E-scooters emerged in 2017 as a new shared mobility service in the United States. Like bike share and car share, the service provides a shared vehicle – an electric-powered scooter – to rent for one-way trips.
HOW DOES E-SCOOTER SHARE WORK?
To begin a rental, users unlock a scooter through the company’s smartphone app. Some companies offer a call or text service to unlock for those without smartphones. To end a trip, users park the scooter on the sidewalk close to the curb and out of the pedestrian travel zone. Many companies require riders to confirm they have parked the e-scooter correctly by submitting a photo through the company’s app in order to end their rental.
Download SPIN mobile app for iOS (Android devices)
Download Lime mobile app for iOS(Android devices)
LIME ACCESS PROGRAM
Enrollment: Eligible riders can enroll online via Lime’s website or email support@li.me, by visiting
li.me/community-impact, or in person with Lime at any of the community events we participate in.
OPPORTUNITY ZONE DISCOUNT PRICING
Not everyone may meet the Lime Access requirements, be aware of discount programs, or feel comfortable enrolling, so Lime is provide discounted zone-based pricing that does not require any enrollment at all. Lime will provide a 25% discount on rides that begin in any designated Opportunity Zone.
NO SMARTPHONE? NO CREDIT CARD? NO PROBLEM
For riders without a smartphone, please text +1 (888) 495-5014 to unlock an e-scooter and follow the prompts.
For riders without a credit card, once qualified for Lime Access, you will receive a PayNearMe payment code. To complete payment:
1. Take your PayNearMe payment code to a participating payment location.
2. Show the payment code to the clerk and pay with cash.
3. Keep your receipt as proof of payment.
To report an improperly parked scooter or another issue, contact either Lime or Spindirectly (company contact information is also on every e-scooter).
Lime:1.888.LIME.345 | help-tucson@li.me
Spin:(888) 249-9698 | tucson@spin.pm
*Please note, per City of Tucson permit requirements, any e-scooter that is reported for being parked incorrectly is required to be promptly re-parked in a correct manner or removed by the operator within two hours of receiving notice.
After a successful pilot program and first permanent permit cycle, The City of Tucson continues to maintain a Shared Mobility Permit program, as previously approved by Mayor & Council. The Department of Transportation and Mobility selected a new shared micromobility vendor, Lime, to participate in a 12-month e-scooter permit that addresses community safety, equity and education requirements. Following the 12-month permit period, the operator can choose the option to extend their permit for three additional 12-month periods if requirements and metrics are being met. Lime will launch operations in August 2025 with 400 Gen4 e-scooters while being provided an option to deploy up to 800 e-scooters citywide.
APPLICATION MATERIALS AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
Application Materials and Supporting Documents are due electronically by June 22, 2025 at 11:59 PM Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). Compile a searchable PDF with the following items and submit by email to Benjamin Elias, Project Manager, at benjamin.elias@tucsonaz.gov with the subject "2025 Shared Mobility Program Permit Application."
• Application Responses and Signed Cover Sheet (page 1 of this document)
• Signed Indemnity Agreement (Attachment C)
• Signed Servicer Certification (Attachment D)
Following an initial pilot program, The City of Tucson has maintained a permanent program approved by Mayor & Council on August 12, 2021. The Department of Transportation and Mobility selected Spin and Razor to participate in a 12-month e-scooter program that includes enhanced safety and education requirements. Following the 12-month permit period, the operators can choose the option to extend their permit for three additional 12-month periods if requirements and metrics are being met.
APPLICATION MATERIALS AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
The City of Tucson is exploring new ways of providing flexible, affordable, and accessible multi-modal transportation options for all. To support this goal, and address the challenges introduced by new technologies, the City launched a 6-month Shared Mobility Pilot Program. The Pilot launched on September 12, 2019 with two operators: Bird and Razor. Each operator can deploy and up to 500 scooters (1,000 total), with the option of launching an additional 250 scooters in "opportunity zones" - characterized by a high percentage of low-income households without access to a motor vehicle.
PILOT PROGRAM: EVALUATION REPORT
PILOT PROGRAM: FACT SHEETS
PILOT PROGRAM: PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
MID-PILOT PROGRAM: ACTION PLANS
PILOT PROGRAM QUESTIONS & FEEDBACK
For general questions or feedback about the Pilot Program, contact TDOT Concerns at 791-3154 or tdotconcerns@tucsonaz.gov
E-SCOOTER ACCESS & AFFORDABILITY
As part of the E-Scooter Pilot Program, scooter companies are required to offer discounted pricing for Tucsonans living on low incomes. Find information about each company’s discounted pricing plan, cash payment options, and non-smart phone options below:
E-SCOOTER ACCESS & AFFORDABILITY INFO FLYER(PDF, 358KB)