The Personal Delivery Device Weight Limit Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025 was introduced to address the urgent need to amend the Personal Delivery Device Act of 2018, which currently restricts personal delivery devices (PDDs) to a weight limit of 90 pounds. Since the original legislation was enacted, advancements in technology have led to the development of new PDD models that exceed this weight limit, hindering their introduction and use in the District. The resolution highlights that many other states have already adopted higher weight limits for PDDs, with some allowing devices to weigh up to 500 pounds, thereby creating a competitive disadvantage for the District.

The resolution emphasizes that without an immediate amendment to the weight limit, the District Department of Transportation cannot issue permits for PDDs exceeding 90 pounds, depriving residents of innovative delivery solutions that could reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions. To address this issue, Councilmembers have introduced the Personal Delivery Device Weight Limit Amendment Act of 2025, which proposes to raise the weight limit to 275 pounds. The Council has determined that the circumstances warrant an emergency declaration, allowing for the resolution to take effect immediately after a single reading.