Trail |
No |
No |
Yes |
| Bike Lane |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| In the Road |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes
|
E-scooters are permitted on public rights of way within the City of Fairfax and are required to follow the rules of the road.
Where can I park?
Please park your dockless bike or e-scooter out of the way of pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and park the device upright by using the kickstand. Refrain from leaning the scooter against buildings or vegetation, or parking on private or federal property where it is not permitted.
Make sure you do not block:
- Sidewalks
- Crosswalks & ramps
- Driveways & garages
- Bike lanes and travel lanes
- Bus stops
- Building entrances
If you find a dockless bike or e-scooter incorrectly parked, move it to a better location to help those who aren’t able. Alternatively, if you are unable to move a dockless bike/e-scooter, contact the company to have it removed. The company name and information are located on the dockless bike or e-scooter and on this website, and the company is required to move it within two hours of a report.
Examples of good places to park your dockless e-scooter include:
- Near existing bike racks
- On the edge of a sidewalk or curb (as long as it does not block access for other users)
- Next to (but not blocking) a Capital Bikeshare station
Additional Resources
Additional resources are available to learn more about e-scooter safety and etiquette.
- Bike Share Parking: Do the Right Thing: Video from Seattle DOT highlighting the importance of proper dockless bike share parking to maintain accessibility. This is a reminder to be aware of the needs of other sidewalk users and also applies to dockless e-scooter parking.
- Bike Safety Tips: Bicycle safety reminders from the Virginia Department of Transportation. Many of the rules and regulations that apply to bicycles also apply to e-scooters.
Private Property Owners
Businesses owners and property managers may establish parking areas for dockless devices. They also may restrict the interior of their buildings and garages from dockless bike or e-scooter parking and ask tenants to refrain from ending trips within the building. Private property owners and managers who find dockless devices on their property may move the devices to public areas, or call the rental company for removal.
Permit Applications
Companies interested in operating in the City of Fairfax must submit a permit application:
Application materials are due by June 28, 2024.
Additional Details
Documents and Presentations
SMD Public Data Feeds (APIs)
As a condition of operating in the City of Fairfax, SMD operators are required to provide accessible Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). APIs provide information to the public about what kind of devices are in the City of Fairfax and where they are located.
The APIs are available to the public in the following links: