DDOT selects operators for 2020 dockless vehicle sharing program

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will allow four permits to operate a total of 10,000 scooters and two permits to operate a total of 5,000 e-bikes in calendar year 2020, according to DDOT’s announcement about the next phase in the dockless vehicle sharing program.

“Dockless vehicles are part of our effort to meet [D.C.] Mayor [Muriel] Bowser’s goal to create reliable, accessible transportation options for Washingtonians across all eight wards,” said DDOT Director Jeff Marootian. “The District’s 2020 dockless vehicle sharing program is rooted in thoughtful expansion, program evaluation and feedback from stakeholders.”

Earlier this fall, DDOT released revised terms and conditions for the 2020 dockless vehicle sharing program, which says reflect the District's commitment to safety, equitable access and accountability. The revised structure is designed to meet demand and improve program operations by limiting the number of permits, increasing the dockless vehicle fleet and expanding requirements to deploy dockless vehicles in areas underserved by transportation options. 

2020 permit applications

DDOT received 19 applications to operate dockless vehicles in the District: one to operate traditional bicycles; five to operate motorized bicycles; and 13 to operate scooters. Four applications were disqualified for seeking a permit for devices that do not comply with the District's current definition of personal mobility devices or bicycles. During the deliberative process, an interagency team evaluated all qualified applications using a matrix based on a 198-point scale. Successful applicants had to earn a minimum of 121 points to be deemed acceptable. The highest scoring applications were granted permits for the 2020 program.

The following companies received approval from DDOT to operate dockless vehicles in 2020: 

• HelBiz (E-bike)
• Jump (E-bike and Scooter)
• Lyft (Scooter)
• Skip (Scooter)
• Spin (Scooter)

DDOT says the 2020 dockless vehicle program continues to prioritize the safety of the traveling public and the privacy of scooter riders. In the coming months, DDOT will install 100 off-sidewalk parking corrals, designed specifically for dockless scooters and bikes, across all eight wards of the District. Beginning in 2020, dockless vehicle operators are required to comply with the Mobility Data Specification (MDS), a tool developed collaboratively by local governments to effectively manage data collection from private mobility providers operating in the public right-of-way. The MDS establishes guidelines for how local governments receive data and monitor compliance that can be used for transportation and land use planning purposes. DDOT will continue to look for opportunities to expand access to alternative transportation options in the District. DDOT is considering conducting a new pilot program that will test non-traditional shared dockless vehicles that do not meet the current definition of personal mobility devices or bicycles.