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If you’ve been downtown in the past few months, you’ve certainly seen an array of e-scooters whizzing past. Here’s everything you need to know about the electric scooter rental pilot program in Portland.
Portland Electric Scooter Rental Pilot Program Details
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is currently conducting a four-month pilot program for shared electric scooters. During the pilot program, three companies have permits to rent electric scooters in Portland: Bird Scooters, Lime Bike, and Skip Scooters. The public transportation pilot program lasts from July 23- November 20, 2018 and hopes to determine the value of the electric scooter rental program as it relates to Portland’s overall mobility, equity, safety, and climate action goals.
Portland Electric Scooter Rentals FAQ
How do you rent a scooter in Portland?
To rent a shared scooter in Portland, you’ll need a smartphone. Download the Bird, Lime, or Skip Scooters app, use the map to find a nearby e-scooter, use your phone’s camera to scan a code to unlock the scooter, and hit the road.
How much does it cost to rent an electric scooter in Portland?
Bird and Lime electric scooters cost $1 to unlock and $.15 per minute.
How old do you have to be to rent an electric scooter in Portland?
18 years old.
Do I have to wear a helmet on an electric scooter in Portland?
Yes! While Oregon bike laws do not require helmets for anyone over the age of 16, they do require helmets on motorized scooters of any kind, including mopeds and electric scooters.
When can I ride an e-scooter in Portland?
Most rental scooters don’t allow new rides to be started after dusk, with chargers returning the scooters to sidewalks by 7 in the morning.
Where should I ride on an e-scooter?
Whenever possible, you should ride your electric scooter in bike lanes; however, if there aren’t bike lanes available, cautiously use vehicle lanes. Sidewalk riding is prohibited.
How fast can I go on an electric scooter rental?
While electric scooters can have maximum speeds of up to 24 MPH, Portland requires companies to cap rental scooters’ speed at 15 MPH.
Can you get a DUI on an electric scooter?
Yes! Riding while under the influence of intoxicants is against the law.
Where can I park my e-scooter rental when I’m finished?
When you’re finished with your electric scooter rental, be sure to park with care. Ideally, you should park the scooter on the sidewalk, close to the curb and out of the way of pedestrian traffic. Be sure NOT to park your shared scooter:
- In bike lanes, traffic lanes, medians, transit platforms, etc.
- Within five feet of a fire hydrant, crosswalk, bicycle rack, drinking fountain, driveway, alley, ADA ramp, disabled parking space, marked loading zone, etc.
- Within 30 feet of a bus stop
- Anywhere it may cause damage to landscaping
If you have questions about riding electric scooters in Portland or would like to schedule a free consultation to discuss an accident you were involved in, contact Portland personal injury attorney Paul Galm today. You can also follow our legal blog for more information on bike safety, distracted driving fines in Oregon, and more.