Title
Ordinance To Amend And Re-Enact Chapter 38 Of The City Code Of The City Of Hampton, Virginia Entitled “Vehicles for Hire,” By Amending Article I To Adopt New Requirements for Shared Mobility Devices, Including Motorized Skateboards And Scooters, Bicycles and Electric Power-Assisted Bicycles For Hire
Purpose
Background Statement:
During its 2019 legislative session, the Virginia General Assembly provided new State code authority for local governments to regulate motorized skateboards and scooters, bicycles, and electric power-assisted bicycles (collectively, "Shared Mobility Devices") offered for hire within local jurisdictions. Shared Mobility Devices are typically powered by electric motors, owned by a company and rented to individuals, and are dockless (i.e., may be parked anywhere that is permitted). Over the last few years, Shared Mobility Devices have been deployed in many large and mid-sized cities throughout the country. House Bill 2752 (2019) amended several sections of the Code of Virginia, including to provide a new definition of "motorized skateboard or scooter," regulate the operation and parking of Shared Mobility Devices, and to allow localties to adopt licensing ordinances for these devices. Section 46.2-1315 of the Code of Virginia provides that, on or after January 1, 2020, in the absence of any licensing ordinance, regulation, or other action, a person may offer Shared Mobility Devices for hire within a locality.
Accordingly, City staff briefed the City Council at its work session on October 9, 2019 regarding its options for addressing Shared Mobility Devices. If adopted, this amendment to the City Code would create a process through which companies that desire to offer Shared Mobility Devices within the City must first apply for a license. If a license application is received, the City Council may then direct the City Manager to (1) begin a competitive bidding process, such as a request for proposals (RFP), in order to ascertain whethe...
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