Scooter and Bike Share Services

Shared mobility devices are a new transportation option where devices like bikes, electric bikes, and electric scooters are shared among users. They are typically enabled by technology or a mobile app, and emerging services are frequently run by private companies. Providing more low-emission mobility options can create a more diverse, convenient, and accessible transportation network that would reduce emissions and congestion, and improve the quality of life in the city. However, like with all new technologies, shared mobility devices can also pose significant challenges with regard to appropriately managing the public-right-of-way (PROW), encouraging public safety, and adapting old regulations to new business types.

To expand the diversity of transportation options in Santa Monica, and address the challenges introduced by new technologies, the Santa Monica City Council approved a 16-month Shared Mobility Pilot Program at its June 12, 2018 meeting. The pilot will commence on September 17, 2018, allowing up to four private companies (at least two scooter and two bike operators) to provide shared mobility services in the public-right-of-way. The program will enable the City to:   

• Develop a new area of policy, regulation, and enforcement through firsthand experience
• Move quickly to adapt to a rapidly changing industry, but leave room to learn and adjust as appropriate
• Test new device and service providers in a growing industry
• Explore partnership models with private companies
• Explore possibilities for data capture, structures, and utilization
• Allow the City time to experiment with different management tools like “Geo-fencing” and creation of shared mobility device drop zones

Shared Mobility Pilot Program – Applying

The Pilot Program seeks operators with experience, a high-quality device and system, a high-level of community responsiveness, and a willingness to work collaboratively with the City during the 16-month pilot program. The pilot program is proposed to begin September 17, 2018. Program partners would be selected through an open application process. Information about how to apply will be posted soon.

Shared Mobility FAQ

How do I sign-up to use Shared Mobility devices?

Currently the City’s Breeze Bike Share and Metro Bike Share are offered in the City of Santa Monica. To get rolling visit Breezebikeshare.com or Metro.bikeshare.net. If additional shared mobility service providers are selected to partner with the City, this page will be updated with additional information.

How do I get a Shared Mobility device?

Information about where shared mobility devices are available and how to find them is available on each system’s mobile app and/or website. Information about how to check out and return devices is typically provided on the devices, or on the app and/or website as well. Visit those resources for instructions particular to each system. Breeze bike share information is available also on the Transit and CityMapper apps.

What are the rules for riding shared mobility devices?

*Class 3 electric bikes defined in the California Vehicle as a bicycle with a motor that pedal assistance reaching a speed of 28 mph. Class 3 electric bicycles are not permitted to ride on the Beach Bike Path and riders are required to wear a helmet.

Where to park shared mobility devices?

The best place to park shared mobility devices is in the “furniture zone” or the section of the sidewalk between the curb and the pedestrian through zone where street furniture, lighting, benches, utility poles, tree pits, and bicycle racks live. Never leave a device blocking sidewalks, curb ramps, ADA access, doorways, and the congested areas like the beach bike path.

Furniture Zone. Source: NACTO

What if a shared mobility device is causing an obstruction or a hazard?

If a device is causing an obstruction or hazard, or parked on your property do one of the following:

Call the Company: Call or email the company directly to ask them to come remove the device. The company’s contact information should be prominently displayed on the device.

Have the Device Removed: Devices that are left in the public right of way (e.g. sidewalk, crosswalk, street, curb) in a manner that presents an immediate hazard are subject to impound (an example of an immediate hazard is a device blocking a disability ramp). If a device is impounded a fee of $60 per device will be assessed to the operator to retrieve the device. If you would like to report a device, contact the City’s Public works department at: Public Works Inspection, Sr. PW Inspector Ramon Gutierrez (424)744-0825

What should I do if I was involved in a collision or altercation and I want to file a report?

If you are involved in a collision or altercation contact the Santa Monica Police Department: 310-458-8491. If it is an emergency call 9-1-1.

How do I report a broken device?

If you encounter a broken device, contact the company directly to request removal of the device. The company’s contact information should be prominently be displayed on the device. If the broken device is causing an obstruction or hazard contact the City’s Public works department at: Public Works Inspection, Sr. PW Inspector Ramon Gutierrez (424)744-0825

If you have any questions about the Shared Mobility rules or pilot program contact the Mobility Division in the Department of Planning and Community Development at: kyle.kozar@smgov.net and (310)458-8341.