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Consideration of request by Multimodal Transportation Engineer for approval of an application from Lime to renew its operation of a dockless scooter program in Wauwatosa
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Submitted by:
Elizabeth Saunderson, Civil Engineer - Multimodal Transportation
Department:
Department of Public Works, Engineering Division
A. Issue
Chapters 11.50 and 11.51 of the Wauwatosa Municipal Code regulate Electric Scooters and Dockless Mobility Systems. The Board of Public Works previously approved Terms and Conditions for companies interested in participating in the City's Dockless Scooter Program and approved Lime to operate the City’s dockless scooter program in 2024. Lime has requested an extension to the approval to operate the program in 2025 with further modifications to the Terms and Conditions.
B. Background/Options
Chapter 11.50 and 11.51 of the City's Municipal Code govern the use of dockless mobility devices within Wauwatosa. Section 11.51.020(A) of the City's municipal code states that “No person may operate a dockless mobility system in the city without permission to participate in a dockless mobility system program administered by the board of public works. Participation in the program may only occur upon application and approval of the board of public works.” The Board of Public Works previously approved Terms and Conditions for companies interested in participating in the Dockless Scooter Program, which is attached with edits requested by Lime. The requested changes have been approved by the City Attorney.
Lime, a dockless scooter company, has submitted a 2025 application and terms and conditions document to be considered by the Board of Public Works, both of which are attached for the Board's review. New in 2025, Lime plans to deploy Captur real-time parking correction and education for riders of its scooters. I have reviewed Lime's application and am recommending approval of their application at this time. I also discussed a proposed program fee identical to that which was charged to Lime last year which includes an annual program fee of $1,500 plus a $0.10/ride fee.
The dockless scooter program helps solve the last mile problem with public transportation and helps increase public transportation rider-ship which will ultimately reduce the pressure on Wauwatosa roadways. In 2024, the Lime program had a total of 23,822 rides for a total distance traveled of 41,029 miles.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Priority Area Three: Infrastructure: Ensure the City’s infrastructure supports public health through multi-modal transportation and recreation opportunities; Support rideshare opportunities in the City, such as Bublr bicycles and electric scooter rideshare programs.
D. Fiscal Impact
The City will receive $1,500 as an annual fee in addition to $0.10 per ride taken in 2025 to help offset City related program administration and monitoring expenses.
E. Recommendation
Approval of Lime's Dockless Scooter Program Application allowing Lime to operate a Dockless Scooter Program in Wauwatosa with an initial annual program fee of $1,500 plus $0.10/ride for 2025.