Micromobility refers to a variety of small, lightweight, low-speed vehicles operated by users for personal transportation. These vehicles are designed for short-distance trips and include bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, e-scooters, skateboards, hoverboards, OneWheels, Segways, etc.
DEFINITIONS
Bicycle: Every device propelled by human power upon which any individual may ride, having two tandem wheels either of which is more than 14 inches in diameter. Applicable City/State Code: AL Code §32-1-1.1
Class D License: A Class D license is a standard driver’s license for operating personal passenger vehicles under 26,001 pounds, such as cars, SUVs and pickup trucks. A Class D license shall be issued to any person 16 years and older if the person has passed a written and driving exam designated by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. This license permits operation of personal vehicles, non-commercial trucks and RVs for personal use.
Class M License: A Class M motorcycle license with a motor-driven cycle restriction shall be issued to any person 14 years and older if the person has passed a motorcycle knowledge test designated by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency or if the individual has successfully completed an Alabama Traffic Safety Center/Alabama Motorcycle Safety Program, Motorcycle Safety Foundation, Basic Riders Course.
Driver’s License: Every person, except those specifically exempted by statutory enactment, shall procure a driver’s license before driving a motor vehicle upon the highways of this state. A person 17 years of age or younger operating a motor-driven cycle shall be subject to the operating hours, exceptions and suspensions provided in §32-6-7.2. Applicable City/State Code: AL Code §32-6-1 & 32-12-22
Electric Bike (e-Bike): A bicycle equipped with a battery-powered electric motor (typically under 750 watts) that assists with or replaces pedaling, featuring functional pedals. Operates similarly to a traditional bicycle but allows for easier acceleration and climbing at speeds generally up to 20-28 mph.
Golf Cart: Designed for use on golf courses to carry golf equipment and a few passengers; typically operate at speeds under 20 mph; usually lack the comprehensive safety equipment required for street use. Golf carts are NOT street-legal and restricted to private property or designated roads.
Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV): A street-legal, four-wheeled vehicle with a top speed of 25 mph and a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 lbs. Low-speed vehicles must adhere to the performance and safety standards set by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic and Safety Association) which requires LSVs must be equipped with:
- Headlamps (headlights)
- Front and rear turn signal lights
- Taillights
- Brake lights (stop lamps)
- Red reflex reflectors
- Parking Brake
- Appropriate mirrors: an exterior mirror on the driver’s side and an exterior mirror on the passenger’s side or an interior mirror
- Conforming windshield
- Type 1 or 2 seat belt assembly
- Alert sound (horn)
- VIN (vehicle identification number)
Differences Between Low-Speed Vehicles & Golf Carts:
|
LSV |
Golf Cart | |
| Number of Forward-Facing Passengers: |
2-6 (depending on model) |
2-4 |
| Rules & Regulations: |
Street-legal on most streets with |
Not street-legal |
| Driver Requirements: |
Must be operated by a licensed driver |
No license required |
| Vehicle Speed: |
Not to exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) |
Not to exceed 20 mph (32 km/h) |
|
Safety Features: |
Mandatory 3-point safety belts, headlights, turn signals |
Optional safety belts, |
Motor Vehicle: Any vehicle which is propelled or drawn on land by a motor, such as, but not limited to, passenger cars, trucks, truck-trailers, semi-trailers, campers, go-carts, snowmobiles, amphibious craft on land, dune buggies or racing vehicles, but not including motorcycles. Applicable City/State Code: VH Code 11-64/AL Code §32-1-1.1
Motorcycle: A motor-powered, two- or three-wheeled vehicle designed with a seat or saddle for the rider, typically without pedals; characterized by an engine-driven, open-air design for transportation. No person shall knowingly permit or allow any juvenile for whom he or she is a parent or guardian to operate or ride upon a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle while
not wearing shoes. Applicable City/State Code: AL Code §32-12-41 & 32-5A-245
Motor Driven Cycle: A motor-driven cycle is every motorcycle, including every motor scooter, with a motor producing not more than 5 brake horsepower, an engine displacement of 150 cubic centimeters or less and weighing less than 200 pounds when fully equipped. Includes low-power scooters, mopeds and small-displacement motorcycles that meet power, size
and weight limits. Must be at least 14 years old to obtain a motor-driven cycle license (Class M). Helmet use is required. Applicable City/State Code: AL Code §32-1-1.1
OneWheel: A self-balancing electric board (“smart board”) similar to a skateboard with a single large, central wheel. Recommended safety gear includes: a properly fitting helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards and closed-toe shoes with slip-resistant soles.
