Colorado Springs extending electric scooter pilot program
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- October marked one year since electric scooters first arrived in Colorado Springs. Now, city officials are extending the pilot program.
Initially, the program e-scooter program began with two companies. One of those companies, VEO, said it pulled its scooter fleet out due to low ridership.
City officials, however, said their numbers tell a different story. That's why the city plans on extending its contract with Lime, an e-bike and e-scooter company.
Despite one of the companies involved in the city's electric scooter pilot program leaving, Colorado Springs officials are planning to extend the program.
"I live and work downtown so I see the use. I see people in scooters using them so I feel like it has been successful," said Colorado Springs City Traffic Engineer, Todd Frisbie.
According to Frisbie, roughly 76,000 people rode Lime scooters in Downtown Colorado Springs within the last year.
"One of the reasons we started the program is to give our residents and our visitors a mobility option to get around" added Frisbie.
Frisbie also believes scooters are an option for people who want to avoid traffic, parking, and gas prices.
"Scooters provide that great option to move around freely and get close to their destinations."
Bryan Korum, the co-owner of local scooter shop 5150 Scooters, echoed Frisbie's sentiments.
"It was very reassuring that we are doing the right thing for the public and for the colorado springs scooter movement," said Korum.
Korum's shop opened its doors nearly six weeks ago. Since then, he said they've had non-stop sales.
"Way far more exceeded than we ever thought, sold out our first two weeks and continuously having sales," added Korum.
Frisbie believes the demand will continue to rise and that e-scooters will be in downtown Colorado Springs for a while.
"I think with our operator that we have they will probably look to expand their fleet," said Frisbie.
With the extension of the program city leaders are discussing ways to make downtown more scooter friendly.
Officials said their priority is making sure riders and pedestrians remain safe.
