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November 12, 2019 Discussion:  Shared mobility devices provide cost-effective, environmentally-friendly and convenient travel options for short trips within a city or region; however, the unregulated proliferation of shared mobility devices could cause cluttering of Portsmouth’s sidewalks and public ways and pose a safety risk for Portsmouth’s citizens.  The adoption of the proposed Code amendment will allow the Shared Mobility Device Pilot Program to achieve its regulatory purpose by prohibiting the hiring of devices (or the use of hired devices) except in accordance with the Program’s requirements.  The proposed Code amendment expressly states that it applies only to shared mobility devices for hire. It does not prohibit the use of personally owned mobility devices. Financial impact:  None Recommended Action:  Adoption of the ordinance. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The amendment will be incorporated into the City Code. Motion by Mr. Clark, and seconded by Mr. Moody, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: “ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND REORDAIN ARTICLE I OF CHAPTER 32 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA (2006), AS AMENDED, BY ADDING A NEW SECTION 32-30 TO CLARIFY THAT THE OFFERING AND USE OF SHARED MOBILITY DEVICES FOR HIRE IS PROHIBITED EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CITY’S SHARED MOBILITY DEVICE PILOT PROGRAM.” Ayes: Battle, Clark, Glover, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Psimas, Rowe Nays: None 19 - 412 - Adoption of a resolution establishing the City of Portsmouth Shared Mobility Device Pilot Program and adopting program regulations. Background:  Virginia Code Section 46.2-1315, enacted by the General Assembly in 2019, requires local jurisdictions to regulate the operation of motorized skateboards or scooters, bicycles, or electric power-assisted bicycles or similar shared mobility devices for hire by January 1, 2020. In the absence of any licensing ordinance, regulation or other action, a person may offer these services for hire in the locality by right. Discussion:  Shared mobility devices provide cost-effective, environmentally-friendly and convenient travel options for short trips within a city or region.  The Portsmouth Shared Mobility Device Pilot Program will establish temporary rules and regulations governing the operation of motorized skateboards (e-scooters), scooters, bicycles and/or electric power-assisted bicycles or other similar shared mobility devices for hire .  The pilot program will ensure the use of such devices is consistent with the safety and well-being of bicyclists, pedestrians, people with disabilities, and other users of the public rights-of-way during the duration of the program. Financial impact:  Program vendors will be required to obtain a business license and insurance, and pay permit fees, daily device fees, and penalties for non-compliance with program regulations. Fees generated from the program will be used to cover any costs generated by the program. Recommended Action:  Adoption of the resolution.