After two successful pilot programs, Chicago has allowed up to three scooter operators to deploy their fleets in the city this spring, with new rules and some restrictions.
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) launched January 12th the application process for a shared electric scooter license that will allow up to three companies to operate in Chicago.
The license has been authorized by the City Council after two four-month-long shared scooter pilot programs, and is expected to launch in the spring with a total of up to 3,000 devices for starters.
Two pilot programs were run to test the waters, and Chicagoans loved the rides
These are good news for Chicagoans who tried alternative forms of transportation over the last year. Soon, they will have even more options. The city of Chicago has been considering the long-term outlook of its pilot e-scooter program since last summer, after having announced, in September 2020, its second E-Scooter pilot program following a very successful maiden pilot the previous year. 2020’s pilot program consisted of three scooter companies, Lime, Spin, and Bird, who offered 9,999 scooters in a wider range of locations around the city over a 90 day period.
CDOT and BACP conducted the two e-scooter pilots in 2019 and 2020 to test the viability of the service, to test technology and safety regulations and to see whether scooters really provide a viable transportation option for Chicagoans. The trial worked out, the city officials and involved companies think, since the decision to extend the program was taken.
In October 2021, the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance that created a new business license category for scooter sharing companies. The ordinance permits three scooter share vendors to operate in the city, and also allows CDOT to incorporate electric scooters using the City’s Divvy bikeshare system.
“CDOT and our partners at BACP have conducted two pilot projects that tested whether shared electric scooters are a viable addition to the mobility landscape in Chicago. We’ve learned that an effectively managed e-scooter program can provide an affordable, convenient and environmentally friendly way for Chicagoans to get around,” said CDOT Commissioner Gia Biagi. “Working with the City Council, we passed an ordinance to stand up a two-year permit program last year. Shared e-scooters will provide mobility benefits throughout Chicago – with an emphasis on serving areas that will benefit from new transportation options.”
Strict rules and regulations meant to avoid accidents, areas excepted from the program
Some lessons have been learned from the two pilot programs, and these translated into strict rules and regulations meant to avoid accidents. Operating companies will be required to employ technology that can detect and reduce people riding e-scooters on sidewalks. The devices will be used on streets all around the city, with the exception of the O’Hare Airport area, the Lake Front Trail, 606/Bloomingdale Trail, and the Chicago Riverwalk.
Applications from potential operating companies are due in February. City officials will select up to three companies to offer shared scooters this spring. Potential operating companies will be ranked based on a number of criteria, including past performance, operational capacities, technology and capability to meet the City’s equity, environmental and safety standards.
“The new scooter sharing license will enable companies to operate scooter fleets in Chicago, according to license terms,” said BACP Commissioner Ken Meyer. “The two scooter pilot programs allowed us to thoughtfully evaluate scooters in Chicago to come up with a permanent structure for this new license. Through collaboration, and City Council approval, the license will ensure licensees put safety and equitable scooter distribution at the forefront of their business models.”
There will be up to 12,500 total devis in the city, across all companies
Initially, the operating companies will be each licensed to offer up to 1,000 devices, and they will be allowed to deploy additional scooters if they meet specific ridership, safety, compliance and education requirements. The scooter sharing program allows up to 12,500 total devices to be used in the city across all companies.
Among the key requirements of the program are the following:
- Companies must deploy scooters with cable-locking (“lock-to”) technology, and the devices are to be locked to fixed objects – bike racks, street signs or light poles – at the end of a trip.
- Companies will be required to deploy technology that detects and reduces sidewalk riding.
- Companies will be required to deploy 50% of scooters to Equity Priority Areas covering many south and west side neighborhoods and totaling approximately 50% of the entire service area.
- Companies will be required to provide affordable access to shared scooters for low-income residents as well as non-credit-card-based access and non-smartphone-based access.
- Scooters will be allowed to operate between 5 a.m. and midnight, and in bike lanes, paths or streets.
- Scooters will be allowed downtown in limited numbers in an effort to balance mobility benefits with parking space constraints.
- Companies will be required to educate scooter users on proper and safe use of the devices and to implement policies that encourage compliance with safety rules, including learn-to-ride classes and in-app education.
- Companies will face fines if they fail to remove improperly parked scooters within two hours of a complaint.
- At least 5% of each company’s devices must be accessible for riders with mobility limitations and must feature a seat at minimum.
- Companies must provide free or discounted helmets.
- The ordinance includes new consumer protection policies, including data privacy rules, prohibiting companies from charging fees while riders are completing education and prohibiting companies from requiring riders to pay in advance for more than one ride.
The spring is round the corner, and so are these new options to get around in the city. And since rules and regulations are in place to keep us all safe while using them, let’s hope for good weather and good health to be able to enjoy riding around the city in a flash.
