Shared Micromobility Program
On Thursday, October 15, 2020, electric scooters, or e-scooters as they are commonly known, took to Tallahassee’s streets in a permanent way. After a successful pilot project, the Tallahassee City Commission approved a long - term program, with two micro-mobility companies, Spin and Veo.
The State of Florida passed legislation authorizing the operation of motorized scooters. That legislation specifies that motorized scooters have the same rights and duties as a bicycle and allows local governments to regulate scooters with respect to streets, highways and sidewalks within their jurisdictions.
The E-Scooter Pilot Project provided us with some interesting facts.
- We had over 200,000 rides
- Scooter riders traveled over 248,000 miles. That roughly the distance between the Earth and the Moon.
- Total Trip duration is 3,785,460 mins
- Average trip distance is 1.46 miles with an average trip duration of approximately 21 minutes.
With any new, emerging form of transportation, safety is of the upmost importance. Helmets, though not required, are highly recommended for those who choose to ride an e-scooter. The maximum speed of the e-scooters will be 15 miles per hour, and e-scooters will be allowed to travel along sidewalks, in bicycle lanes and on roads.
We have established slow zones (6 miles per hour) around and inside Cascades park and Lake Ella to ensure a peaceful coexistence been pedestrians and scooters.
Our University and Government partners have requested that no micro-mobility devices be allowed on the Campus of Florida State University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee Community College, and the Florida State Capitol.
To learn more about the City of Tallahassee’s E-Scooter Pilot Project, email ContactUs@Talgov.com or call 891-RIDE (7433).
Frequently Asked Questions
I see an incorrectly parked e-scooter. Who should I call?
If it is an emergency, call 911 If it is not an emergency, please contact the customer service number provided on the e-scooter.
Where can I find an e-scooter?
E-scooters will be available at set locations throughout the city. Check vendor apps to view exact locations.
Where can I ride e-scooters?
E-scooters are authorized for use on sidewalks, in bike lanes and on the roadway. However, riders must follow the same rules as cyclists. This means following Florida Statute 316.2065.
For riding in the road or in a bicycle lane
- If there is a bicycle lane, riders must use that lane.
- If no lane is marked for bicycle use, riders must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:
- When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
- When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
- When reasonably necessary to avoid any condition or potential conflict, including, but not limited to, a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian, animal, surface hazard, turn lane, or substandard-width lane, which makes it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge or within a bicycle lane. For the purposes of this subsection, a “substandard-width lane” is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
- Any person operating a bicycle upon a one-way highway with two or more marked traffic lanes may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of such roadway as practicable.
For riding on the sidewalk - Riders shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian.
Are helmets required to ride an e-scooter?
Helmets are strongly suggested but are not required if a rider is above the age of 16.
What are the operating hours for e-scooters?
There are no restrictions on hours of operation.
How many Scooters are on the streets of Tallahassee?
Each company can have a maximum of 750 scooters each, and a minimum of 200 scooters each.
How fast can e-scooters go in Tallahassee?
The maximum speed for e-scooters will be 15 miles per hour.
Where can I leave an e-scooter when done I’m riding?
Riders are encouraged to park courteously, which means scooters should
- Be parked upright at all times
- Don’t park in the middle of a sidewalk.
- Maintain a minimum four-foot pedestrian path on sidewalks
Make sure to NEVER block
- Sidewalks
- Fire hydrants
- Curb ramps
- Parking spaces
- Handicap accessible areas (ramps, parking spots, etc.)
- Street furniture such as benches, parklets, trash and recycling receptacles, and parking meters
- Business or residential entryways
I found a broken e-scooter. Who should I call?
If it is an emergency, call 911. If it is not an emergency, please contact the customer service number provided on the scooter.
Permits
The City of Tallahassee permits two rideshare companies to operate during the E-Scooters. More information including e-scooter descriptions and contact information for the permitted companies may be found below.
The Ordinance
Operating Agreement