Shared Micromobility Pilot Study

Micromobility refers to small, lightweight vehicles that typically operate below 15 mph. Examples include bikes, electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters). These vehicles/devices are used by one user/rider at a time. These devices are convenient for traveling short distances.

Shared micromobility is the shared use of a bicycle, scooter, or other low-speed modes. Fleets are deployed and operated by private companies enabling users to have short-term access to an active or low-speed motorized transportation modes on an as-needed basis. 

Users may access these modes via smartphone applications to locate, reserve, check out, process payment devices for use, and conclude trips.

An e-scooter is a device weighing less than 100 pounds, with handlebars, with a platform base to stand upon. E-scooters are powered by an electric motor. E-scooters are typically equipped with either a single or dual hand breaks, rear and front lights, a bell and a kickstand.

Because of the increased interest from e-scooter companies looking to deploy in the Grand Junction market, the City is taking a proactive approach through pilot study to help establish parameters for operations. Furthermore, micromobility may expand transportation choice for short-range trips and provide new revenue generation for the community. A pilot allows for a preliminary feasibility study before committing to a permanent licensing program. 

Requirements to keep sidewalks clear of shared micromobility vehicles is a top priority for the City when implementing this program. Companies that are selected to participate in the Pilot Study are required to provide dedicated parking zones. As part of this Pilot Study, parking may not happen outside the parking zones. 

Enforcement will occur through geofencing technology and operator-led customer education. Other enforcement strategies include a parking photo feature requirement and user-penalty fees.

Geofencing creates a virtual perimeter that control where vehicles can be operated and parked, and at what speeds through GPS communication. Geofences will render e-scooters inoperable outside the boundaries of the virtual.

City is requiring Parking Photo feature in the application interface. At the conclusion of a trip, users will need to take a photo and submit photo of their properly parked vehicle before concluding the trip. The photo is verified in-app by AI and computer vision technology. 

Companies will only be permitted to operate within the city limits. Deployment areas within city limits will be proposed by the companies and will be further refined and approved by staff. The City has also established priority zones for deployment to incentivize the deployment of services in high-density residential areas and major employment areas.

On July 20, 2022, the City of Grand Junction adopted Ordinance No. 5084 (PDF) to regulate the use of both personally owned e-scooters and shared micromobility devices in Grand Junction.

To operate an e-scooter in Grand Junction you must be at least 16 years old.

In Grand Junction, helmets must be worn by riders under the age of 18.

As per the City of Grand Junction’s by-laws, personally owned e-scooters can be operated:

• On public roadways with a speed limit of 30 mph or less
• On cycling infrastructure, including multi-use trails along roadways and bike lanes

As per the City of Grand Junction’s ordinance, both personally owned and shared e-scooters are allowed to operate on City sidewalks and trails, unless otherwise posted. Currently, the City prohibits sidewalk riding on Main Street and Colorado Ave from 1st Street to 7th Street, and 7th Street from Grand Avenue to Colorado Avenue. Shared e-scooters that are deployed by private companies participating in the pilot study will be limited to 15 mph on trail and 6 mph on sidewalk.