The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a Shared Mobility Device (SMD) ordinance on November 19, 2019, that governs devices such as e-scooters in Fairfax County beginning January 1, 2020. Fairfax County’s Department of Cable and Consumer Services regulates e-scooter and other SMD operators through a permitting process. Operators are allowed an initial maximum fleet of 300 devices per operator permit that can be increased to 600 devices per operator based on usage.
Who Are the Permitted Shared Mobility Device Operators in Fairfax County?
Bird holds an operator’s permit and certificates to operate 300 shared mobility devices in Fairfax County. General support for riders/constituents available at hello@bird.co or 24/7 at 866-205-2442.
Apply for a Permit
Rules of the Road
Like bicycles, e-scooters can be used on a highway, sidewalk, shared-use path, roadway, or crosswalk. E-scooters in Fairfax County cannot be operated above 10 mph. Once riders reach their destination, they should leave the device parked in an area that does not impede normal car or foot traffic. If residents notice an e-scooter parked in an inappropriate place or left on private property, they can contact the device operator listed on the e-scooter and the operator must remove it.
Fairfax County staff will also intake complaints about e-scooters and SMDs related to improper use or abandonment. In order to report any issues related to scooters and other shared devices, emails can be sent to consumer@fairfaxcounty.gov.
For more information on the SMD ordinance call Fairfax County Department of Cable and Consumer Services at 703-324-5966, TTY 711.
What is the Shared Mobility Devices (SMD) Program?
A program to allow private companies to operate shared mobility devices (such as dockless scooters) for hire.
Quick Facts
- Initial fleet size of 300 Shared Mobility Device Certificates issued to any Permittee.
- Maximum fleet size of 600 Shared Mobility Device Certificates issued to any Permittee (after demonstrated average trips).
- Speed limit of 10 mph on all riding surfaces/locations.
- Operation allowed on public highways and sidewalks (unless prohibited by signage).
- Permittees must be accessible 24 hours per day to receive requests for service and to collect Shared Mobility Devices.
- Shared Mobility Devices are required to have the name and telephone number of Permittee legibly displayed on the exterior of the device.
Community Outreach
County staff has solicited and received feedback from the public, local businesses and property owners, pedestrian and biking groups, and the industry. Staff continues to be responsive to inquiries on the issue and is available to speak at or attend meetings on shared mobility devices for hire in Fairfax County.
County staff solicited and received feedback from the public, local businesses and property owners, pedestrian and biking groups, and the industry. Staff continues to be responsive to inquiries on the issue and is available to speak at or attend meetings on shared mobility devices for hire in Fairfax County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any person who has been granted an Operator's Permit and holds one or more Shared Mobility Device Certificates.
While Fairfax County cannot regulate the riders, consumers are encouraged to read the rental agreement, adhere to the operator's requirements, and follow applicable County and State laws.
Visit the website or app of the company whose device you would like to use.
Fairfax County does not have the authority to regulate helmets although many companies do that voluntarily.
Anywhere a bike could be reasonably and respectfully parked. No person will park in a manner that impedes normal pedestrian or traffic movement or where such parking is prohibited.
Shared Mobility Devices can be ridden on a highway, sidewalk, shared-use path, roadway, or crosswalk.
No person will ride on any such designated sidewalk or crosswalk where signs have been posted prohibiting such use.
Initially each company can have a fleet of 300 devices, with a total of no more than 600 devices.
You should report the device to the company that provided the service. Contact information is provided on each device.
If they are parked on your private property, or they impede access, you may move the device to a more appropriate location or reach out to the company directly and request the device be moved.
Business owners and property managers may establish parking areas for SMDs.
Private property owners and managers who find dockless SMDs on their property may move the device to a public area, or call the rental company for removal.