E-Scooter Pilot Program Resumes In Downtown Phoenix

Press release from the City of Phoenix:

October 1, 2020

Micromobility is returning to downtown Phoenix with the return of shared electric scooters (e-scooters). As part of an effort to integrate multimodal and active transportation options into Phoenix's urban core, the city has extended its pilot program to allow the operation of e-scooters within a specific boundary of downtown Phoenix.

The initial six-month pilot program (Sept. 2019 through March 2020) was unanimously approved by City Council. Another six-month evaluation period was also approved; however, the extension was postponed due to COVID-19. The extended pilot program begins Oct. 1 and will conclude March 31, 2021.

The extended pilot will allow further evaluation of e-scooters as a micromobility transportation option in Phoenix. The Street Transportation Department will continue to examine a variety of metrics including the number, duration and location of rides, user and vendor compliance, incidents and community feedback.

Phoenix’s e-scooter program is unique in that it requires all scooters to be deployed and parked in designated parking areas. Nearly 400 designated parking areas can be found throughout the pilot boundary, defined by white posts and reflective yellow scooter decals. Improperly parked scooters can be reported by calling the e-scooter hotline at 602-262-7474.

E-scooter companies are eligible to participate in the pilot program after qualifying for a permit through an application process conducted by the Street Transportation Department. The six-month extension of the pilot welcomes a new company to Phoenix’s pilot program, Razor.

Brandon Cheung, Senior Manager of Government Relations at Razor, said “Now more than ever, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Phoenix residents and visitors need a safe and affordable means of getting around. Our Operations team introduced industry-leading sanitation protocols in March 2020 to ensure that we are serving our employees and customers safely and responsibly.”

The city of Phoenix encourages drivers to stay alert and always yield to people walking and riding bicycles or scooters. Scooter riders are also encouraged to wear a helmet, only ride one person per scooter and ride in the street or in bicycle lanes and outside of construction zones and no-ride zones. E-scooter vendors are required to educate riders on the rules of the pilot and safe rider practices.

Community input is an important part of the evaluation of the pilot program. To provide feedback about the pilot program, email scooters@phoenix.gov or call the city’s e-scooter hotline at 602-262-7474.

For more information about the e-scooter pilot program, visit the program webpage at phoenix.gov/scooters.

This press release was produced by the City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author’s own.