City of Riverside Takes Steps Towards Innovative Personal Delivery Device Program

Published: 1/16/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Jan. 16, 2026

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Phil Pitchford

Public Information Officer

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City of Riverside Takes Steps Towards Innovative Personal Delivery Device Program

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - A key Riverside City Council committee has supported an ordinance that will guide a program for the safe and responsible operation of personal delivery devices (PDDs) on public streets, sidewalks, and pedestrian areas.

This milestone at a special meeting of the Mobility and Infrastructure Committee reflects the City's commitment to thoughtful innovation, public safety, and economic opportunity as part of Riverside's broader smart-city vision and green economy.

Personal delivery devices (PDDs) are automated ground-based delivery devices designed to transport goods such as meals and other items within local communities. The proposed ordinance will lay the foundation for a permitting and regulatory framework that will enable emerging delivery technologies, including PDDs, to operate while prioritizing safety, sustainability, and neighborhood livability.

"Our City continues to embrace innovation that enhances quality of life and supports both residents and local businesses," said City Councilmember Steve Hemenway, vice-chairman of the committee. "Today's vote brings us closer to establishing a clear, safety-first path for personal delivery devices in our community. We're committed to setting a modern regulatory framework that encourages responsible technology use and aligns with Riverside's values of public safety and economic vitality."

The committee vote came about two months after the City welcomed DoorDash Labs to bring Dot, a cutting-edge autonomous delivery robot, to Riverside for a demonstration. Dot leverages advanced robotics and smart mobility technology to accelerate local commerce and enhance services for residents and small businesses.

The ordinance will detail requirements for operators, including permitting standards, safety protocols, and performance expectations. The proposed ordinance will aim to ensure that new delivery technologies are integrated thoughtfully into Riverside's transportation and pedestrian infrastructure while maintaining high standards for roadway safety and accessibility.

The City also envisions that PDD technology may one day become a valuable resource for providing real-time infrastructure assessments using the device's sensing technology. The ordinance will be the first of its kind regulating PDDs in the Inland Empire.

"We applaud the City Council's leadership in supporting a pragmatic approach to the future of delivery technology," said Henry Greenidge, Senior Policy Advisor, Autonomy & Robotics at DoorDash. "Working together with the City of Riverside, we can help develop guidelines that allow for innovation while keeping community needs at the forefront. Personal delivery devices like Dot represent one of many tools that can help better connect local businesses with customers, reduce emissions, and help Riverside grow in a way that is safe, sustainable, and centered on community needs."

This action reflects Riverside's ongoing dedication to smart-city leadership, economic development, and community-centered innovation. Through this collaboration, Riverside is establishing a model for the thoughtful integration of automation into local commerce as it continues to embrace next-generation technology responsibly and effectively.