Micromobility Ordinance Updates Last updated or reviewed on August 27, 2025 Overview The City of Asheville is updating its ordinances to allow the legal use of personal micromobility devices such as e-scooters, skateboards, and rollerblades. These changes aim to expand safe, affordable, and accessible transportation options for residents and visitors. The updated policies will clarify where devices can be used—like bike lanes, sidewalks, and greenways—and introduce a formal definition for “micromobility” in City code. This project supports City Council goals around accessibility, affordability, and transportation safety. Happening Now Asheville City Council approved updates to the City’s micromobility ordinance at their regularly scheduled meeting on August 26, 2025, paving the way for expanded use of personal micromobility devices within City limits. These changes are part of a broader effort to provide safe, affordable, and accessible transportation options for all who travel in and around Asheville. Previously, e-scooters were prohibited on public streets, and skateboards, roller skates, and other “coasters” were banned on streets and sidewalks in business districts. With the newly adopted ordinance updates, personal micromobility devices are now permitted in designated bike lanes and other applicable transportation facilities throughout the city. Background In October 2023, Council passed a resolution directing staff to proceed with the College Patton Complete Streets Project AND to prepare ordinance amendments to permit use of all modes of personal transportation within bike lanes. There are a number of existing ordinances that need to be amended as part of this effort, and it is necessary to address other types of transportation facilities, such as sidewalks, roads without bike lanes, greenways, etc. at the same time. Currently, e-scooters are banned on public streets in the City. Skateboards, roller skates, and other “coasters” are also currently banned on all streets, and on sidewalks in business districts. The Federal Highway Administration broadly defines micromobility as any small, low-speed, human- or electric-powered transportation device, including bicycles, scooters, electric-assist bicycles, electric scooters (e-scooters), and other small, lightweight, wheeled conveyances. Updating city ordinances to remove barriers for the use of personal micromobility devices will help legitimize these forms of transportation, decriminalize their use, and advance Council goals associated with improving accessibility, affordability, and transportation safety. Staff developed several draft recommendations around micromobility and, received feedback from various boards and commissions on the recommendations. Staff has since drafted ordinance revision language based on feedback, industry best practices, and the legal framework available. These changes are on track to go to Council for review and adoption in August 2025. Timeline Personal Micromobility Ordinance Updates: December 2023 – Active Transportation Committee, Multi-modal Transportation Commission, Downtown Commission January 2024 – Planning and Economic Development Committee February 2024 – Riverfront Commission Feb – April 2024 – City staff draft ordinance change language September 2024 – Planning, Economic Development, and Environment Committee presentation July 2025 – Planning, Economic Development, and Environment Committee presentation August 26, 2025 – City Council consideration Contact Information Hayley Burton Urban Planner II City of Asheville hburton@ashevillenc.gov
