Pilot program approved to bring Lime scooters to city limits

The City of Guthrie and Lime have agreed to a 90 day trial pilot program for shared electric scooters throughout the city limits.

Lime Scooters, one of the nation’s largest electric scooter rental companies, approached city officials earlier this year with the concept. Related article: Electric scooters likely coming to Guthrie

The council approved the program, which is expected to take off in early May, with a 5-0 vote at Tuesday’s city council meeting.

The program comes at no cost to the City of Guthrie.

The three month trial program — with a possible three month extension trial — will begin with 70 dockless electric scooters that will be available in parking areas near businesses in the community, for visitors and residents.

Riders 18 or older can access a scooter using a smartphone app, ride to their destination and leave the scooter in an appropriate location.

The scooter concept operates much like a bicycle and is permissible in public right-of-ways (highways, streets). The devices, similar to bicycles and skate boards are not allowed on sidewalks, excluding the new sidewalks being constructed on Division St.

Scooters will also not be allowed in Summit View Cemetery, Highland Park and Mineral Wells Park.

There will be six Lime parking areas, including 1^st and Harrison Ave. (City parking lot), Division St. and Harrison Ave. (City parking lot), Wentz St. and Harrison Ave. (City parking lot), Oklahoma Ave. and Wentz St. (City parking lot), Guthrie Public Library and the Guthrie Tourism Office.

Lime requires users to comply with the following:

• Must be at least 18 years old, but a driver’s license is not required
• Must have their own data network access and device necessary to use the service
• One person only on scooter and that person must be the user on the account
• Helmets are recommended but not required unless required by law
• Weight limit of 300 pounds
• User is responsible for a service charge of up to $120 if the device is left in a place it shouldn’t be left