Phoenix has made permanent a program that provides e-scooters, bicycles and other means of transportation in the city.

The Shared Micromobility Program was tested in downtown Phoenix since September 2019 as part of a city-managed pilot program during which various vendors operated e-scooters.

In January, the program became permanent when two vendors, Lime and Spin, showcased their e-scooters, e-bikes, traditional pedal bikes and adaptive bikes during a downtown event.

The Phoenix City Council on Dec. 14 authorized the Street Transportation Department to make final an agreement with Lime and Spin to be the official city vendors when the pilot program ended, according to a release.

Each vendor is permitted to have as many as 1,500 vehicles within the program boundary area, with at least 20 percent being a mix of e-bikes and traditional pedal bikes. The micromobility​ vehicles will be available to operate from 5 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. daily.

The vendors will offer options for individuals with disabilities, as well as reduced rates for those living on low income or who receive government assistance, city officials said.

The city has designated some areas as Equity Zones, where “historical disinvestment has resulted in a lack of transportation and economic opportunity,” the release stated.

The vendors will be required to deploy 30% of their fleet within Equity Zones. Discounted rates will also automatically apply for trips beginning in Equity Zones.

The permanent program “starts ahead of​​ an influx of visitors who will enjoy festivities scheduled to be held in downtown in February in conjunction with Super Bowl LVII,” city officials said.

For more: https://www.phoenix.gov/streets/scooters