Lyft Scooters Added To Alexandria's Pilot Program

ALEXANDRIA, VA—On Tuesday, Feb. 19, Lyft joined the companies allowed to operate dockless scooters in Alexandria. Alexandria joins Arlington County and Washington, DC in allowing Lyft scooters.

"We’re excited to announce that we’re expanding our service area for Lyft Scooters to Alexandria, following last year's launches in D.C. and Arlington," said Chris Dattaro, Lyft bikes & scooters market manager for DC, in a statement. "Alexandria is an important part of the vibrant DC-metro ecosystem and we look forward to providing riders in the DMV with multimodal transportation options."

Dockless devices are shared devices like bikes and scooters. Unlike concepts such as Capital Bikeshare, the devices are not stored in docks. Rather users can pick up and drop off the devices at locations like sidewalks.

Riders use the Lyft app to locate scooters in Alexandria, reserve scooters ahead of time, or unlock a scooter to use by scanning a QR code. The cost is $1 to unlock and $0.15 per minute to use. The app also lets users to lock the scooter during breaks or end the ride.

In January, Lime became the first dockless device operator allowed in Alexandria. The city is accepting permit applications from companies as part of the nine-month dockless mobility device pilot program approved in November. The city will evaluate the pilot program and collect public feedback.

Companies like Lyft must follow the city's established rules on dockless devices, which includes instructing riders to park devices in appropriate locations like the edge of a sidewalk. Devices cannot impede pedestrian access; obstruct access to fire hydrants and valves, street furniture, crosswalks, driveways or private property; damage landscaping, street trees or other aesthetic features; and interfere with traffic or bus stop operations or operation and use of Capital Bikeshare stations.

Helmets are required for scooter use in Alexandria. Riders can use scooters on streets, bike lanes and certain trails but not sidewalks. E-bikes are allowed at the same locations as traditional bikes.

When users finish their rides, scooters can be left in Alexandria, Arlington or Washington, DC. Riders who park devices outside these permitted jurisdictions are subject to fines.

For more about Lyft's scooter program in Alexandria, click here.

Main image via Emily Leayman/Patch