Shared Active Transportation Program FAQs

Why does the City require permits and charge fees to operators of Shared Active Transportation Programs?

The City of Albuquerque is committed to safe streets and sidewalks for residents to get around the city. The permitting process helps ensure that operators providing this type of service in Albuquerque meet all of the requirements and use safe vehicles and procedures. Fees to operate these programs within the City help cover some of the costs of ensuring that these programs are being operated in the appropriate manner and to provide necessary resources for the enforcement of rules and regulations. In addition, the City may use these fees to support public improvements that make it safer to use all modes of transportation in Albuquerque.

Users

Can I park an e-scooter, shared bike, e-bike, or other powered micro-mobility vehicles on the sidewalk?

Small vehicles may be parked on sidewalks only if there is enough room for them to be parked safely without blocking pedestrians or other sidewalk users, entrances to buildings, bus stops, driveways, intersections, etc. It is important that we all take responsibility for keeping our sidewalks open and safe for the public.

How much does it cost to use an e-scooter, shared bike, e-bike, or other powered micro-mobility vehicle?

The City does not provide these programs or regulate user fees, so each operator sets their own fees. You can find out more about cost and how to use these vehicles by visiting each operator’s website.

Operators

What happens after we submit an application for a Permit?

Shared Active Transportation Programs must have an approved Permit before operating in Albuquerque. The review process may take 4-6 weeks to complete to ensure that the proposed program meets all City requirements. Once the Permit and Agreement Form has been deemed complete and ready for approval, the City will notify you and bill you for the annual Permit Fee and any applicable Station Fees. Your Permit will not be approved until those fees have been paid in full to the City.

How much does it cost to permit a Shared Active Transportation Program in Albuquerque?

The following table indicates all fees associated with operating a Shared Active Transportation Program. This fee schedule can also be found in the Permit and Agreement Form. 

Do we have to provide Stations for e-scooters?

In general, e-scooters are distributed daily after overnight charging. In order to ensure that e-scooters are parked appropriately when distributed, the City requires operators to utilize only the pre-approved stations in the list provided by the City. For any drop zone located on public property or in the public right-of-way, a Station Fee (or public right-of-way encroachment fee) will be assessed annually, similar to any other encroachment into the public right-of-way.

Stations do not need to be permanently marked and may be flexible – for example, one location may be used on weekdays and another location may be used for weekends. However, any station that will be used at any time must be permitted by the City. The City encourages co-location of stations, which should be handled through private agreements among operators.

Can we advertise our activity in Albuquerque?

Operators may list Albuquerque as a city where they operate and use images of their vehicles in Albuquerque or text about being in Albuquerque. However, the City of Albuquerque is not a participant in any Shared Active Transportation Program, and it should not be implied that the City is an endorser of any particular Operator. The City simply permits operation of such programs and enforces the relevant City rules and regulations that apply to them.