Trystan Casey
Electric scooters are available in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They first arrived in 2018 when Bird put 100 scooters on the streets overnight without the approval of city officials. In 2019, Gov. Tony Evers signed legislation regulating electric scooters across the state, and Milwaukee started its first Dockless Scooter Pilot study. Since then, electric scooters have grown in popularity and are now permanently available in the city through companies like Lime and Spin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Availability | Electric scooters are available in Milwaukee |
| Companies | Bird, Lime, and Spin |
| Cost | Lime: $1 per ride, $0.39 per minute; Spin: $1 to unlock, $0.40 per minute |
| Weight | 20-30 pounds |
| Handlebar height | 40 inches |
| Charging | Charged overnight |
| Parking | Must be parked upright without blocking pedestrian traffic; can be parked on the sidewalk in Wauwatosa, but must leave at least 5 feet of space for pedestrians |
| Safety | Sidewalk riding is prohibited; users must follow the rules of the road |
| Feedback | 89 complaints in 2021, mostly about improper parking and sidewalk riding |
| Accidents | A study found that nearly three out of five injured riders were injured while riding on the sidewalk |
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What You'll Learn
Electric scooters are now permanent in Milwaukee
Electric scooters are now a permanent fixture in Milwaukee, with the city announcing its permanent e-scooter program. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson has stated that this is part of the city's commitment to micro-mobility, providing residents with an affordable and convenient method of transportation for short distances. This initiative aims to ensure that all residents, regardless of their neighbourhood, zip code, race, or income, have access to efficient travel options.
The introduction of electric scooters in Milwaukee dates back to 2018 when Bird placed 100 scooters on the streets without prior approval from city officials, leading to their removal. However, in 2019, Governor Tony Evers signed legislation regulating electric scooters across Wisconsin, paving the way for their return to Milwaukee. Since then, the city has conducted several pilot programs and studies to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of scooters in the transportation landscape.
During the 2022-2023 pilot program, three scooter operators participated, each providing a minimum of 500 scooters during the summer months. This period saw an increase in scooter usage, with 481,706 scooter trips recorded in the city. The permanent program will involve scooter companies Lime and Spin, offering a minimum of 250 scooters from April to October and 500 scooters from May to September.
While electric scooters have grown in popularity, there are safety concerns. A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that nearly three out of five injured riders were hurt while riding on the sidewalk. It is prohibited to ride scooters on sidewalks, and users are advised to follow the rules of the road and be cautious of potholes and construction. The user is generally responsible for any damage or injuries caused by the misuse of the scooter, according to rental agreements.
The permanent adoption of electric scooters in Milwaukee reflects the city's efforts to enhance mobility and provide equitable transportation options for its residents. This initiative aligns with the goal of reducing car usage for short distances and promoting a more vibrant and environmentally friendly urban environment.
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Milwaukee's commitment to micro-mobility
Milwaukee has demonstrated its commitment to micro-mobility by integrating electric scooters into its transportation system. Electric scooters first appeared in the city in 2018 when Bird introduced 100 scooters without the approval of city officials, leading to their removal. However, the city recognised the potential benefits of micro-mobility options and began exploring their safe and effective integration.
In 2019, Governor Tony Evers signed legislation regulating electric scooters across Wisconsin, and Milwaukee embarked on its first Dockless Scooter Pilot study. This initial study aimed to assess the feasibility of electric scooters within the city and gather feedback from riders and rental companies. Since then, Milwaukee has conducted additional pilot studies, including in 2021 and 2022-2023, to evaluate the effectiveness of dockless scooters and determine the best way to incorporate them into the city's transportation landscape.
The benefits of micro-mobility options like electric scooters are significant. Milwaukee Department of Public Works Commissioner Jerrel Kruschke emphasised the equitable nature of micro-mobility, stating that "scooters and bikes can be deployed in neighbourhoods where transportation options may be limited." Additionally, electric scooters offer a more affordable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation for short distances, reducing the reliance on cars for shorter trips.
While there have been concerns about accidents and safety, particularly regarding sidewalk riding, the city continues to emphasise the importance of following the rules and being cautious while riding. Milwaukee's commitment to micro-mobility is a step towards a more vibrant and accessible city, providing its residents with convenient and sustainable transportation options.
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Electric scooter accidents
Electric scooters are available in Milwaukee, with the city announcing its permanent e-scooter program in 2021. The scooters are available in the city of Wauwatosa, after the city reached an agreement with Bird Rides, and there are plans to bring them to other Milwaukee neighbourhoods. The e-scooter program is part of the city's commitment to micro-mobility, providing equitable transportation to areas where transportation options are limited.
