2022 - 2023 Dockless Scooter Pilot Study
The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works is announcing the 2022 - 2023 Dockless Scooter Pilot Study. Starting early September, the 2022 Dockless Scooter Pilot Study will run until December 31, 2023. Three companies - Lime, Spin, and Veo - will participate in the study. Throughout the pilot, DPW staff will evaluate the study through public surveys, goals analysis, ridership, and more.
Pilot Study Goals
- Provide equitable transportation services
- Increase transportation options
- Evaluate impacts on access to the public right of way
Ride Data:
Ride Report Open Data Portal
September 2022:
- Total rides: TBA
- Median trip time: TBA
- Median trip distance: TBA
- Day with highest rides: TBA
- City-reported complaints: TBA
- Number of complaints to companies: TBA
FAQs
Who owns the scooters?
The scooters are privately owned and rented out by the minute using a smartphone app. Three companies rent electric scooters within the city of Milwaukee: Lime, Spin, and Veo.
How do I find and ride a scooter?
Each of the companies has its own smartphone app. Downloading the app and creating an account prior to your ride will save time. Once you have the app, you can locate and unlock scooters using your phone.
What are the payment options?
Lime, Spin, and Veo offer discounted rate programs and ways to participate without a smartphone and with a cash payment option. Click the links below to learn more.
Lime Spin Veo
How do I ride safely?
- Helmet use is encouraged while riding a dockless scooter
- Sidewalk riding is prohibited; ride on the street in a bike lane when possible or on a shared-use trail
- Riding and parking on the Riverwalk and over bridges is prohibited
- Users are required to follow all rules of the road
How should I park when I'm done with my ride?
- Be mindful of pedestrians on sidewalks
- Keep at least 5' accessible space on the sidewalk
- Don't block curb ramps
- Don't block driveways or alleys
- Don't block bus or streetcar stops
How should I drive around people on scooters?
- Give at least 3' of space when passing someone on a scooter or bike
- When turning, look and yield to people scooting, biking, or walking
- When exiting a parked car, use your right hand so you automatically look over your shoulder for people scooting or biking
How do I ride safely?
- Helmet use is encouraged while riding a dockless scooter
- Sidewalk riding is prohibited; ride on the street in a bike lane when possible or on a shared-use trail
- Riding and parking on the Riverwalk is prohibited
- Users are required to follow all rules of the road
How should I park when I'm done with my ride?
- Be mindful of pedestrians on sidewalks
- Keep at least 5' accessible space on the sidewalk
- Don't block curb ramps
- Don't block driveways or alleys
- Don't block bus or streetcar stops
How should I drive around people on scooters?
- Give at least 3' of space when passing someone on a scooter or bike
- When turning, look and yield to people scooting, biking, or walking
- When exiting a parked car, use your right hand so you automatically look over your shoulder for people scooting or biking
How do I report issues with scooters?
Please contact scooter operators directly for complaints related to parking or other issues related to a single operator. For general questions or feedback on the program, contact Kate Riordan (kriord@milwaukee.gov).
You can also access this information through the following ways:
- Visiting milwaukee.gov/ScooterOperators
- Calling 414-286-CITY (2489) and selecting the appropriate menu option
- Using the Milwaukee Mobile Action app and selecting "Dockless Scooter Issues"
What is being done to address sidewalk riding?
- Each rider receives an in-app notification that says "sidewalk riding is illegal" before beginning a ride
- Operators are required to conduct one (1) safety outreach event for the community
- Each operator has committed to deploying sidewalk riding detection technology that is required to function on specific street segments
- Each operator is equipped with advanced technology to detect incorrect sidewalk riding
Application Materials
Note: Applications are no longer being accepted for this pilot study. The following information is for reference only.
Application
Request for Proposals
Terms and Conditions
Appendix A: Service Zone Map
Map Layers
Note: clicking links will download a file; additional file types available by emailing Kate Riordan (kriord@milwaukee.gov)
Service Zones 1 - 6
Milwaukee City Limit
Google Map of Scooter Zones 1 - 6
2021 Dockless Scooter Pilot Study
The 2021 Dockless Scooter Pilot Study ran from June 1 - November 15, 2021. Three companies - Bird, Lime, and Spin - participated in the study. DPW staff conducted a thorough evaluation of the pilot study, which includes an overview of ridership, results from the public survey, goals analysis, and more. A recommendation for the future of scooters in Milwaukee is forthcoming.
Additional 2021 Dockless Scooter Pilot Study Information
Public Survey Results
2019 Dockless Scooter Pilot Study
The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works initiated a Dockless Scooter Pilot Study on July 23, 2019. Three companies - Bird, Lime, and Spin - participated in the pilot study. The pilot study was authorized to run through December 31, 2019; however, all three companies had removed their scooters by the end of November.
DPW staff conducted a thorough evaluation of the pilot study, which includes an overview of ridership, results from the public survey, goals analysis, and more. This report also provides a recommendation for a new 2021 pilot study.
Additional 2019 Dockless Scooter Pilot Study Information
Public Survey Results