Title
Amend City Code to Establish the Shared Micromobility Program (Ordinance G-7113)
Description
Request to amend Phoenix City Code chapters 4, 23, 24, 31, 36 and 39 to establish a Shared Micromobility Program; enact related regulations; and allow for the permanent use of electric scooters on public streets citywide.
Report
Summary
On June 26, 2019, City Council approved Ordinance G-6602 establishing a Downtown Shared Electric Scooter (e-scooter) Pilot Program (Pilot Program) and amending Phoenix City Code to incorporate a definition for an electric standup scooter and legalizing e-scooter operation on public streets with revocable dockless electric standup scooter share permits. Additionally, the ordinance authorized the City of Phoenix Police Department or peace officer to issue civil traffic citations for, among other things, speed limit violations, yielding the right of way, parking violations and riding on the sidewalk. The ordinance had a one-year sunset provision.
The ordinance was extended four times to extend the Pilot Program and sunset provision to allow staff time to research, develop and implement a new permanent program. The ordinance is now set to expire on June 30, 2023.
On Dec. 14, 2022, City Council approved the Shared Micromobility Program (Micromobility Program) to replace the Pilot Program, and the program launched on Jan. 20, 2023. Phoenix City Code needs to be amended to reflect the updated definitions, terms and provisions of the new Micromobility Program. The amendment also needs to allow for the permanent use of e-scooters on public streets citywide.
Shared Micromobility Program
The Micromobility Program built upon the Pilot Program by expanding the program boundaries and the types of vehicles available. The Micromobility Program vendors were also selected using a competitive procurement process and operate under City contracts rather than a revocable permit that was used during the Pilot Program.
If approved, this request will amend Phoenix City Code to align with the new Micromobility Program by adding a definition of micromobility and removing references to the revocable dockless electric standup scooter share permits. The ordinance will also update the term “standup electric scooters” to “electric scooters, e-scooters” to allow for additional vehicle types to be used in the Micromobility Program and by residents who own electric scooters.
Additionally, the sunset provision that currently allows e-scoooters to operate on public streets in the City will become permanent. To support the safe use of e-scooters, the amendment will also clarify that e-scooters should be operated at a speed that is reasonable and prudent under the existing conditions. It also adds a section on disposition of abandoned e-scooters that mirrors the electric bicycle regulations, required equipment, and applicability of traffic laws and bicycle laws.
The Street Transportation Department will provide an update to the Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee at its September 2023 meeting on the first six months of operation of the Micromobility Program.
Electric Bicycles
Currently, Phoenix City Code uses the term “motorized electric bicycle” when referring to electric bicycles. The amendment will remove the word motorized and update the term to “electric bicycle," which is used in the Arizona Revised Statutes.
Financial Impact
There is no financial impact to the City of Phoenix to update the Phoenix City Code.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee:
- Was provided with information on the proposed Comprehensive Micromobility Program on Oct. 20, 2021;
- Recommended approval to issue a solicitation for the program on April 20, 2022, by a vote of 4-0; and
- Recommended approval to amend Phoenix City Code to establish the Shared Micromobility Program on May 17, 2023, by a unanimous vote.
The Economic Development and Equity Subcommittee:
- Was provided an update on the Shared Micromobility Shared Revenue Contract Solicitation on Dec.13, 2022.
The City Council approved:
- The Pilot Program (Ordinance G-6602) on June 26, 2019;
- A Pilot Program extension and a sunset provision extension (Ordinance G-6676) on Feb. 19, 2020;
- A sunset provision extension (Ordinance G-6772) on Dec. 2, 2020;
- A Pilot Program extension and a sunset provision extension (Ordinance G-6823) on March 17, 2021;
- A Pilot Program extension, a sunset provision extension and the allowance of electric bicycles on public streets citywide (Ordinance G-6967) on March 2, 2022;
- The issuance of a Request for Proposals to operate a Comprehensive Micromobility Program in Phoenix on May 11, 2022; and
- The award of the Revenue Contract Solicitation to two micromobility vendors to operate shared micromobility services in Phoenix (Ordinance S-49256) on Jan. 14, 2022.
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Alan Stephenson and the Street Transportation Department.