Shared Mobility Program

Charlotte's Shared Mobility Program provides e-scooters or e-bikes for shared use to individuals, on a per-trip basis, through private providers Bird and Lime. Shared mobility is a key tool identified in the Strategic Mobility Plan to promote transportation choices in Charlotte, and connect residents to employment, education, parks, shopping, and other destinations. Shared mobility allows users to rent an e-scooter or e-bike through a smart-phone application, and park it appropriately when their ride ends.

Bird and Lime are currently permitted to operate within Charlotte. Operators must secure a permit from the city to operate a fleet of e-scooters or e-bikes in Charlotte. Operators are responsible for meeting the permit requirements specific to safety, maintenance, operations, parking, and data sharing as outlined in the Shared-Use Mobility System Permit Requirements(PDF, 667KB).

Equity and Affordable Access Programs

Promoting equitable and affordable mobility options is a key objective in the Strategic Mobility Plan. Lime Access and Bird Community Pricing are shared mobility affordability programs offering discounted rides to support equitable access to transportation choices.

  • Bird Community Pricing offers eligible riders a 50% discount for using Bird e-scooters and e-bikes. Download the Bird App to create an account and visit the Bird website to sign up.
  • Lime Access offers eligible riders discounted rides. Visit the Lime website to sign up.

Permitted Fleet Sizes

Operation Hours: 5:00am to 1:30am

Lime

750 e-scooters
150 e-bikes

Bird

750 e-scooters
150 e-bikes

Starting or ending a ride

  1. Download the mobile app for the operator you are interested in renting from (available on iPhone and Android devices).
  2. Use the operator's mobile app to find an unlock an e-scooter or e-bike near you.
  3. Ride safely and responsibly in accordance with all rules and regulations.
  4. When you finish your ride, end your trip using the mobile app and park the e-scooter or e-bike upright ensuring no sidewalks, curb ramps, or travel lanes are blocked.

Contacting e-scooter & e-bike vendors to share feedback or report an issue

Bird and Lime are currently permitted to operate a shared mobility system in Charlotte. Identify and contact the correct operator to report an issue, such as improperly parked e-scooter or e-bike.

Please note, per permit requirements, any e-scooter or e-bike that is reported for being parked incorrectly is required to be promptly re-parked in a correct manner or removed by the operator within two hours of receiving notice.

Bird

Lime

Safety guidance

Safety for all users of the transportation network-pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, drivers, and shared mobility users of e-scooters and e-bikes - is the first and foremost concern of the city. City Council adopted rules for the use of e-scooters and e-bikes within Charlotte, which are detailed in Chapter 14 of Charlotte's code of Ordinances. Additional safety guidance is detailed below.

  • General
    • Watch out for pedestrians.
    • Obey all traffic laws (e.g. ride on the right side of the road, follow traffic signals and stop signs).
    • Always ride sober.
    • Check carefully for motorists before merging with and crossing traffic.
    • All shared mobility operators in Charlotte require riders to be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license.
  • Speed Limits: e-scooters are automatically limited to 15mph and e-bikes are limited to 20mph.
  • Sidewalk Riding: Sidewalk riding is allowed throughout Charlotte, except in the area of Uptown bound by Church St., Brooklyn Village Ave., College St., and 7th St. When riding on sidewalks, always be visible, courteous and yield to pedestrians.
  • Parking: When you finish your ride, make sure you park your e-scooter or e-bike in a location that does not impede a pedestrian walkway. E-scooters and e-bikes cannot be parked in a manner that blocks sidewalks, curb ramps, or bus stops.
  • Helmet Use: In concurrence with state law, anyone under the age of 16 must wear a helmet. It's recommended to always wear a helmet; it's the safest way to ride an e-scooter or e-bike. (NOTE - All shared mobility operators in Charlotte require riders to be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license).

Parking an e-scooter or e-bike

DO

  • Park an e-scooter or e-bike in a location that does not impede a pedestrian walkway. When parking your e-scooter, please remember that someone using a wheelchair, or a stroller should always have plenty of room to get trough.
  • Park an e-scooter or e-bike upright.
  • Leave a minimum 4' pathway for pedestrians when parking an e-scooter or e-bike.
  • Park an e-scooter or e-bike within a bike rack when available.
  • Park an e-scooter or e-bike within a parking corral, marked with pavement markings or signage.

DON'T

  • Do not block sidewalks, shared paths, or outdoor dining areas.
  • Do not block public transit zones like bus stops/shelters, light rail stations, or streetcar stops.
  • Do not block loading zones.
  • Do not block accessible parking spaces or loading areas.
  • Do not block street furniture like benches or on-street parking meters and pay stations.
  • Do not block curb ramps or pedestrian signal pushbuttons.
  • Do not block braille signs or drinking fountains.
  • Do not block entryways, exits (keep 10-foot clearance), or driveways.
  • Do not park on private property, county parks, or in vehicle or bike lanes.

Shared mobility parking corrals

Street parking for e-bikes and e-scooters

A key goal of the Shared Mobility Program is improving right-of-way management by creating "shared mobility parking corrals" - dedicated parking spaces for e-scooters and bikes. These parking corrals consist of pavement markings, signage, and other elements and may be placed in-street or behind the curb. As CDOT installs more locations, collaboration will continue with Lime and Bird to mark these locations in their mobile apps, encourage proper parking, and focus on rider education. Here is an example of a parking corral recently installed along Tremont Avenue in South End:

No sidewalk riding zone

see below

Bicycles and scooters are not allowed on sidewalks in the area between Church Street, Brooklyn Village Avenue, College Street, and 7th Street.

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