There are three different electric scooter companies in Milwaukee: Lime-S, Bird, and Spin. With more than a thousand scooters on the streets, there are concerns about accidents and tampering. Riders are instructed to follow the rules of the road, with electric scooters following many of the same traffic laws as bicycles. They may use the bicycle lane and any paths designated for bicycles, and riders are encouraged to wear helmets. The maximum speed limit is 15 mph, and riders must agree to stay off the sidewalk.
Despite these rules, there have been reports of scooters being tampered with, and concerns about accidents. A study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that nearly three out of five injured riders were hurt while riding on the sidewalk. There were 350,130 total electric scooter rides recorded in Milwaukee in 2019, with 67 crashes reported, including four car and scooter crashes.
If you have been injured in an electric scooter accident, it is recommended to consult a personal injury attorney. Law firms such as Murphy & Prachthauser and Natasha Misra Law offer free consultations and can help determine if you have a case. It is important to note that generally, the user is responsible for any damage or injuries caused by the misuse of the electric scooter, as outlined in Bird's rental agreement.
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Bird Rides agreement
Electric scooters are available in Milwaukee, with the city announcing its permanent e-scooter program in 2021. The scooters are currently available in the city of Wauwatosa, following an agreement with Bird Rides. Bird scooters are also available in many other major U.S. cities.
Bird's rental agreement states that the user is generally responsible for any damage or injuries caused by the misuse of the electric scooter. The agreement also highlights that traffic violations, citations, fines, or impound charges are at the risk and expense of the rider. Bird's agreement also includes the use of geofencing to prevent the use of scooters past city borders. In Wauwatosa, for example, the scooter will gradually stop once it reaches the city line, and the rider will be notified to return to the operating area.
Bird's rental agreement also includes safety guidelines that users should follow. These guidelines include not using a phone while riding, not riding while intoxicated, and watching out for potholes and construction. Sidewalk riding is prohibited, and riders must follow the rules of the road when using the scooters. Users are also required to park the scooters in an upright position without blocking pedestrian traffic.
In terms of the company's financial agreements, Bird recently entered into a comprehensive restructuring support agreement with first- and second-lien lenders to strengthen its financial position. This agreement includes a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding, with Bird accessing $25 million in new debtor-in-possession financing. The company will continue to operate as usual during this process, maintaining its commitments to partner cities, including Milwaukee.
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Electric scooter laws
Electric scooters are available in Milwaukee, with companies like Bird Rides, Lime, Spin, VeoRide, and Lyft offering rentable scooters. The city has also announced a permanent e-scooter program as part of its commitment to micro-mobility.
General Laws
- Electric scooters are classified as a form of micro-mobility and are treated similarly to bicycles and pedestrians in some areas.
- Riders must follow the rules of the road, including using hand signals to indicate turns (unless both hands are required for the turn).
- Electric scooters are exempt from motor vehicle registration requirements.
- It is illegal to operate electric scooters on freeways or expressways. Fines for violating this law range from $30 to $300.
- While there is no law prohibiting operating an electric scooter while intoxicated, Act 11 codified specific crimes for reckless or dangerous actions committed while riding an electric scooter.
Helmet Laws
Helmet use is encouraged while riding a dockless scooter.
Parking and Sidewalk Laws
- Scooters must be parked at least five feet away from the sidewalk to avoid blocking pedestrian traffic. Fines for violating this rule can be up to $100.
- Sidewalk riding is prohibited in Milwaukee.
- In Wauwatosa, scooters can be parked on the sidewalk but must leave at least five feet of space for pedestrians. They can also be parked in bicycle racks.
- Scooters cannot be parked on or in parklets, loading zones, accessible parking spaces, curb ramps, entryways, driveways, bridges, or street furniture requiring pedestrian access.
User Responsibility and Safety
- The user is generally responsible for any damage or injuries caused by the misuse of the electric scooter, according to rental agreements.
- Some insurers might not provide coverage for accidents related to electric scooters.
- It is recommended to avoid using a phone while riding and to watch out for potholes and construction.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, electric scooters are available in Milwaukee. They first arrived in 2018, and since then, the city has been running pilot programs to test their effectiveness. In 2024, the city announced a permanent e-scooter program with scooter companies Lime and Spin as partners.
Electric scooters in Milwaukee are available through scooter-sharing apps. Users can download an app, locate a nearby scooter, and pay to unlock and operate it. The scooters have a fixed unlocking cost and a per-minute rate.
There are some safety concerns regarding electric scooters in Milwaukee. A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that nearly three out of five injured riders were hurt while riding on the sidewalk. However, most users prefer riding on the sidewalk due to the city's busy roads and traffic. It is recommended to follow safety guidelines, such as not using your phone while riding, avoiding potholes, and watching out for construction sites.
