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In addition to public transit, the City of Raleigh offers two viable options for people to get around downtown: shared-use scooters and bikes. The City supports the demand for multiple transportation choices by partnering with two private operators to manage a fleet of electric scooters throughout downtown.
What Are E-Scooters?
Motorized, GPS-tracked, rent-by-the-minute micromobility devices.
The City of Raleigh dockless scooters system benefits the public by providing short trips, reducing congestions, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and they're fun!
Scooter Parking Corrals
The City of Raleigh introduces residents to newly installed scooter parking corrals around Glenwood South.
E-Scooter Operators
LIME
Email: support@li.me
Phone: 888-546-3345
SPIN
Email: support@spin.pm
Phone: 888-249-9698
Who Can Ride E-Scooters?
- You must be at least 18 years old to ride.
- Residents are encouraged to wear a helmet.
- Do not ride on the sidewalks.
- Ride in bike lanes when possible.
- Follow all traffic signals when using vehicular travel lanes and bike lanes.
- Do not ride scooters in tandem.
How Do I Begin My Ride?
Download the app of any or all of our two operators through your smart phone or mobile device. Create an account with the operator(s) of your choosing. Use the map in the app to find device availability closest to you. Follow in-app instructions to un-lock your device and begin your ride.
How Do I End My Ride?
When arriving at your destination, park your device in an up-right position and use the kick stand to park. Look for a designated scooter parking corral, and if not near a corral, choose a parking spot behind the curb that does not impede pedestrian space and is not in any type of travel lane. Follow in-app instructions on how to conclude your trip.
Hours of Operation
All scooters are available to ride from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.
Accessibility for All Users
The City of Raleigh requires all scooter operators to provide options for users without a smart-phone, and for those without a credit card. Please call or visit the website of the operator(s) with who you’d like to create an account with for more information.
How Much Does It Cost?
Please call or visit the website of our operators to learn more about their pricing structures per ride. Prices will vary based on the length of your trip. Discounted rates are available for qualifying customers.
Ride Raleigh! E-Scooters Are Back!
The City of Raleigh is reintroducing a dockless e-scooter program to downtown Raleigh. E-scooters offer cost-efficient and convenient trips around downtown.
History
2018
The concept of the dockless scooter model arrived in Raleigh in July 2018. For an interim period, Bird and Lime were permitted under an encroachment agreement to operate scooter devices in City right-of-way while a Request For Proposals procurement process was undertaken to select the most advantageous e-scooter operator(s) for a more extended period.
2019
On February 27, 2019, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Dockless Scooter System to select vendors with experience, a strong commitment to safety, a high-quality system and devices, and willingness to work collaboratively with the City.
On March 26, 2019, the City received a total of five proposals in response to the RFP from Spin, Gotcha, Bolt, Lyft, and VeoRide. The two existing dockless scooter vendors, Bird and Lime, did not submit proposals in the RFP process. Gotcha was selected as the sole scooter operator for the City of Raleigh.
2020
At the January 23, 2020 and February 27, 2020, Transportation and Transit Committee meetings, the Committee heard an overview of the current status of micromobility in Raleigh and from industry professionals about the potential for and barriers to success for micromobility in the community. The Committee requested additional “best practices” benchmarking through a survey to the industry, other communities, and transportation organizations dedicated to micromobility choices.
At the June 25, 2020, Transportation and Transit Committee meeting, staff shared an overview of survey results and proposed “next steps” to help advance micromobility growth and adoption in Raleigh. Following these discussions, the Committee requested Staff prepare an ordinance revising the current definition of motorized scooters, providing a new definition for micromobility devices, and providing authority to the City Manager, or their designee, to prepare guidelines for the operation of micromobility devices and to enter into agreements with micromobility service providers. Council passed this ordinance to ease and facilitate the administration of micromobility at the August 18, 2020 City Council meeting.
At the August 27, 2020, Transportation and Transit Committee meeting, staff shared key terms and conditions for the upcoming “Request for Proposals” and preliminary process and timeline for the selection of potential micromobility providers.
In October 2020, Gotcha pulled out of the Raleigh market citing loss in ridership and financial stability related to the COVID-19 pandemic. They were eventually acquired by Bolt Mobility Corporation.
2021
Staff issued a Request For Proposals for dockless scooter operators in February 2021. Seven proposals were received from Bird, Blue Duck, Boaz, Bolt, Lime, Spin and Veo. The Selection Committee, consisting of representatives from the Department of Transportation (Transportation Planning and Parking), Housing and Neighborhoods, Information Technology, and the Raleigh Police Department, selected Bolt, Lime, and Spin to enter into Master Encroachment Agreements with the City. Agreements were executed and all three companies launched on May 18, 2021.