District-permitted electric scooters will have to be locked to bike racks, scooter corrals, or signposts after they are used, starting October 1, 2021.
The announcement came from the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) on Monday, September 27.
“Because of Mayor Bower’s commitment to multimodal transportation, our city is rich with diverse available options like our electric scooters and eBikes,” Acting DDOT Director Everett Lott said in a release. “By requiring these shared fleet vehicles to be locked to certain infrastructure, and making more of that infrastructure available, we are keeping our sidewalks and public places open and free from obstruction for all to enjoy.”
According to the new legislation, individuals riding District-permitted electric scooters must tether their vehicle to bike racks, in-street bicycle and scooter corrals, parking signposts, or stop signs.
District-permitted e-bike riders have already been required to lock their vehicles to city infrastructure.
Bus shelters, garbage cans, trees, private fences or gates, Capital Bikeshare docks should not be used for locking vehicles.
Over 800 bike racks have been installed by DDOT so far this year, and 1,000 more are on the way for next year.
The Department will collaborate with shared e-scooter companies operating in DC so that they can provide locking instructions and guidelines through their mobile apps as per the new rule.
In the meantime, Capital Bikeshare announced Thursday that its station is now back on the White House grounds, after the Biden administration reversed a 2017 decision by former President Donald Trump.
“Have you heard the news yet? We’re thrilled to be back on the grounds of the White House. Since this station is restricted to users with WH access, we’ll dream about seeing the #POTUS getting around on two wheels,” Capital Bikeshare said in a tweet.
Have you heard the news yet? We’re thrilled to be back on the grounds of the White House. Since this station is restricted to users with WH access, we’ll dream about seeing the #POTUS getting around on two wheels. Read all about it: https://t.co/zaE9lQWkWn
— Capital Bikeshare (@bikeshare) September 30, 2021
The Capital Bikeshare station was originally installed during President Barack Obama‘s term and was removed in 2017.