Shared Micromobility Pilot Study

While it may be a new term, micromobility devices have been around us for decades—you may have even used one yourself!  The Federal Highway Administration defines micromobility as “any small, low-speed, human- or electric-powered device.”  This includes non-motorized devices like bicycles, skateboards, wheelchairs, or rollerblades.  Powered devices, such as e-bikes, electric scooters, or Segways may be less familiar to many, but their popularity is growing as they may provide users with alternate options to traditional conveyances.

Like a motor vehicle, a micromobility device can make it easier, faster, and more convenient to cover distance, when compared with walking.  Unlike a motor vehicle, the State of Colorado does not require a license to operate a micromobility device.  Thus, these devices can enable mobility for many when compared with motor vehicles.

Shared micromobility refers to a system of docked and/or dockless vehicles that are part of a shared fleet and that are available to the community for short-term rental. 

Bird and Lime each have an app which can be easily downloaded from Apple or Google Play app stores.  After creating an account and being introduced to Local Riding Guidelines, you can locate and rent a scooter for your personal use. If you are finishing your ride within a Dedicated Parking Zone (e.g., Downtown, Lincoln Park, CMU, or Riverfront), please ensure you find a designated parking corral.  Payments are typically processed through the app as well, but cash payment options are also available.

Because of the increased interest from e-scooter companies looking to deploy in the Grand Junction market, the City is taking a proactive approach through pilot study to help establish parameters for operations. Furthermore, micromobility may expand transportation choice for short-range trips and provide new revenue generation for the community. A pilot allows for a preliminary feasibility study before committing to a permanent licensing program. 

Bird and Lime launched in Grand Junction in May 2023 for an 18-month pilot.  Bird and Lime each have a user-friendly app available for download from the Apple or Google Play app store.  In the app, you can learn about Local Riding Guidelines, including parking and operation rules specific to Grand Junction.  Additionally, each app proves users with an opportunity to report problems or learn more about that operator's service.

In certain zones, including Downtown, CMU, and City Parks, the devices will follow a dedicated parking model, where they will have to be stored in designated zones to maintain clearance on sidewalks.  These Dedicated Parking corrals are installed via an operator fee charged to Bird and Lime.  In the rest of the city, the pilot is launching under a free-floating parking model to allow the city to determine where demand exists for future development of corrals if we choose to continue beyond the initial pilot.

First of all, be courteous!  Our streets are shared spaces, and it is up to all of us to be safe and respectful as we travel around.

Please refer to the rules outlined in the app associated with the e-scooter you are hoping to ride.

It is recommended that devices be ridden in bike lanes when available and safe. Users are prohibited from riding on sidewalks on Main Street, Colorado Ave, between 1st Street and 7th Street, and 7th Street between Grand Ave and Colorado Ave.

Per City ordinance, the speed limit on sidewalks is 6 MPH.  The speed limit on Shared-use Trails (e.g., Riverfront Trail) is 15 MPH.

See GJMC Chapter 10.14.010 (External link)for more detail.

All information about parking rules and requirements can be found within the app associated with the e-scooter you are hoping to use.

With the exception of certain parts of the City (Downtown, CMU, Riverfront, North Ave, and some Parks), the parking is free-floating.  This means that you can park your e-scooter anywhere on a hard surface, as long as you maintain 3' of sidewalk clearance for ADA requirements, do not block private or public access, and do not block metered parking spaces. 

When ending a ride within designated zones (listed above; see the map in your app for more details), you leave the e-scooter within a designated parking corral.  The specific locations can be found in your app.  Look for the scooter markings on the pavement!

The Pilot Area extends from 24 Rd on the west to the 28 1/2 Rd alignment on the east and from I-70/Horizon Drive on the north to the Colorado River and parts of Orchard Mesa, including the Mesa County Fairgrounds in the south.

Check out the route-finding map uploaded in the "Documents" section on EngageGJ.org/micromobility for recommendations on signed bicycle routes to help navigate the city.