Lyft launches DC e-scooter initiative, its first on the East Coast

As of Thursday, people in D.C. can access and use Lyft Scooters via the Lyft app. The map in the app will show the areas where Lyft’s e-cooters are located and available to rent.

“Today’s launch marks our third market in the U.S. with scooters, following our first launch in Denver and second in Santa Monica,” Chris Dattaro, Lyft’s D.C. market manager for Lyft Bikes & Scooters told Technical.ly. “It is our first scooter launch on the East Coast and we’re excited about the growing interest and momentum we’re seeing with Lyft Bikes and Scooters.”

Dattaro says Lyft is planning for its scooter service to be in “over 10 additional cities” by the end of the year.

The ridesharing company decided to launch a fleet of rentable e-scooters in the District because according to the Lyft Economic Impact Report, over 33 percent of Lyft passengers here say owning a personal vehicle is less important to them now. Lyft has been working closely with the D.C. government and District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to make this new initiative possible.

“We’re excited to have all of our multi-modal options working together soon — including rideshare, bikes, scooters, transit — and to be the only app you need to get where you need to go,” Dattaro said.

Scooter rentals start at $1 with an additional 15 cents added per mile. Riders can even rent scooters by reserving one in advance through the most up-to-date version of the app. Dattaro also stressed the importance of safety when using the scooters.

“Compared to other operators in this space, we have docks that are a responsible way for riders to park their scooters on streets, and we’re working with cities to place these docks in areas where there is high demand and near transit stations,” Dattaro told us.

Lyft’s new initiative aligns with DDOT’s electronic and dockless bike and scooter pilot program, which was extend earlier this year. The transportation office plans to have more set regulations in place by next year for e-scooter and bikeshare companies.