Park – Municipal or City: A public open space located within a city or densely populated area, designed for recreation, leisure and nature appreciation; typically maintained by local government. Applicable City/State Code: AL Code §11-47-19
Municipal Parks in Vestavia Hills and their governing Ordinance:
- Wald Park – VH Ordinance 12-1
- Liberty Park Sports Complex – VH Ordinance 12-2
- Little Shades Creek Park “McCallum Park” – VH Ordinance 12-3
- Cahaba Heights Park – VH Ordinance 12-4
- Byrd Park – VH Ordinance 12-5
- Shallowford Park – VH Ordinance 12-6
- Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex – VH Ordinance 12-7
- Meadowlawn Park – VH Ordinance 12-8
Registration: The registration certificates and registration plates issued under the laws of this state pertaining to the registration of vehicles. Applicable City/State Code: AL Code §32-1-1.1
Scooter (non-motorized): A non-motorized scooter is legally considered as a human-powered toy and, as such, is governed under the same laws as a pedestrian. Non-motorized scooters do not require a driver’s license and do not require a helmet, although safety gear is recommended.
Electric Scooter: Electric scooters are considered “motor vehicles” and “motor driven cycles”. This is important because the rules that apply to both motor vehicles and motor driven cycles also apply to scooters. Applicable City/State Code: VH Code 11-64 / AL Code §32-1-1.1(62) An electric scooter is a device weighing less than 100 pounds that satisfies all of the following:
- Has handlebars and an electric motor
- Is solely powered by the electric motor or human power
- Has a maximum speed of no more than 20 m.p.h. on a paved level surface when powered solely by the electric motor
Are electric scooters allowed on a public sidewalk? No person shall drive any vehicle upon a public sidewalk or sidewalk area except upon a permanent or duly authorized temporary driveway. Applicable City/State Code: VH Code 9-16 / AL Code §32-5A-52
Is a license required to operate a scooter on a public street? Yes. Every person, except those specifically exempted by statutory enactment, shall procure a driver’s license before driving a motor vehicle upon the highways of this state.
A Class M motorcycle license with a motor-driven cycle restriction shall be issued to any person 14 years and older if the person has passed a motorcycle knowledge test designated by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency or if the individual has successfully completed an Alabama Traffic Safety Center/Alabama Motorcycle Safety Program, Motorcycle Safety Foundation, Basic Riders Course. Applicable City/State Code: VH Code 9-13 and 11-64 / AL Code §32-6-1, 32-6-7, and 32-12-22
Are a helmet and/or shoes required to ride an electric scooter? Yes. No person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle unless he or she is wearing protective headgear that complies with standards established by §32-12-41.
No person shall knowingly permit or allow any juvenile for whom he or she is a parent or guardian to operate or ride upon a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle while not wearing a protective helmet of the kind authorized by §32-12-41. Applicable City/State Code: AL Code §32-12-22, 32-5A-245
Skateboard: A short, narrow board mounted on four small wheels via trucks, used for riding while standing or crouching. Recommended safety gear includes: a properly fitting helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards and closed-toe shoes with slip-resistant soles.
VHPD ENFORCEMENT & SIDEWALK USAGE BY AREA
Liberty Park
- The City maintains control of public roads from curb to curb, but sidewalks within the community are privately governed by HOA rules and covenants.
- Because sidewalks are privately regulated, Police enforcement does not apply to bicycles, scooters or golf carts unless a safety or criminal issue arises (such as reckless endangerment).
- This arrangement provides residents with more flexibility for recreational use, while still ensuring safety through HOA guidelines.
Traditional Vestavia Hills & Cahaba Heights
- In areas of Vestavia Hills other than Liberty Park, the City regulates rights-of-way, roads and sidewalks under municipal ordinances.
- These ordinances clearly define sidewalk use:
- Motorized vehicles (golf carts, e-scooters) are prohibited.
- Bicycles are prohibited (by state law).
- Enforcement is handled by the Police department under City code.
Key Differences: Liberty Park sidewalks fall under private governance, with City enforcement limited to safety incidents. In contrast, sidewalks in other areas of Vestavia Hills are fully regulated by municipal ordinances, with strict rules on motorized devices.
