TRN-15.01 - New Mobility - Shared Electric Scooters

1. Purpose

This rule regulates Shared Electric Scooters (“Shared Scooters”), defined below, in Portland, Oregon. The operation of a Shared Scooter is a privilege, not a right. For a company to offer Shared Scooters for commercial purposes in Portland, the company owning or offering Shared Scooters must obtain a permit or a license from the City. Companies must certify to the City of Portland that all Shared Scooters have  met all applicable certifications and operating requirements. A failure to comply with the applicable City Code provisions, this rule, or any permit or license condition will be subject to an assessment of civil penalties and suspension, revocation or termination of the company’s permit or license by the Director of the Bureau of Transportation (“PBOT”) or designee. 

2. Authority

These rules are authorized by, and implement, in relevant part, the following City Charter and Code provisions, as may be amended from time to time:

1. City Charter section 2-105(a)
2. City Code section 3.12.010
3. City Code section 16.10.100
4.  City Code section 16.10.200
5. City Code section 16.70.610
6. City Code section 16.10.030
7. City Code section 16.10.500
8. City Code section 17.24.005 A
9. City Code section 17.24.005 E
10. City Code section 17.44.010 A

3. Definitions

1. “Shared Electric Scooter (Shared Scooter)” means a vehicle that:

   1. Has handlebars and a floorboard that is designed to be stood upon when riding, or may have a seat;

   2. Can be propelled by an electric motor or human propulsion; and

   3. Employs a digital application or platform to make the vehicle available for commercial use.

4. General Permit Requirements

A Shared Scooter may not be offered for commercial use within the City of Portland without a valid City of Portland permit or license. Failure to comply with this Subsection is a Class A violation subject to the penalties provided in Section 5, Enforcement Penalty Schedule. 

5. Enforcement Penalty and Incentives Schedule

1. Any civil penalty assessed must be paid in full within the time ordered and under the terms and conditions specified. 
2. Penalties for Class A violations will be assessed as follows: 

• $500 for 1st violation;

• $1,000 for 2nd violation;

• $1,500 for all subsequent violations. 

6. Administrative Review and Appeals

1. The Director may review a decision by PBOT to deny a permit application or terminate an existing permit following the receipt of a request for reconsideration. 
2. Civil Penalties Appeals. Any entity assessed a civil penalty may appeal that decision to the Code Hearings Officer under the provisions of Portland City Code Chapters 3 and 22.