E-Scooters have arrived in Pittsburgh. Here’s what Pedestrians & Bicyclists should know

A person standing next to Spin e-scooters. Photo provided by Spin

City launches Move PGH and e-scooter program

EDIT: On Sept 14, 2021, Pittsburgh City Council passed legislation that enhances some of the State rules. This post has been updated to reflect the new rules.

In early July, the City launched Move PGH, a two-year program to provide all Pittsburghers with access to more transportation choices. Move PGH is a collaboration between various local groups called the Pittsburgh Mobility Collective. 

The Pittsburgh Mobility Collective aims to connect Pittsburgh residents, workers, and visitors to jobs, goods, and services in ways that maximize access while minimizing cost, congestion, and carbon emissions.

As part of the Move PGH initiative, a new shareable e-scooter program, Spin, was launched in Pittsburgh for the first time. Spin provides e-scooter access via an app, along with options for people without smartphones, mobile location services, or credit cards.

E-scooters parked perpendicular to the curb. Photo provided by Spin

Everything you need to know about these new E-scooters

As e-scooters begin to make their way onto our roads and trails, here is some basic information that cyclists should be aware of.

  • E-scooters will operate with a speed limit of 15 mph on streets and bike lanes
  • E-scooters will be allowed on “commuter trails” with a speed limit of 10 mph
  • All e-scooters will be outfitted with front and rear lights, side reflectors, and a bell
  • E-scooters should be parked in legal parking areas with their wheels perpendicular to the curb. 
  • Riders should park near the end of a block or next to a bike rack.
  • Riders must be 18 or older.

E-scooter drivers should NOT:

  • E-scooters are not allowed to be ridden on sidewalks
  • E-scooter riders should not enter geofenced areas, as the motor will turn off and the scooters will make a warning sound. These include such areas as Point State Park, many City parks, plazas, cemeteries, etc. The map on the app clearly shows where riders are allowed to be.
  • E-scooters are not allowed on streets with a speed limit higher than 25mph; this includes highways
  • Scooters should never be parked on sidewalks, ADA ramps, bike lanes, or crosswalks and should not block pedestrian travel. Riders are required to take a picture of where they left the e-scooter, and will get warned, and eventually kicked out of the program after enough mis-parked rides.
  • If an e-scooter cannot be parked in a legal parking spot, parking by bike racks is the most responsible way to park them
  • Riders using scooters on city streets may only operate those issued by a commercial scooter enterprise authorized by the city. Personal e-scooters are still technically illegal.

Found a misplaced e-scooter?
Here’s what you can do

If you come across an abandoned e-scooter or see one blocking the sidewalk or bike lanes, the City encourages you to report it. Anyone can report a violation to 311 or Tweet @Pgh311, @WeMovePGH, @ridespin and @PghDOMI. When making a report, make sure to include a picture and the number on the e-scooter.

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