Riverside Municipal Code Ch. 13.22 Shared Mobility Devices

The proliferation of shared mobility devices has created nuisance and safety concerns in the public right-of-way. Additional study is needed prior to the implementation of a regulatory program. Unregulated use of the public right-of-way will continue to create nuisance and safety concerns in the City. The purpose of this chapter is to prohibit shared mobility devices from being placed or abandoned in the public right-of-way or in public areas, operated in the public right-of-way or in public areas, or offered for use anywhere in the City, so as to allow for adequate pedestrian traffic flow and to promote public safety.

(Ord. 7484 § 1, 2019)

A. "Abandon" shall mean leaving an item unattended for any length of time.

B. "Operator" shall mean any person, nonprofit, or business entity that offers shared mobility devices for rent or use in a public area or the public-right-of-way.

C. "Public area" shall mean any outdoor area that is open to the public for public use, whether owned or operated by the City or a private party.

D. "Public right-of-way" shall mean any public alley, parkway, public transportation path, roadway, sidewalk, curb ramp, crosswalk, or street that is owned, granted by easement, operated, or controlled by the City.

E. "Shared mobility device" shall mean an electrically motorized board as defined in Section 313.5 of the California Vehicle Code, motorized scooter as defined in Section 407.5 of the California Vehicle Code, electric bicycle as defined in Section 312.5 of the California Vehicle Code, bicycle as defined in Section 231 of the California Vehicle Code, or any other similar personal transportation device by which a person can be propelled, moved or drawn, that is displayed, offered or placed for rent or use by the public in any public area or public right-of-way, except that a "shared mobility device" does not include a car share vehicle, taxicab, or the City-owned bike share bicycles.

(Ord. 7484 § 1, 2019)

It is unlawful to provide, place, abandon, or offer for use a shared mobility device, or operate as a shared mobility device operator, in any portion of the public right-of-way or in any public area within the City.

(Ord. 7484 § 1, 2019)

A. A shared mobility device that is displayed, offered, made available for rent or use, or abandoned, in the public right-of-way or a public area in violation of this Chapter shall be subject to immediate impoundment by the City.

B. The City Council may adopt impound fees by resolution, which shall reflect the City's enforcement, investigation, storage, and impound costs.

C. Upon impoundment of a shared mobility device, the City shall notify the operator of the impoundment, if the identity of the operator can be reasonably determined. The operator shall retrieve the impounded shared mobility device within 15 days of receiving notice from the City. No person shall retrieve any impounded shared mobility device except upon demonstrating proper proof of ownership of the device and payment of applicable impound fees.

D. Any impounded shared mobility device not retrieved within 15 days after notification to the operator may be sold or otherwise disposed of by the City without further notice to the operator.

(Ord. 7484 § 1, 2019)

A. Any person or operator who violates any provision of this Chapter shall be guilty of an infraction or a misdemeanor, which shall be punishable in accordance with Chapter 1.01 of this Code.

B. Any person or operator who violates any provision of this Chapter shall be subject to administrative fines and administrative penalties pursuant to Chapter 1.17 of this Code.

(Ord. 7484 § 1, 2019)