Beginning this Friday, Uber, known for its popular JUMP electric bike-share fleet, will launch Sacramento’s first electric scooter service.
The scooters will be available in the same area as JUMP’s bike-share service in Sacramento: from the American River to Fruitridge Road, and from Power Inn Road to the Sacramento River. Scooters will also be available in West Sacramento’s existing bike-share boundaries including Southport from Davis Road to Jefferson Boulevard. Both cities will receive a total of 50 to 100 scooters.
Electric scooters, which already have launched in cities including San Francisco and Los Angeles, have a top speed of around 15 mph.
“The City is excited about another transportation option , but we want to ensure that all scooter riders know safety tips and follow traffic laws,” said Jennifer Donlon Wyant, Active Transportation Specialist.
JUMP Scooter Safety Tips & Rules
Before users hit the road, it’s important to follow a few JUMP scooter safety tips:
- Before traveling, inspect the scooter and wear a helmet
- “Kick off” to get the scooter going, and press the throttle on the right handlebar for a boost
- Press the brake on the left handlebar to slow down or use the step brake to come to a more immediate stop
- In California, it is illegal to ride on the sidewalk. Riders will need to ride on City streets, bike lanes, or parking protected bikeways.
- When riding on the street, travel in the same direction as traffic.
- Follow all traffic laws (stop signs and traffic signals).
- When finished with a trip, always park at a bike rack.
- Register for the Urban Bicycling and Scooting 101 class that is offered monthly at City Hall for free.
Residents will need to download an mobile app prior to using a scooter. Scooters will be free to unlock and $0.15 per minute after that.
As part of the launch, JUMP is hosting helmet giveaways, where they will hand out helmets and distribute resources with safety tips to encourage safe riding behavior. The giveaway in Sacramento will run from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 8 at Old Soul Coffee (3434 Broadway) — and free coffee will be available.
The City currently has existing regulations for shared scooters and bikes. JUMP was able to launch scooters under their existing permit with the City. The City is developing a revised regulatory framework for shared-rideables (scooter and bikes). New regulations is anticipated to be heard on Feb. 5, 2019 at the Law & Legislation Committee of City Council. The City is proposing an amendment to the existing ordinance based on lessons learned from other cities with regard to be both bikes and scooters
The City expects other electric scooter companies to complete the permitting process and begin operations this spring.