Creating a safe, well-connected community with a variety of affordable transportation options is an important part of our vision for Providence. Our E-Scooter Share Program, which supplements bus, bicycle, and other modes of transportation is an additional layer that builds toward that vision.
What is e-scooter share?
E-Scooter Share is a new electric scooter (e-scooter) share model emerging in cities across the country. Riders can rent and locate e-scooters using smart-phone applications provided by e-scooter operators. All e-scooter operators in Providence require riders to have a valid driver’s license or Municipal ID.
What is the E-Scooter Share Program?
Launched October 2018, Providence’s E-Scooter Share Program enhances existing transportation options by providing an easy, low-cost solution that connects riders to the first and last miles of their commute.
Two companies, Bird and Lime, received permits to operate e-scooter share during the first year of the program. During the second year of the program launched fall 2019, Spin and VeoRide were granted permits to operate e-scooters in the City of Providence.
Permitted operators are responsible for meeting requirements specific to safety, distribution, maintenance, operations, parking, and data sharing as outlined in DPW regulations. Future iterations of the program will have updated regulations, covering the same basic requirements along with lessons learned in the program’s first and second years.
The City of Providence welcomes feedback on the E-Scooter Share Program. Input can be provided directly to Alex Ellis at .
How does e-scooter share work?
Download the company’s app you are interested in renting from (available on iPhone and Android devices).
Use the company’s app to find and unlock an e-scooter near you.
Park and relock your e-scooter when you finish your ride.
Where can I ride my e-scooter?
E-scooters may be operated on sidewalks or in the roadway. If on a sidewalk or on a blocked-off street, go slow and yield to pedestrians. If you ride on the roadway or in a bike lane, follow the rules of the road (e.g. stop at traffic lights, don’t operate under the influence) and ride no more than two (2) abreast. Riders must obey traffic laws and are encouraged to wear helmets. These regulations are subject to change.
Where can I park my e-scooter when I finish my ride?
When you finish your ride, make sure you park your e-scooter in a location that does not impede a pedestrian walkway.
E-Scooters should be parked upright near the curb of sidewalks, making sure to leave at least a 4-foot path for pedestrians to get by.
When parking your e-scooter, do NOT block:
- curb ramps
- fire hydrants
- building entrances
- driveways
- crosswalks
- bus stops
- benches, parking meters, and other street furnishings
- crosswalks
- shared use paths (e.g. the Woonasquatucket Greenway)
Also, please do not park your e-scooter on private property or in a vehicle travel lane or bicycle lane.
When can I reserve an e-scooter?
For safety reasons, scooters are unavailable for rent between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am, so take that into account when making your plans!
Are there age restrictions on who can reserve an e-scooter?
Yes. It varies by company, but most are 18+.
How do I provide input on the E-Scooter Share Program?
The City is interested in hearing from you on how you think the program is going. A survey was distributed in July 2019, and another will be distributed in 2020. In the meantime, feel free to provide input by email to .
Data
- Map of current scooter locations
- Spin GBFS feed (raw data)
- VeoRide GBFS feed (raw data)
How do I contact e-scooter share vendors to share feedback or report an issue?
All scooters in the City are required to have 24/7 customer service contact information displayed directly on the scooter. Also, please note that per City permit requirements, any e-scooter reported for being parked incorrectly is required to be promptly re-parked in a correct manner or removed by the operator within two hours of receiving notice.
You can also utilize 311 to share your feedback or issue with the Mayor’s Center for City Services.
Regulations as of 10/28/2019
