City to Kick-Off 2022 WheelShare Program

Kirstin Davis, Communications Manager, 509.625.7773

Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 9:42 a.m.

A full fleet of shared scooters and bikes are hitting the streets of Spokane for another year of the WheelShare program the City started as a pilot in 2018. In 2021, more than 450,000 rides were taken, covering over 400,000 miles across City streets, paths, and bike lanes.

“The scooters and bikes bring great energy to our community and provides an opportunity for people to use a different type of transportation,” says Mayor Nadine Woodward.

WheelShare Launch Event
Includes demos of the new Gen4 scooter and bike, riding safety tips and a helmet giveaway (while supplies last).

  • Wednesday, April 6
  • 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • E. Desmet Ave.and N. Dakota St. - West of John J. Hemmingson Center on the Gonzaga University campus

The program includes some basic rules of operation that are designed to allow for a smooth and safe operation.  Here’s what users need to know:

  • Know your Location. Bike and scooter users need to ride in the street or in the bike lanes in the downtown core to avoid conflict with pedestrians on the sidewalks.
  • Watch your Speed. Bike and scooter speed limits are 15 mph on the Centennial Trail, and 7 mph within Riverfront Park. Scooter speed will automatically be regulated down in designated areas.
  • Ride Safely. Remember to obey traffic laws and ride safely. Helmets are encouraged for all WheelShare users. And, users are asked to be considerate riders and watch for conflicts with other users of the streets, sidewalks, and trails. Helmets will be available at various locations in the City.

"We are thrilled to be relaunching our e-bike and e-scooter program again this year, building on our partnership with the City of Spokane,” says Michael Norco, Lime Senior Operations Manager, Pacific Northwest. “We are proud to have worked hand in hand with the City, STA, and Downtown Spokane to ensure our electric vehicles were safe for riders during the pandemic. Now, we are excited about the potential to work with all our local partners to help the city recover economically and ensure all residents and visitors can ride safe and ride green on Lime electric vehicles, especially as gas prices remain high." 

By the Numbers:

  • In 2021, more than 450,000 rides covering over 400,000 miles across City streets, paths, and bike lanes 
  • Spokane riders have taken over 1.25 million trips since the pilot began in 2018
  • Average trip length = 1 mile
  • Over half of trips are used for shopping, dining, or entertainment
  • Approximately one quarter of trips are used for commuting to work or school

Lime, the world’s largest and most ridden provider of shared electronic vehicles, provides electric scooters and electric-assist bikes that can be checked out and used for a small rental fee. The program provides an option to travel the City from the comfort of pathways and bike lanes, visit local parks, shops, restaurants, entertainment and recreation, run errands or commute to and from work. Additionally, the Lime Access provides discounted fares to qualifying riders, and access to scooters for people without smartphones or credit cards. To qualify, an individual must demonstrate participation in an eligible public benefits program.

Lime uses a dockless system that allows scooters and e-bikes to park at any essentially public location.  Specific zones can be programmed as low-speed or off-limits to support safety. Scooters and bikes have the necessary equipment for rental. To rent, riders must be 18 years old and will need to download the Lime app.