Micromobility Feasibility Study & Policy Updates

Last updated or reviewed on February 6, 2024

Overview

In 2018, with federal grant assistance through the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization, the City commissioned Alta Planning + Design to evaluate the City’s readiness for bike share and shared e-scooters, and outline a phased implementation approach for launching a shared micromobility program, if desired by the City. A draft “Micromobility Feasibility Study” was developed that was intended to inform elected officials, City staff, stakeholders, and the general public of the needs related to policy, programs, physical infrastructure, and education/marketing that would guide a successful program in Asheville.

However, due to COVID-19 and other higher priorities of staff and City Council, the draft feasibility study, though mostly complete, was put on pause and never brought to Council for adoption.

In the meantime, staff is working on updates to city ordinances to allow for the use of personal micromobility devices, many of which are not allowed in existing city code. Updating these ordinances will better position the City for a shared micromobility program in the future. This progress aligns with the 2036 Council Vision for Transportation and Accessibility by making it easy to get around Asheville, and easy to live here without a car.

bicyclist riding down city street

Happening Now

Staff has drafted several recommendations for ordinance updates, to remove barriers to use of personal micromobility devices in the City. Micromobility companies would still not be permitted to operate in the City at this time. 

Staff is gathering feedback from various boards and commissions, prior to taking the ordinance change language to Council for approval in Spring 2024. 

You can view a recent version of the presentation being used to receive feedback here. The next public meeting to receive feedback on micromobility policy updates will be at the Riverfront Commission, on February 8, 2024. 

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 will 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 are also currently banned on all streets, and on sidewalks in business districts.
  • Staff has developed several draft recommendations that, based on the feedback received, would be integrated into the ordinance revisions brought forward in the near future. Staff is meeting with various boards and commissions to receive feedback.
  • 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 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.

Initial Micromobility Policy Recommendations

  1. Adopt definition of micromobility devices that will include electric and human-powered devices (except wheelchairs); 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. 
  2. Allow for use of personal micromobility devices (that aren’t already currently allowed).
  3. Continue to prohibit shared e-scooter (and other micromobility devices) companies (e.g. Lime, Bird, etc.) from operating within the City of Asheville at this time.
  4. Allow use of micromobility devices in bike lanes and on low-speed local streets (25 mph or less) – Bicycles to be allowed on all streets per state law (except interstates). 
  5. Allow use of micromobility devices on greenways, and trails.
  6. Prohibit use of micromobility devices on sidewalks within the Central Business District (CBD), or consider “dismount zones” where people may get off their micromobility devices and walk on the sidewalk, but not ride.
  7. Allow use of micromobility devices on public sidewalks outside of the CBD.
  8. Update and ensure consistency among regulations related to enforcement and removal of micromobility devices when left unattended.

Proposed 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 (review with committees/commissions as needed)
  • April 2024 – City Council to review recommended ordinance changes

Micromobility Feasibility Study:

  • On hold until further notice

Contact Information

Hayley Burton, Urban Planner II

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