Dockless Mobility | AustinTexas.gov - The Official Website of the City of Austin
Dockless mobility systems consist of devices, such as bicycles or scooters, that do not require fixed docking stations for users to receive or return units.
The City of Austin adopted emergency administrative rules governing dockless mobility technology on May 7, 2018. These rules reflect City Council action at an April 26, 2018, meeting authorizing a dockless mobility operator’s license, setting forth key operating criteria and enacting enforcement mechanisms. They also reflect community input that Austin Transportation collected in spring 2018, outlined below.
Take the Community Survey
The Dockless Mobility Community Survey is open for public feedback through Aug. 31, 2018. Provide your feedback and share the survey widely: bit.ly/docklessatxsurvey. Español aquí: bit.ly/docklessatxencuesta
Using Dockless Mobility Services
People who plan to use dockless mobility services should do so in a safe and ethical manner. Please follow these guidelines to help keep Austin moving safely.
- Pedestrians First - Yield to people walking on sidewalks.
- Park Responsibly - Park in a secure, upright position in designated areas, such as furniture zones of sidewalks, public bike racks and other marked parking zones. On sidewalks, give at least 3 feet of clearance for accessibility.
- Stay on Right of Way - Do not take dockless devices to unauthorized areas, such as private property, parkland, or state-owned land, unless otherwise authorized.
- Know What You're Sharing - Users have access to dockless mobility services without having to share Personally Identifiable Information and can opt in to data sharing only after getting clear information about what data will be shared.
- Right and Report - If you see a unit toppled over or parked improperly, help out by righting the unit and reporting the issue to Austin 3-1-1.
Current Dockless Mobility Service Operators
The following dockless mobility service operators are licensed to operate in Austin's downtown area project coordination zone. Supplemental licenses permit operators to provide additional units in areas outside of the downtown area project coordination zone.
- Bird - 500 scooters; and 500 supplemental licenses for scooters (see map for Bird's areas of operation)
- GOAT - 20 scooters
- JUMP - 250 bicycles
- Lime - 500 scooters; and 500 supplemental licenses for scooters (see map for Lime's areas of operation)
- Pace - 500 bicycles
- Spin - 1 scooter
- VeoRide - 350 bicycles
License Applications
The license application and associated documents required for dockless mobility companies to operate in the right of way are available below. If approved, the license will be valid for six months. Please submit signed and completed documents to the Mobility Services Division (1111 Rio Grande, Austin, TX 78701).
- License Application
- Terms and Conditions
- Performance (Surety) Bond
- Report of New or Replacement Equipment
Program Management
Austin Transportation is engaging with operators and working concurrently on program elements, including mapping and marking parking zones, and data reporting and management protocols. Austin Transportation is working with dockless mobility operators to continuously improve performance.
Public Input Process
In March and April 2018, Austin Transportation held a series of public meetings related to dockless mobility. The feedback gathered at these meetings is compiled in a summary below.
- Dockless Mobility Community Feedback - Final Report - May 4, 2018
Additional Information
The following Council Memorandums provide additional information on the dockless mobility process.
- April 6, 2018 Memo to Mayor and Council – Dockless Scooter Operations
- April 16, 2018 Memo to Mayor and Council – Dockless Mobility Systems Update
- July 31, 2018 Memo to Mayor and Council – Update on Rulemaking Process for Dockless Mobility Program
Online Questions, Comments and Feedback
Please email DocklessMobility@AustinTexas.gov or call 512-974-7633.