courtesy UBER

From a press release:

“Today, Uber announces the launch of dockless electric scooter service JUMP in Washington, D.C. The addition of e-scooters brings another transportation option to the Uber app and helps create a one-stop-shop for riders, whether their destination is a few blocks, a few miles, or across town. JUMP scooters are electric, making it easier for riders to get around the city without breaking a sweat this spring.

The expansion of JUMP in the city is part of Uber’s commitment to bringing together multiple modes of transportation choices – offering safe, affordable options for first and last mile solutions. Free helmets will be distributed through Gearin’ Up Bicycles until May 7. (more…)


“Dear PoPville,

This week, I was turning the corner onto our street/ house after a lovely evening (7 pm) walk with the dog. As with many dogs, though she is very friendly and well-trained, she’s terrified of skateboards and dockless scooters when they’re in motion and making noise. Knowing this, as I saw a young man on a scooter approaching us quickly, headphones in (corded for context), I held my dog by the collar and moved her as far to the edge of the sidewalk as I could.

With the other hand, I waved frantically to him. I finally got his attention and politely asked him to wait for us to round the corner to our house rather than zooming past us, because my dog (pointing to the cute, but growingly anxious, 60-lbs rescue shepherd mix I was physically restraining) doesn’t do well around scooters. If he could wait 20 seconds for us to get out of his pathway that would be great.

He told me to f*&k off and that if my dog had a problem with him scooting on the sidewalk, it should be put down, it’s not his problem and proceeded to zoom right by us. (more…)


UPDATE from MPD:

“MPD units responded to the 2100 block of 14th Street NW at approximately 8:20am this morning for the report of a crash involving a motor vehicle and a scooter. The investigation on the scene revealed that a passenger in the vehicle opened the driver’s side rear door of the car, striking the scooter who was traveling down the street. The operator of the scooter was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The operator of the vehicle was issued a notice of infraction for opening or permitting a door to open to traffic side.

Darpwel reported:

“looks like another accident involving a scooter at 14th & W NW. Might be because of the new speed limit on them? I hope everyone is ok!”

“Hannah reported: (more…)


“Dear PoPville,

I’ve been an avid scooter rider since they first started in DC. I ride them to-and-from work and on occasional short trips all the time. As long as there isn’t snow (yet!) or wet streets, they’ve been an efficient and affordable way to get around. However, I’ve noticed in the past few weeks that more scooters have a safety feature in place that prevents them from going above 10mph.

I heard about this policy being implemented, but did this piece really made it through? (more…)


From DDOT:

“The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced a major step toward more equitable transportation options with a broad but incremental expansion of the dockless vehicle sharing program for 2019.

In 2019, DDOT plans to issue ten public right-of-way occupancy permits to operators of dockless bicycles or electric scooters. The 10 approved permits will allow up to 6,000 vehicles, which is a 2.5 times the maximum of 2,400 on the street today. (more…)


From DDOT:

“Today, Mayor Bowser’s District Department of Transportation (DDOT) released the new permit application for the dockless vehicle program, which includes an expansion of the program beginning January 1, 2019.

“The new dockless permit requirements reflect the promise DDOT sees in this program to increase active transportation in the District, as well as the many valid concerns we heard from a wide range of stakeholders involving safety and equity,” said DDOT Director, Jeff Marootian. “With the new permit we are upholding Mayor Bowser’s commitment to fostering innovation and competition among the many operators in this space while also delivering the safest, most sustainable, and most efficient transportation options to District residents and visitors.”

The application lays out the District’s goals for the program, and includes detailed terms and conditions for companies that are intended to maximize the safety, equity and mobility of the program. The new requirements will apply to any company seeking to participate in the dockless vehicle sharing program in 2019. Permits issued during this period will be valid from January 1 to December 31, 2019.

After a review process, applications will be evaluated and DDOT will issue permits to qualified dockless vehicle operators.

Among the requirements for the 2019 program, participating companies must: (more…)


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