You’ve probably seen or heard about them in other cities, and now dockless electric scooters are rolling out in Chattanooga. 🛴
Electric scooter sharing company Lime brought its products to town to let groups (including NOOGAtoday reporters) test them, and the business’ leaders are working with regulators and stakeholders to deploy them here “in the near future.”
Quoteworthy
“Many people throughout Chattanooga crave an easy-to-use, alternative transportation solution that can help them get from point A to point B without requiring a car. Also, as a Southern city, Chattanooga offers a long riding season.” —The Lime team in response to the “Why Chattanooga?” question
City Council members have already taken up the issue and are expected to discuss it further.
Another scooter company, Bird, also said in September that it hopes to expand here.
These scooters have been polarizing in some other cities. And some locals have raised objections.
FastFacts
🛴 Lime is currently in 130+ markets across 16 countries. In Tennessee, Lime has been in Nashville since Aug. 31.
🛴 It costs $1 to unlock a bike and 15 cents for every minute.
🛴 The scooters go up to 15 miles per hour.
🛴 There are zero costs to the city or its businesses to launch Lime.
How it works
🛴 To unlock a scooter, riders can either scan the QR code on the vehicle or enter its plate number into the app. When the ride is completed, riders follow in-app instructions to end the ride and “responsibly park it at a bike rack or another designated area.”
🛴 They should be ridden in the bike lane if there’s one available.
🛴 On roads without bicycle lanes, scooters should be ridden as close to the right-hand curb as possible, except to pass or turn left, according to the Lime team.
🛴 A local Lime representative will collect the scooters and charge them overnight, before placing them in designated pick up locations the following morning.
Safety
Lime was in the news this week because of a recall and dispute with the scooter manufacturer about blame.
We asked Lime about who is liable if there’s an accident.
Quoteworthy
“While we cannot discuss specific incidents or speculate on potential scenarios, it’s important to note that Lime’s insurance policy offers at least $1 million in liability coverage for each incident, and we have processes in place to fully investigate all claims.” —The Lime team
Lime leaders are also encouraging riders and communities to commit to safe-riding practices. People can do this through the landing page linked in the app.
And in an effort to educate and inform communities about scooter and bike safety, leaders are working with government officials to help advocate for new rules that “promote safety, protect all vulnerable road users, including bike and scooter riders, and encourage safe riding through proactive education.”
Over the next six months, Lime will be distributing more than 250,000 free helmets to riders across the globe.
“Mobility for all”
The company’s leaders said they are promoting “mobility for all.”
Part of that effort involves partnering with PayNearMe, which allows businesses to accept all types of payments. Lime also supports a text-to-unlock feature. Those efforts are through the company’s Lime Access, which aims to promote equitable mobility by making it possible for people without smartphones or credit cards to use the products.
To qualify for Lime Access, an individual needs to demonstrate eligibility or participation in any state or federally-run assistance program.
Lime Access members receive a 50% discount on electric scooter rides.
Bike/Walk Chattanooga
Another group that tried the scooters last week was Bike Walk Chattanooga.
Co-chairman of the group Aaron Cole said he supports the efforts to launch in Chattanooga.
He said they are easier to use than a bike in traffic.
Quoteworthy
“The ease of getting around the city in short trips and not having to look for a place to park, not having to pay for parking—that’s going to be a huge deal.” —Aaron Cole, co-chairman of Bike Walk Chattanooga
Reader feedback
“I was in Atlanta last weekend and saw scooters laying in random spots all over downtown. I’d love to ride one but I really think the clutter would ruin Nooga’s vibe.”
“I think they would be great! They could use the bike lanes we built that nobody else is using. I used them in California, and they were fun.” —@gingergardnerkachline
“It became a big problem in Charlotte. People left them all over sidewalks and even in the street. Then they started limiting the scooter companies.” —@Chasity_llove
“I just moved from Columbus, OH where they took over the streets and sidewalks. Rules/guidelines/laws came only AFTER the issues. I would suggest researching before letting people loose.” —@wewantsidewalks
“This is my favorite thing to do in ATL.” —@colesweeton
“Noooo these things liter the streets on Nashville. Can we skip this fad?” —@treson_tanner