Shared Mobility Devices
In the Washington, D.C. area, Shared Mobility Devices (SMDs) include pedal bicycles, electric bicycles, electric scooters, and electric mopeds. SMDs are provided by private companies and include both docked and dockless systems.
Capital Bikeshare
Capital Bikeshare is the regional bike-sharing system in the Washington, D.C. area, with a network of traditional bikes, e-bikes, and docking stations in D.C., Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax County, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County. Members can join for a year, a month, three days or 24 hours, or a single-ride is $2.00. Bikes can be checked out at one docking station and dropped off at any other docking station in the system with the first 30 minutes of each ride free.
Dockless Systems
Dockless systems don't depend on fixed docking stations for locking bikes or scooters. Instead, vehicles include a built-in locking mechanism and are tracked by GPS. Users set up an account to employ a mobile app to unlock, pay, and use. Bikes and scooters can be left at the user's destination, anywhere it's legal to park. Multiple companies are operating dockless bikeshare (traditional bikes and e-bikes) and e-scooter systems in Washington D.C., Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Prince George's County, and Montgomery County.
Safety on E-Scooters
Be a PAL – Predictable, Alert, Lawful – when using e-scooters. Follow these safe riding tips:
- Obey posted traffic signs and signals.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic.
- One rider per e-scooter.
- Companies require riders to be 18+ to use.
- Communicate your intent with hand signals.
- Keep your eyes on the road and avoid the use of anything that may distract you, such as cell phones and headphones.
- Helmets are recommended for all shared mobility device users.
- Stay visible after dark and in bad weather with light-colored clothing, reflective gear and lights.
Shared Electric Mopeds
In Washington, D.C., Revel electric mopeds are available to rent through an app.