E-Scooter Pilot Project
The City Commission has extended the initial three-month pilot period for an additional six-months. This means scooters will be on the streets until March 15, 2020. During this time, citizens will have the opportunity to ride electric scooters, or e-scooters as they are commonly known, and provide feedback. Five rideshare companies (Bird, Lime, Spin, VeoRide, and one as of yet unknown vendor) will provide up to 1,000 e-scooters for use until the pilot project’s conclusion on March 15, 2020.
A request for information will be released to gather information that can be used to choose which additional vendor to invite into the program.
The State of Florida recently passed legislation authorizing the operation of motorized scooters which specifies 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 will allow the City of Tallahassee to gain feedback from the community and assess feasibility before potentially committing to a longer-term program.
During the pilot project, any citizen may provide feedback in a variety of ways. Each rideshare company will be responsible for distributing a customer satisfaction survey, the summary and raw results of which will be shared with the City. Additionally, any citizen may email ContactUs@Talgov.com.
As with any form of transportation, safety is of the utmost importance. Helmets are highly recommended. E-scooters are allowed on sidewalks, bicycle lanes and roads, and their maximum speed will be 15 miles per hour.
The City Commission met on September 25, 2019 and extended the Pilot Project an additional six-months, and it is now set to end on March 15, 2020.
To learn more about the City of Tallahassee’s E-Scooter Pilot Project, email ContactUs@Talgov.com or call 850-891-RIDE (7433).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates for the E-Scooter Pilot Project?
The E-Scooter Pilot Project launched on July 15, 2019 and will last until March 15, 2020.
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:
- 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.
E-scooters are not permitted on the campuses of Florida State University, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University and Tallahassee Community College.
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 during the pilot project.
How fast can e-scooters go in Tallahassee?
During the pilot project, 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
- Never be parked on private property
- 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.
I see an incorrectly parked e-scooter. Who should I call?
If it is an emergency, call 911. If you see a fallen e-scooter, be a good neighbor and upright it, if able. If it is not an emergency, please contact the customer service number provided on the e-scooter or report using 850-891-RIDE (7433). For E-Scooter Pilot Project details, email ContactUs@Talgov.com.
Ordinance and Operating Agreement
The City of Tallahassee permits five rideshare companies to operate during the E-Scooter Pilot Project. For more information, please visit the resources below.