Scooter share pilot program launches in the BronxSep 06
THE BRONX, New York City -- Three companies are partnering to launch a new scooter sharing program in the Bronx, and Lime, Bird and Veo hosted a celebration to mark the event.
Roughly 3,000 of the scooters appeared overnighton the sidewalks of the East Bronx, as part of a limited pilot program initiated last summer by the City Council. After one year, if all goes well, the vehicles will expand south into neighborhoods like Throggs Neck and Soundview, before potentially spreading further into the city.
“One thing the Bronx has suffered from is transit deserts and lack of connectivity when it comes to transit. Adding e-scooters into the mix really gives people that many more options,” said Phil Jones, senior director of government relations for Lime.
Download an app, scan a bar code, and for $1, the scooter unlocks. Depending on the brand, its 30 to 39 cents per minute, moving at maximum of 15 mph.
Research suggests that electric scooters are no more dangerous to ride than bicycles. But some residents have expressed fear that the vehicles present a new threat to the neighborhood’s pedestrians.
For rookies, the rides won't go above 10 miles per hour, and you can't ride at night the first three times.
You have to log trips and time, built into the software, to override the precaution.
It is illegal to ride on the sidewalk, rather the scooters must be used on the street, close to the curb, and with traffic.
All three companies are also providing helmets to protect riders at no cost.
The three companies have also hired locally and have guaranteed a range of consumer and labor protections.
Whether the scooters are adopted citywide will largely depend on the success of the next year, as well as the proclivities of the next administration. While de Blasio has scoffed at the vehicles, advocates note that Eric Adams, the winner of the Democratic primary and heavy favorite in November’s general election, has been a staunch supporter of alternative transportation modes.
“It’s a long pilot, but we want to make sure we provide every opportunity for the city to learn about what we do,” said Phil Jones, the senior director of government relations for Lime. “And who knows, maybe we’ll see them expedite it. That’ll depend on the next mayor.”
