Flagstaff staff reopen discussion on shared micromobility, seek commissioner input

Flagstaff transportation staff and Metroplan on April 2 presented options to restart a shared micromobility program — including e-scooters and e-bikes — after earlier pilot efforts stalled around the COVID-19 pandemic.

City transportation planner Chris Fair told the Transportation Commission the discussion revives work begun in 2018 and 2020 and follows a February city council direction to restart the conversation. “This presentation builds off of a similar one that was given to city council in February of this year, where city council directed staff to restart the conversation around micromobility share,” Fair said.

Kim Austin of Metroplan summarized peer-city research and a 2017–18 feasibility update Mountain Line produced. Austin said modern programs are typically run by third-party vendors rather than being city-owned, and that most systems now deploy e-scooters. “In 2024, 75% of the devices offered in these systems were e-scooters, and only 25% were e-bikes,” Austin said. She outlined potential program benefits the city has cited in planning documents — reduced congestion, climate goals, transit first/last-mile connections and tourism — and described operator, permit and staffing models used elsewhere.

Staff noted Flagstaff’s code currently allows micromobility companies to seek permits, and said the city must decide whether to (a) set a permitting system, (b) run a procurement/contract with a single vendor, or (c) change code to prohibit such operations. Staff described tools to manage risks: user liability language and operator insurance for safety concerns; designated parking incentives and geofencing to avoid sidewalk obstructions; contract or permit fees and possible staffing offsets to cover program administration; and equity measures such as discounted fares or cash/unbanked access.

Commissioners expressed cautious interest and flagged practical questions. Commissioner Bob said the prior pilot showed the need for stronger structure and parking rules, noting geofencing and limiting the number of devices so the program “is not overwhelming.” Commissioner Josh Stone asked how scooters would perform in Flagstaff winters and how device distribution across Flagstaff’s larger footprint would affect utilization. Chair Koenig said narrow downtown and neighborhood sidewalks raise concerns about where devices would be parked and how sidewalks without curbs would be handled, and asked staff to include documented studies quantifying claimed program benefits.

Metroplan and city staff said they are engaging the city’s interagency team (City staff, Metroplan, Northern Arizona University and Mountain Line) and multiple advisory committees to gather input before preparing a council recommendation. No formal motion or vote was taken; staff will continue stakeholder engagement and return to city council with a recommendation.

The Bicycle Advisory Committee reported a split recommendation between allowing multiple vendors versus issuing a single RFP, but generally favored allowing micromobility in Flagstaff with a device mix that includes bicycles or e-bikes (BAC members suggested aiming for at least a 70/30 scooter-to-bike split in favor of scooters, while ensuring a meaningful ebike/bike presence).