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SF Wants Your Input: Shared Scooter Permits Expire April 2021

Should Spin, Scoot and Lime have permits extended? Or get kicked out of SF? Have your say.
By - posted 1/14/2021 No Comment

The SFMTA is seeking public input as we prepare for the next round of Powered Scooter Share Program permits. We are holding an online meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 14th and also have an online survey (open until January 29) for feedback.

The current permits for Scooter Share expire in April 2021. We expect to issue the next round of permits to take effect as soon as the current permits expire. To improve the program, the SFMTA is considering updates and wants to hear from the community about:

  • Community engagement requirements: adding a mobility justice training requirement and additional outreach requirements
  • Distribution requirements: emphasizing the importance of ensuring that all neighborhoods in San Francisco are served by scooters
  • Adaptive scooter program requirements: transitioning from an adaptive pilot requirement to a permanent program requirement.

The SFMTA is committed to fostering an urban environment where sustainable modes of travel are desirable, accessible, and preferred over operating a private vehicle.

Background on 2019 Powered Scooter Share Permit Program

The SFMTA issued permits to four companies, Spin, Scoot, Lime and Jump to operate for a one- year term, beginning October 15, 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the permits were extended by six months to April 2021.

Recent updates to the fleet expansion guidelines provide guidance for staff regarding the expansion of scooter share fleets to allow for growth based on success meeting key service, compliance and equity goals. These updates are particularly important at this time, as staff plans for recovery of San Francisco’s transportation system from the COVID-19 pandemic. This expansion aligns with the agency’s commitment to equity by increasing access to sustainable modes of transportation in underserved areas. Scooters offer an efficient travel choice that is environmentally friendly and fills transportation gaps for many. With reduced Muni service and returning traffic congestion, the city is focused on promoting sustainable ways to get around.

Companies Expanding

Spin was the first company to expand its fleet, by adding 500 scooters in September 2020. With the increase, Spin is authorized to deploy up to a total of 1,500 scooters and is required to meet a minimum distribution of scooters in three more neighborhoods: Inner/Central Richmond, Inner/Central Sunset and the Haight.

Lime acquired Jump in June 2020, and because both companies held a permit Lime is now authorized to operate up to 2,000 scooters. Their permit requires Lime to meet a minimum distribution of scooters in the Richmond and Sunset neighborhoods.

Increased Enforcement and Transparency

As the scooter companies’ fleets expanded, the SFMTA also increased our enforcement and monitoring of scooter share to address compliance and safety issues. For transparency in our effort to increase enforcement sweeps and respond to complaints, we’ve published a Scooter Share enforcement dashboard.

The SFMTA is currently working to streamline the process of monthly reporting and will explore and make additional data available online.

Get Involved:

Review the Powered Scooter Share Program website for more