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.
