Shared Mobility Services 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 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 continued challenges of Share Mobility, Santa Monica City Council directed staff to implement a second Shared Mobility Pilot Program that will run from July 1, 2021 to March 30, 2023. Four private companies are permitted to operate a variety of different mobility devices:
You can read more about the first Shared Mobility Pilot Program in this summary report.
The Pilot Program is facilitated through Administrative Regulations, which provide flexibility to quickly adapt to changing environments and industries and are subject to amendment during the Pilot Program as the City works with Operators to make data-driven decisions to deliver a safe transportation option and define effective solutions to known and identified challenges as the process evolves.
Shared Mobility Pilot Administrative Regulations updated April 8, 2021
Shared Mobility FAQ
How do I sign-up to use Shared Mobility devices?
Metro Bike Share is offered in the City of Santa Monica. To get rolling, visit Metro.bikeshare.net. Lyft, Spin, Veo, and Wheels also currently operate the Shared Mobility Pilot Program. To sign up to use those systems visit their websites or mobile application on your smart phone.
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.
What are the rules for riding shared mobility devices?
Rules for Riding
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Electric Scooters
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Bike Share Bikes: Human powered or Class1 or 2 e-bikes
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Required valid driver’s license or instruction permit
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Yes
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No
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Age to ride
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16 yrs.
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16 yrs.
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Age for required helmet
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All Ages (effective 1/1/19, only if under 18)
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18 yrs.
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One person per device
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Yes
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Yes
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Riding on the Sidewalk
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Prohibited
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Prohibited
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Riding on 3rd Street Promenade, Pier Bridge, Ocean Front Walk
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Prohibited
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Prohibited
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| Riding on Beach Path |
Prohibited
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Permitted
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Must be ridden in bike lanes
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Yes
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Yes
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Must obey traffic laws and yield to pedestrians
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Yes
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Yes
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Where should I park shared mobility devices?
The best place to park shared mobility devices is in the 175+ designated parking space throughout the City. You can locate these spaces in the companies’ mobile-apps. If a designated location is not available the next best location is 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:
- Lyft: (877) 452-6699
- Spin: (888) 262-5189
- Veo: (855) 836-2256
- Wheels: (888) 240-7120
- 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 $95 per device will be assessed to the operator to retrieve the device. If you would like to report a device, contact Santa Monica's 311 program
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 Santa Monica 311.
If you have any questions about the Shared Mobility rules or pilot program contact the Mobility Division in the Department of Transportation at: kyle.kozar@smgov.net and (310) 458-8341.
Application and Selection Process
The Shared Mobility Pilot Program participating operators were selected through a selection process established in Chapter 3.21 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code. Click here for more information.