Hoverboards in National Parks? NPS Draws the Micromobility Line!
Published Date: 8/12/2026
Rule
Summary
The National Park Service finalizes a management framework for the use of powered micromobility devices within the National Park System. The final rule defines powered micromobility devices separately from motor vehicles, traditional bicycles, electric bicycles, and human powered coasting devices, and creates rules for where and how they may be used in units of the National Park System. Examples of powered micromobility devices include electric scooters (e- scooters), hoverboards, and Segways.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Park Use Allowed Only in Designated Locations
The rule says you may only use powered micromobility devices in National Park System units in locations that are specifically designated by the park superintendent. Superintendents can list designated roads, paved or gravel sidewalks and paths, parking areas, and other improved locations in the unit's compendium, but rulemaking is required before allowing devices on locations that have never been improved by artificial or processed materials.
Shared-Fleet Operators Need Park Authorization
Companies that operate shared e-scooter or other micromobility fleets in park areas must obtain written authorization from the NPS (for example a commercial use authorization or concession contract). Those authorizations can include operational requirements such as parking corrals, geofencing, incident reporting, battery handling plans, and penalties for improper parking or abandonment.
Device Definition: <150 Pounds, No Gas Engine
The rule defines a "powered micromobility device" as a human-operated, self-propelled device with a curb weight less than 150 pounds and without an internal combustion engine. The definition explicitly includes e-scooters, hoverboards, Segways, e-skateboards and adaptive devices up to that weight, and it excludes electric bicycles, motorized wheelchairs, snowmobiles, vessels, and motor vehicles.
No Micromobility in Statutory Wilderness Areas
The rule prohibits possessing a powered micromobility device in wilderness areas established by Congress, unless otherwise allowed by Federal law. Superintendents cannot override that statutory prohibition by designation.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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