Monday is the start of Lexington’s shared mobility program with electric scooters. Hundreds of e-scooters are expected t0 be available at docking sites all over downtown and near the University of Kentucky campus this week.
Lexington Pedestrian and Cycling Coordinator Scott Thompson said two companies, Spin and Lime are offering electric scooter service. He said the startup carries a heavy focus on safety and education about proper use. Thompson said the e-scooters are not to be ridden on sidewalks. Although it’s a fall launch, that doesn’t necessarily mean a small window for trying out this mode of transportation. “Ridership doesn’t fall off quite as much as you think it would in the cold weather months. We do have some good days in the winter and some bad days. And you know Kentucky, you just never know how that’s going to go,” said Thompson.
Thompson said a phone app can be used to secure an electric scooter. The cycling coordinator said it costs a dollar to check out a scooter and then between 30 to 35 cents per minute of travel. Thompson added you give a scooter a push and then push the throttle and it goes.
Weku's Stu Johnson talks with Lexington Pedestrian and Cycling Coordinator Scott Thompson about e-scooters coming to the downtown area:
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