City Partners with Lyft to Launch First Docked E-Scooter Program in the US, Chicago, IL, 2022

The City of Chicago has announced that it will launch the first docked electric scootersharing program in the United States. This development has come about after the City Council voted to approve a permanent electric scootersharing program in Fall 2021. Specifically, Divvy, a local bikeshare program that operates under Lyft, will also provide a fleet of 1,000 e-scooters for customers to access. Users can borrow and return these scooters at a network of 230 Divvy docking stations in and near Chicago’s downtown. The cost to borrow Divvy scooters will be similar to Divvy’s existing fee structures for members, single-trip users, and its equity membership program, Divvy for Everyone.

After participating in a competitive procurement process, the City of Chicago has also offered two-year permits to Lime, Spin, and Superpedestrian to provide 1,000 dockless e-scooters. These scooter providers can set their own fee structures provided that they meet certain conditions: they must offer a discount option for low-income users, accept cash payments, and allow customers without smartphones to access their vehicles. 50% of these scooters must also be distributed to Equity Priority Areas, predominantly in neighborhoods in Chicagos’ south and west sides. At first, only Divvys’ scooters will be allowed in Chicago’s downtown core.

After completing two e-scooter pilots, Chicago potentially developed a model for other cities looking to implement permanent electric scootersharing programs. Moreover, providing docks for e-scooters can address issues related to curb management. As Chicago’s e-scooter program becomes more established, other cities might look to adapt these practices to their own communities.

Last updated May 2, 2022