Grand Rapids residents and visitors have a new option for travel in the city.

On Wednesday, the City of Grand Rapids launched a scooter share pilot program along with a company called Spin that will run through the end 2021.

Starting in the downtown area, the pilot program will soon cover a 12-square mile area. These new and environmentally friendly options will include electric standing and seated scooters and e-bicycles.

The city initially launched with 200 scooters and should expand to 300 by this weekend; it's possible that eventually the city will have up to 1,500, Justin Kimura, assistant mobile Grand Rapids director tells Fox 17.

The scooters will be $1 to unlock, plus 15 cents per minute.

This weekend however, you can ride for free starting at  6am Friday, October 2 through midnight Sunday October 4. All unlock and per minute fees will be waived so you can try the out the e-scooters at no charge.

How does it work?

  • Download either the Spin or GOTCHA app onto a smartphone with Android or iOS
  • Using the vendors apps, follow the screen prompts to setup your session
  • Pay for your session on the Spin or GOTCHA app with a debit or credit card (see the Equity/Affordability Questions tab below for more options and possible discounts)
  • Ride!
  • After you ride, park the vehicle in a designated parking zone to avoid further charges

Note that you do have to be at least 18 to use the e-scooters.

Here's a map of the e-scooter service area. You can ride outside of it, but there are not virtual parking stations provided outside the service area.

Here's a statement from the City of Grand Rapids on the purpose of the program:

Scooter and bike share (also called shared micromobility) services provide solo, low-cost transportation options on-demand. They are intended to connect with other transportation services like transit, parking, park-and-ride, and ride sharing. These services are especially important as we seek ways to support residents through the pandemic recovery.

Shared micromobility services fill gaps in transportation options due to transit service changes, increased risks of carpooling and ride sharing, or the cost of personal automobile use. Service is available before and after current transit service hours to support trips to and from transit stops.

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