Otis Singleton
Electric scooters are a fun and eco-friendly way to get around Portland. The city has approved certain streets and paths for e-scooters, including multi-use paths, bike lanes, and shared roadways. Portland's e-scooter sharing program allows users to rent scooters via smartphone apps such as Lime, Bird, Biketown, and Skip Scooters. These apps offer an energy-efficient alternative to driving, with scooters powered by electric motors and capped at 15 mph. To rent an e-scooter, users download the app, locate a nearby scooter, scan a QR code, and start their ride. It's important to follow safety guidelines, such as wearing a helmet, yielding to pedestrians, and avoiding sidewalks. With over two million journeys taken in Portland, e-scooters are a popular choice for exploring the city.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rental companies | Bird Scooters, Lime Bike, Skip Scooters, Biketown |
| Rental period | Varies; one source mentions a four-month pilot program |
| Rental cost | Lime: $1 to unlock, then $0.35 per minute to ride; Lime Access: $0.50 to unlock, then $0.07 per minute |
| Speed limit | 15 mph |
| Helmet requirement | Yes; Oregon law requires e-scooter riders to wear a helmet |
| Riding on sidewalks | Prohibited |
| Riding in bike lanes | Allowed; use vehicle lanes when bike lanes are unavailable |
| Riding under the influence | Prohibited |
| Parking | On the curb, out of the way of pedestrian traffic; avoid bike lanes, traffic lanes, medians, transit platforms, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
How to use the Lime or Biketown app to rent an electric scooter
To rent an electric scooter in Portland, you can use either the Lime or Biketown app. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use each app:
Using the Lime App:
- Download the Lime app on your phone and create an account.
- Locate a nearby scooter using the in-app map. The map will display all available Lime scooters in your area.
- Once you've found a scooter nearby, go to it and scan the QR code to unlock it. You can also manually enter the 6-digit vehicle identification number if needed.
- Wear a helmet. While it is not mandatory in all cities, it is highly recommended for your safety.
- Follow the local traffic rules. Stick to bike lanes whenever possible, and remember to yield to pedestrians.
- To start the scooter, press the lever down gently on the right handlebar. To brake, squeeze the lever on the left handlebar.
- When you're done with your ride, park the scooter responsibly. Follow the guidelines in the app to ensure you're parking in an allowed area, away from doorways, sidewalks, and areas that need to be accessible to people with disabilities.
Using the Biketown App:
- Download the Biketown app and create an account if you don't already have one.
- Find a nearby Biketown scooter using the app's map.
- Scan the QR code located between the handlebars, or enter the ID found by the front wheel.
- Use a Biketown key card to unlock the scooter.
- Put up the kickstand and kick off with your right or left foot.
- Adjust your speed using the throttle. Remember to start slow, especially if it's your first ride.
- Always wear a helmet, and follow the rules of the road. Ride on the street or in bike lanes, and yield to pedestrians.
- When parking your scooter, make sure to do so responsibly. Park for free at Biketown stations, locking your scooter to the rack with the cable. Avoid blocking pathways, sidewalks, or ramps, as this can result in a fine.
Remember to follow all safety guidelines and local regulations when riding electric scooters in Portland.
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Rules for riding electric scooters in Portland
Riding an electric scooter in Portland comes with a set of rules and regulations. Here are some essential guidelines to follow to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone:
Wear a Helmet
Oregon law requires all e-scooter riders to wear a helmet. Not wearing one can result in a citation and a $25 fine. You can bring your own helmet, rent one from Cycle Portland Bike Tours, or get a free helmet from the Travel Portland Visitor Center.
Yield to Pedestrians
Always yield to pedestrians. E-scooter riders must give way to those walking and biking. Failing to do so may result in additional charges and platform suspension.
Stay Off the Sidewalk
Riding e-scooters on the sidewalk is prohibited. The only time an e-scooter should be on the sidewalk is when it is parked on the curb, being parked, or walked alongside.
Ride in the Bicycle Lane
Use the bicycle lane whenever possible and ride with the flow of traffic. If there is no designated bike lane, it is permissible to use the vehicle lane. When riding in a lane without a bike lane, stay as close to the right side of the lane as possible, nearest the sidewalk.
Park Responsibly
Park your e-scooter on the curb, ensuring you do not block the sidewalk or impede pedestrian traffic. Do not park in bike lanes, traffic lanes, medians, or transit platforms. Maintain a distance of at least five feet from fire hydrants, crosswalks, bicycle racks, drinking fountains, driveways, alleys, ADA ramps, disabled parking spaces, and marked loading zones.
Age Restriction
Riders must be at least 18 years old, and only one person is permitted per scooter.
No Riding Under the Influence
Operating an e-scooter while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants is against the law.
Additional Considerations
Other important rules to keep in mind include:
- Do not lock your scooter to orange Biketown racks, blue transit stops, or private property. Only lock it to public bike racks, street signs, or out of the public right-of-way.
- Riding and parking in all parks are prohibited.
- Be courteous to other travellers, pedestrians, and individuals with disabilities. Do not ride recklessly or in a manner that could endanger yourself or others.
By following these rules and regulations, you can help ensure a safe and positive experience for all who enjoy the convenience of electric scooters in Portland.
