Phoenix Could Extend Electric Scooter Pilot Program

Published: Monday, February 3, 2020 - 5:05am
Christina Estes/KJZZ
Spin is the only remaining vendor taking part in the pilot program that launched on Sept. 16, 2019.

When Phoenix launched its e-scooter pilot program last September, it required vendors enforce geofencing technology. That prohibits riders from going outside the program’s boundaries — Seventh Street to Seventh Avenue from Buckeye to McDowell Roads. 

Three companies started the program and today only one — Spin — remains. After the other vendors — Bird and Lime — pulled out, Spin tripled its scooters from 300 to 900.

"Ridership in Phoenix proves that there's a clear interest and need for alternative transportation options," Tim Alborg, Spin's director of government partnership, told KJZZ. "We look forward to continuing our partnership with the city on its successful e-scooter pilot during their proposed 6-month extension."

This week, the Street Transportation Department will ask a city subcommittee to recommend the City Council extend the pilot through mid-September and open it up to other vendors. The current program is set to expire March 16.

Earlier this year, city staff presented a three-month update to the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. Highlights included:

  • 4,435 trips per week.
  • 2 trips per scooter per day.
  • Average 7 minutes per scooter trip. 
  • Average 1 mile per trip.
  • 5 reported scooter related incidents and injuries, including two involving vehicles. 
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