Approximately 100 scooters showed up this morning in downtown Jacksonville marking the beginning of a new wave of urban exploration and transportation!

The City of Jacksonville (COJ) officially launched a one-year pilot program for e-scooters, e-bicycles and dockless bicycles. As of today, locals and visitors alike can rent and ride electric scooters Downtown via smartphone applications. Legislation for the program was introduced by Council Member Cumber and co-sponsored by Council Members White, Carlucci, Diamond, Gaffney, Priestly Jackson, Morgan, Bowman, Hazouri, Pittman, DeFoor, Freeman, Salem and Newby.

“I’m so excited that Micromobility has come to Downtown Jacksonville,” expressed Council Member Cumber. “These vehicles provide a modern, efficient and fun way to get around downtown. It has truly been a great partnership between all the stakeholders to bring this to fruition. I can’t wait to ride my first scooter here in Jacksonville!”

Blue Duck, Helbiz, LINK and SPIN received permits under the pilot program. Each company will deploy 100 electric scooters for a total of 400, all operating within the Dockless Mobility Zone (DMZ). The DMZ boundary encompasses much of what is known as the central core, extending east to the TIAA Bank Field and west to the Duval County Courthouse, and includes an additional, narrow path to JTA’s Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center. Scooters can be rented and dropped off 24/7 at 35 designated, geofenced corrals on the sidewalk and out of the way of pedestrians, parked cars or other users.

This program is yet another step towards reclaiming options for pedestrians and bicyclist Downtown by providing healthy, viable and environmentally sustainable transportation alternatives.

Please remember to be safe out there and wear a helmet!