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Where to ride electric scooters in Portland
There are many places to ride electric scooters in Portland, with the City of Portland designating several streets and paths that you can ride your scooter on. Here are some of the major routes:
SW Morrison St to SW 1st Ave
You can ride a scooter south from SW Morrison St, with the dedicated path starting at SW Jefferson St. This route goes south for six blocks until it ends at the corner of SW Arthur St and SW 1st Ave.
SW Madison St to SW Market St
This south-moving, one-way route starts at SW Madison St and heads four blocks until it reaches SW Market St. From there, it turns into a multi-use route, which continues until SW Lincoln St.
SW Jefferson St to SW Barbur Blvd
This route starts at SW Jefferson St and heads south on SW 5th Ave for about ten blocks until it merges with SW Broadway traffic. It continues for two more blocks until you reach SW Barbur Blvd. If you want to go further, you can take it all the way to SW 74th Ave in Tigard.
SW 13th Ave to SW Montgomery St
This route starts at W Burnside and heads south in a bike/scooter lane for 13 blocks until it ends at SW Montgomery St. If you want, you can take a right on SW Montgomery and enter the Southwest Hills neighborhood, but you'll be sharing the road with cars without a dedicated lane.
W Burnside St to SW 1st Ave
This protected, buffered route starts at W Burnside St and heads east for 13 blocks until it ends at SW 1st Ave. From there, you can continue to SW Naito Pkwy without a dedicated bike/scooter lane.
It's important to note that while electric scooters can have maximum speeds of up to 24 miles per hour, Portland requires rental scooters to be capped at 15 miles per hour. Additionally, riding on sidewalks is prohibited, and you must yield to pedestrians. Always follow the designated paths and observe the laws to ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience in Portland.
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How to unlock an electric scooter without a smartphone
In Portland, Oregon, electric scooters are rented out by companies such as Lime, Bird, Biketown, and Skip Scooters. These scooters are usually rented out via smartphone apps, which are used to unlock the scooters. However, if you do not have a smartphone, there are alternative methods to unlock and start an electric scooter.
Firstly, ensure that your scooter is on a flat surface and in a stable position. Wear protective gear, such as a helmet, gloves, and closed-toe shoes. Ensure there are no bystanders or obstacles in your immediate vicinity.
Some electric scooters have magnetic switches that can be activated with a magnet. Alternatively, some scooters have a kill switch that can be used to start the scooter without a key. This switch is usually located near the throttle or controller. You can use a screwdriver or a similar tool to activate the switch and start the scooter. Insert the screwdriver into the keyhole and turn it in the same way you would turn a key.
It is important to note that these alternative methods should only be used in emergency situations. They may cause damage to the ignition system or the scooter's electrical system. It is always best to follow the proper starting procedures outlined in your scooter manual.
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How much it costs to rent an electric scooter
The cost of renting an electric scooter in Portland depends on the rental company, the duration of the rental, and the specific pricing plans they offer. Most scooter rental services operate with a mobile app that users can download to locate and unlock scooters throughout the city. Generally, rental companies charge an initial unlock fee, which typically ranges from $1.00 to $3.00. Lime, for example, costs $1 to unlock, then $0.35 a minute to ride. Bird and Lime electric scooters cost $1 to unlock and $0.15 per minute. Lime Access members in Portland will pay a discounted rate of $0.50 to unlock plus $0.07 per minute. After unlocking, users are billed on a per-minute basis. The average cost per minute is around $0.15 to $0.45, which means a 20-minute ride could cost between $3.00 and $9.00, excluding the unlocking fee.
For longer explorations or multiple trips, some providers may offer daily or multi-hour passes, which can provide better value compared to the standard per-minute billing. For instance, a day pass could range from $10 to $25, giving you unlimited short rides within a 24-hour period. Be sure to check the rental app for any special deals or promotions that may apply. It's important to note that prices are subject to change and may vary during peak hours or special events. Additionally, users should be aware of the city regulations and designated parking areas to avoid additional fines or fees. For those who plan to use scooters more frequently, some companies offer monthly subscriptions or membership plans with reduced fees.
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Frequently asked questions
You can rent an electric scooter in Portland via an app. Download the app of your chosen scooter company (Lime, Biketown, Bird, Skip Scooters, or Lime Bike), use the map to find a nearby scooter, and scan the QR code to unlock it.
Yes, you will need a smartphone to download the app and rent an electric scooter. However, Lime does offer a text-to-unlock service for those enrolled in their discounted ride program, Lime Access.
The cost of renting an electric scooter in Portland varies depending on the company. For example, Lime costs $1 to unlock, then $0.35 per minute to ride, while Lime Access members in Portland pay a discounted rate of $0.50 to unlock, plus $0.07 per minute.
Yes, there are several laws and rules you should be aware of before renting an electric scooter in Portland. These include:
- Always wear a helmet. It is required by Oregon law and not wearing one could result in a $25 fine.
- Yield to pedestrians.
- Do not ride on the sidewalk.
- Ride in the bicycle lane or vehicle lane if there is no bike lane.
- Park on the curb and do not block the sidewalk.
- Do not ride under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants.
There are several designated streets and paths for electric scooters in Portland. These include multi-use paths, bike lanes, and protected or buffered bike lanes. The City of Portland has an interactive map to help you locate scooter-friendly routes. Some areas to avoid include sidewalks, parks (including Waterfront Park, Eastbank Esplanade, and the Springwater Trail), and transit platforms.
