By Press Release Submitted to OnMilwaukee.com Published Jul 23, 2019 at 11:56 AM

The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works (DPW) has approved the first company (operator) for participation in the City’s Dockless Scooter Pilot Study (pilot). DPW expects dockless scooters from Lime will be available for use as soon as today, Tuesday, July 23. Lime has proposed an initial fleet of 500 scooters, with 400 scooters available in Zone 1 and 50 scooters available in Zone 2 and Zone 3. (Zone map available at milwaukee.gov/DocklessScooters.) 

Dockless scooter systems are privately operated and consist of self-service electric scooters made available to users on a short-term basis. Dockless scooters do not require a permanent or fixed location to reserve or return a scooter. 

Goals of the pilot include: 

  • Increase transportation options 
  • Expand access to transit and fulfill last mile connections 
  • Evaluate impacts on access to the public right of way 

The maximum speed limit for dockless scooters is 15 miles per hour. Users must obey the rules of the road and park responsibly; riding on the sidewalk is prohibited and parking on the Riverwalk is prohibited. 

"We expect Lime and all scooter operators to be community partners," said Commissioner of Public Works Jeff Polenske. "In addition to having staff in Milwaukee, operators will also be responsible for communicating with users, encouraging safe use of scooters, addressing improperly parked scooters and properly redistributing scooters." 

DPW has communicated to Lime that they must educate their users on proper use of scooters, including the following: 

  • Riding scooters on sidewalks is prohibited and violators are subject to a fine
  • Scooters must be parked as to not impede pedestrian access 

Lime is also responsible for handling all complaints, informing riders how to safely use scooters and its systems, and providing the necessary education and training. Lime customer service is available at support@limebike.com/1-888-546-3345. The company can be found online at https://www.li.me or on Facebook/Twitter at @limebike. 

Two other companies, Bird and Spin, have applied to participate in the pilot. Their applications are currently under review.