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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, PE
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 and 2025. Lime has requested an extension to the approval to operate the program in 2026 under the Terms and Conditions that were approved in 2025.
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 the attached Terms and Conditions, modified in 2025 by Lime and the City Attorney.
Lime, a dockless scooter company, has submitted a 2026 application to be considered by the Board of Public Works. Lime has indicated that they have no requested modifications to the Terms and Conditions document that was approved for the 2025 operations. Lime’s 2026 application and the 2025 Terms and Conditions document are both attached for the Board's review. Lime plans to continue 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 ridership which will ultimately reduce the pressure on Wauwatosa roadways. In 2025, the Lime users took 24,584 trips and traveled a total of 42,100 miles in Wauwatosa. This equates to an average of over 100 trips per day in Wauwatosa during Lime’s operating season. The number of Lime trips and the total mileage both increased by approximately 3% between 2024 and 2025.
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 2026 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 2026.