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Council approves code changes to allow e‑scooters, directs staff to prepare shared micro‑mobility pilot
Summary
The council agreed to bring forward an ordinance aligning Bellevue code with state law to allow motorized foot scooters and directed staff to draft rules and a potential pilot permit for shared e‑scooters and e‑bikes.
The Bellevue City Council agreed on July 22 to advance a code amendment that updates city rules for motorized foot scooters and paves the way for a future shared micro‑mobility pilot.
City staff presented an ordinance modernizing Bellevue City Code Chapter 11.48.210, which was originally adopted in 2007 for gas‑powered scooters and is inconsistent with today’s electric scooters and state law. The Transportation Commission recommended the changes and asked staff to permit scooters on roadways, in bike lanes, on paved shared‑use paths and in parks except where explicitly restricted, while prohibiting scooters on unpaved trails and limiting sidewalk use to places with no safe alternative.
Franz Lowenhurst of the Transportation Department summarized the commission’s recommendations and noted the panel’s advice to remove a blanket helmet requirement while continuing city efforts to encourage helmet use. Director Andrew Singalakis said the ordinance aligns Bellevue with neighboring jurisdictions and state statutes.
Council members asked about enforcement, operator response times, parking and curb management, equity in payment options, multilingual outreach, data sharing, and how the pilot would protect pedestrians. Staff said they expect to seek a permit‑based pilot that could launch in spring 2026 if the ordinance and permit design proceed on the proposed timetable. Staff described likely program elements: fleet and parking rules, geofencing and speed controls, data sharing requirements, rider education, equity measures and staffing/permitting fees to underwrite city oversight.
Members of the business community and mobility operators told the council there is local demand for shared micromobility and urged a pilot timed to link with East Link opening and large regional events such as FIFA 2026. Several commenters from the Bellevue Chamber, Lime and others urged a permit approach, data requirements and an emphasis on safety and curb management.
Council action: by voice vote the council directed staff to finalize the code amendment and return the ordinance for final action as part of a future consent agenda and to continue developing a possible shared program permit. The council did not approve a specific pilot plan or contract tonight.
Staff will return with ordinance language for adoption and continue inter‑departmental work with police, parks, the city attorney and parking/curb managers to design the operational permit and pilot program.
