The Rise, Debate and Future of E-Scooters in Chicago

The Rise of E-Scooters in Chicago

Electric scooters, also known as e-scooters, have become an increasingly popular way to get around major cities like Chicago. Companies like Bird, Lime and Spin allow riders to locate and unlock scooters using a smartphone app. Then you simply find a nearby scooter, hop on and ride to your destination. When you're done, just park and lock the scooter at a designated area for the next rider.

While e-scooters provide a fun and convenient form of transportation, they also come with some controversy. Cities across the country are grappling with how to regulate these new electric vehicles on public streets and sidewalks. In Chicago, e-scooters launched as part of a pilot program in June 2019 after being banned in the city for several months.

E-Scooter Pilot Program in Chicago

The Chicago e-scooter pilot program allowed companies to deploy up to 2,500 scooters in a 50 square mile area of the West and Northwest sides of the city. The program set speed limits, parking rules and data sharing requirements for the companies. The goal was to evaluate the benefits and challenges of e-scooters in Chicago before considering expanding the program citywide.

During the pilot, riders took over 800,000 trips on e-scooters. Supporters pointed to e-scooters as an emission-free transportation option that could help connect people to public transit hubs and local businesses. However, issues also emerged around reckless riding, scooters blocking sidewalks and inequities in access across neighborhoods.

The Good: E-Scooter Benefits

E-scooters offer several potential advantages for cities and riders when properly implemented:

• Provide an affordable, convenient way to make short trips and connect to transit
• Reduce reliance on cars for transportation, cutting traffic and emissions
• Fun way to explore a city and bridge "last mile" to destinations
• Flexibility to pick up and park scooters throughout a service area

Studies conducted during the Chicago pilot found e-scooters were being used to access transit, for commuting and for recreational riding. Up to one third of rides replaced car trips or rideshares. E-scooters can help reduce congestion and emissions when they replace vehicular rides, especially for short distances under 3 miles.

The Bad: E-Scooter Concerns

While e-scooters provide new transportation options, many residents, advocacy groups and elected officials have raised concerns about safety, access and oversight including:

• Riders traveling unsafely on sidewalks or disobeying traffic laws
• Devices blocking pedestrian right of way on sidewalks and ADA access
• Lack of access or discounted options for low-income residents
• Insufficient regulation and enforcement by cities
• Privacy concerns around data collection practices

Chicago saw issues with illegal sidewalk riding during the pilot, which poses risks for pedestrians and riders themselves. The city issued over 800 citations to e-scooter riders not following traffic laws during the 4-month program.

The Future of E-Scooters in Chicago

After assessing the electric scooter pilot results, Chicago officials announced changes before considering a wider e-scooter launch. Proposed regulations include:

• Banning scooter riding on sidewalks citywide
• Lowering maximum speed limit from 15mph to 10mph
• Requiring companies to share real-time data with the city
• Mandating rider education and safety campaigns
• Creating designated parking areas for scooters

The city aims to balance e-scooter adoption with tighter rules that address concerns around reckless riding and sidewalk access. Chicago also plans to prioritize equity, requiring companies to deploy more devices and discounted rates for low income residents. Ongoing engagement with community groups, businesses and riders will shape additional policies.

The E-Scooter Debate Continues

Electric scooters represent an evolving transportation shift occurring in cities worldwide. Supporters see great potential for e-scooters to reduce urban congestion and emissions as adoption grows. However, critics argue cities like Chicago need to take a cautious approach given safety risks and access concerns that have emerged.

Chicago's pilot program provided valuable insights that will help guide e-scooter regulations moving forward. The city appears to be taking a measured approach - embracing benefits of shared e-scooters while enacting tighter rules to address issues seen during the test phase. As e-scooters potentially expand across Chicago, the debates around both their promise and problems will likely continue.

FAQs

Where are e-scooters allowed in Chicago?

During the 2019 pilot program, e-scooters were limited to the West and Northwest sides of Chicago. The city is considering expanding the program to more neighborhoods, but would ban scooter riding on sidewalks citywide.

What rules apply to e-scooter riders?

Riders must obey all traffic laws by riding in bike lanes and obeying signals. The speed limit for e-scooters in Chicago is currently 15 mph but may be lowered to 10 mph. Riders are encouraged to wear helmets and ride safely.

Where can I park shared e-scooters?

E-scooters should be parked upright on hard surfaces like sidewalks, and out of the pedestrian right of way. Chicago plans to create designated parking zones throughout the city to prevent blocking sidewalks.

How much do e-scooters cost to rent?

E-scooter rental pricing varies by company and city, but generally costs $1 to start + 15-35 cents per minute of riding time. Some companies offer discounted rates for low income residents.

Are e-scooters safe?

Like any transportation method, riding e-scooters involves risk. Following traffic laws, wearing a helmet and riding defensively can help reduce safety issues. E-scooter companies and cities recommend riding safely and responsibly.