Montgomery County Expands E-Scooter Service to Germantown 

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, December 21, 2021

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has expanded the service area for e-scooters to include Germantown. The service was expanded into the Gaithersburg area earlier this year. 

MCDOT introduced the dockless e-scooter program in designated areas of the County in June 2019. MCDOT has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with three, dockless e-scooter providers—Bird, Lime and Spin—to operate in designated test areas.

“Since bringing e-scooters to Montgomery County just over two years ago, we have found that they are a popular transportation alternative,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “I am glad that we are expanding scooter access to Germantown to allow residents there to utilize this smart, affordable and more environmentally sustainable form of transportation. E-scooters help us achieve our climate action goals by decreasing the reliance on automobiles while providing our residents with more public transportation options to get where they are going.”

Bird started providing e-scooters in the Germantown area in early December. By downloading the Bird App, riders can check pricing, locate the nearest e-scooter on a service area map, review safety videos and learn the correct way to park after reaching their destination. Residents can download the Bird app here.

“E-scooters provide a first mile/last mile transit option for area travelers and enable residents to conveniently navigate short distances without using single-occupancy vehicles,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “Since 2019, over 200,000 e-scooter trips have been taken within Montgomery County.”

Rules for e-scooter use in Montgomery County include:

• Must be 18 or older to rent an e-scooter. 
• Must show a valid driver’s license. 
• E-Scooters can only be parked within the specified east and west geographic areas. 
• Riders will not be able to end their trip outside the service area. 
• Speed limit for e-scooters is 15 mph. 
• E-Scooters must be parked in the public right of way and cannot interfere with traffic operations, block driveway access, crosswalks, ADA ramps, pedestrian access, bus stops, fire hydrants or impede access to private properties or businesses.  

MCDOT strongly encourages all e-scooter riders to wear a helmet.

MCDOT has conducted numerous free e-scooter training and safety clinics for residents 18 and older and will resume training classes in spring of 2022. 

Visit the MCDOT Commuter Services website for more information on alternative travel options in Montgomery County.

For more information on MCDOT programs, services and updates visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter and subscribe to MCDOT’s ‘Go Montgomery!’ newsletter.

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Release ID: 21-1018
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta 240-372-2282
Categories: Transportation