Powered Micromobility Devices
Published Date: 1/16/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The National Park Service wants to set clear rules for using powered micromobility devices like e-scooters, hoverboards, and Segways in national parks. This new plan separates these devices from bikes and cars and explains where and how you can ride them. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until March 17, 2025, to share them—so get ready to roll and speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Park Use Only in Designated Locations
You may not operate powered micromobility devices (like e-scooters, hoverboards, or Segways) anywhere in a national park unless the location is specifically designated for their use. Natural terrain (sand, snow, rock, vegetation, soil) must be opened for device use only through notice-and-comment rulemaking in the Federal Register; other locations (park roads, parking areas, paved or gravel sidewalks and paths) may be designated by the park superintendent and listed in the superintendent's compendium.
Superintendents Can Set Local Device Rules
Park superintendents can decide which paved or improved sidewalks, paths, park roads, and parking areas allow powered micromobility devices and can impose conditions such as speed limits, device size limits, parking locations, or limits on device types. Superintendents must prepare a written determination and publish designated locations in the compendium and may use 36 CFR 1.5 and 1.7 procedures when required.
Wilderness Areas: Devices Prohibited
Possessing a powered micromobility device in any wilderness area established by Federal statute is prohibited unless another Federal law allows it. Superintendents cannot override this prohibition by designating locations in the compendium.
Which Devices Count (150‑Pound Limit)
A "powered micromobility device" is defined as a human‑operated, self‑propelled device with a curb weight under 150 pounds and no internal combustion engine; this definition excludes electric bicycles, motorized wheelchairs, snowmobiles, vessels, motor vehicles, and human‑powered coasting devices. The higher 150‑pound limit is intended to include heavier adaptive devices used by people with disabilities.
Shared‑Fleet Operators Need Authorization
Companies that operate shared fleets of powered micromobility devices within National Park System units must obtain written authorization (for example, a commercial use authorization or concession contract) to operate, and the proposed rule would govern the operator's use of devices whether the device is owned by the user or rented from an authorized company.
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