800+ more bikes and scooters to hit Providence roads and sidewalks

Mayor Jorge O. Elorza announced the increased availability of electric bikes and scooters in Providence via bike share service partners Bird, Spin and Veo. Spin, which is currently operational in Providence, will increase the number of e-bikes and e-scooters throughout the City, and Bird and Veo will be new additions to the City’s micromobility market. This expansion marks another step forward in cost-effective, sustainable transit options for residents and visitors alike.

“The expansion of micromobility options in Providence gives our residents and visitors another safe and sustainable way to explore the City,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “Expanding the availability of e-bikes and e-scooters in Providence allows riders to pick a vehicle that best fits their journey while simultaneously improving transit efficiency in our city. Working with Bird, Spin and Veo, we are improving mobility in Providence while also providing benefits for low-income riders.”

In addition to convenience, low-cost and recreation, e-bikes and e-scooters help to reduce carbon pollution, contribute to traffic calming and promote healthier lifestyles. Furthermore, cost-effective access to safe and reliable transportation is critical for employment, education, childcare and accessing other essential destinations and services. 

All riders must have a valid RI Driver’s License and must be 18 years old. Riding times are 5am to 10pm.

Where can bikers ride?

On sidewalks – or in the roadway. Must yield to pedestrians, stop at traffic lights, follow all rules of the road, and not operate “under the influence”. Can ride side by side, no more than 2. While riders are encouraged to wear helmets, they are not required.

Map of bike/scooter locations – July 23, 2022:

Decriminalizing Mobility – Walking & Biking Laws seen as a tool of racial justice – Spin and Safe Routes Partnership offer communities a guide to go further in addressing legislation and laws for streets that were not built safe for all and to decrease black and brown communities’ interaction with law enforcement around the issue of mobility in one’s community.

Bird and Veo will offer 100 e-bikes and 100 scooters beginning this month across the city, and increase their offering to 200 e-bikes and 200 scooters each by September. Spin will expand their current footprint by an additional 200 e-bikes and 200 scooters. Each company provides access to e-bikes and e-scooters for people without smartphones or credit cards, and will also discount fares for those receiving financial assistance through a state or federal program. 

Bird
Bird scooters cost $1 to unlock and a per-minute fee thereafter. Users can check the Bird app for the most up-to-date pricing in Providence. Bird offers a 50% discount to low-income riders, Pell Grant recipients, select local nonprofit and community organizations, veterans and senior citizens. To sign up for Bird’s Community Pricing Program, download the Bird app, create an account and email your proof of eligibility to [email protected]. Bird also offers free rides for healthcare workers and emergency personnel. To sign up, email a copy of your medical identification card along with your name and phone number to [email protected]. Bird’s Community Mode allows anyone with a Bird account to report or provide feedback on vehicle-related issues such as poorly parked or damaged vehicles in their area. Community Mode can be accessed within the mobile app by tapping the yield sign on the bottom left of the Bird map. For more information, visit bird.co.

Spin
Using the Spin app, riders can scan a QR code to unlock a bike or scooter for $1 and ride for $0.32 per minute. The Spin Access program provides heavily discounted rides to low-income residents who are enrolled in a local, state or federal benefits program, including but not limited to SNAP, TANF, WIC, Rhode Island Works and Medicaid. Low-income riders enjoy a guaranteed fare of $0.50 to unlock and just $0.10 per minute. Spin provides options for riders without a smartphone, credit card or both. Riders will need a mobile phone with the ability to text. For further instructions or to ask questions, please contact Spin Support at 1-888-262-5189, [email protected] or by visiting https://www.spin.app/spin-access. For more information, visit www.spin.app.

Veo
Using the Veo app, riders scan a QR code to unlock a bike or scooter. An Astro scooter costs $1 to unlock and $0.39 per minute to ride, while the Halo e-bike costs $1 to unlock and $0.25 center per minute to ride. The Veo Access program is a discount program for eligible customers (including those receiving SNAP, WIC and RIPTA reduced fares, RI Works participants, residents of public housing and those living with a student who receives free/reduced lunch). Veo Access offers qualified riders access to Veo bikes and scooters for $5/month. Through the program, riders’ first 30-minute ride each day is free and $0.20 per minute thereafter, with the $1 unlocking fee waived. For more information, visit veoride.com.

To view an interactive map of bike share hub locations in Providence, or learn more about the City of Providence’s Micromobility Program, all residents are encouraged to visit the City’s Micromobility website. To share feedback or issues, contact the Mayor’s Center for City Services at City Hall by dialing 3-1-1 or downloading the PVD311 mobile app on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Photo: Spin