CDTA Launches Electric Scooter Rental Program, SCOOT, for Easy and Affordable Urban Travel!
The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) is excited to introduce SCOOT, a new electric scooter rental program.
This pilot program starts on Friday and includes several pop-up events in Albany, Troy, Schenectady, and Saratoga Springs, where residents can try out these electric scooters.
SCOOT will be available for rent in Albany from Friday, October 4, to Sunday, October 6.
It will then roll out in Troy from October 11 to 13, then in Schenectady from October 18 to 20, and finally in Saratoga Springs from October 25 to 27.
30 to 40 scooters will be available each weekend so riders can enjoy a fun and easy way to get around.
The scooters will be ready for use from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
To use the scooters, customers will need to download the “CDTA SCOOT” mobile app and create a membership.
CDTA has teamed up with DROP Mobility to improve the experience with new software and an updated website.
Each scooter comes with a QR code that riders can scan to start their ride. Lindsey Bradt, CDTA’s Mobility Manager, explains that after scanning the QR code, riders will hear the scooter unlock.
Then, they can pull the cable lock and zoom off! It costs just two dollars to unlock the scooter, and riders pay 25 cents for every minute they ride. When finished, scooters can be returned to any designated SCOOT rack in the area.
It’s important to note that riders must be at least 18 years old and provide a valid driver’s license to rent a scooter. For safety reasons, the scooters can only be used in a specific geofenced area in each city.
Lindsey Bradt mentioned that many people in the Capital Region have been eagerly waiting for scooters to arrive in their cities.
“CDTA is always looking for new, innovative ways to help people get where they need to go, and scooters are the next step for us,” Bradt said. “There’s been a lot of interest in them, so we want to let people try them out.”
To ensure scooters are used safely, the motor will shut down if a scooter leaves the designated geofenced area, and customers will receive a text message reminding them to return the scooter.
CDTA CEO Carm Basile emphasized the importance of responsible scooter use and care, mentioning that the agency effectively manages its bike share program, CDPHP Cycle.
“You don’t see bikes just thrown around because we manage it tightly,” Basile said.
“We care about our region since we live and work here, so we’ll take a more hands-on approach than some other cities that have larger, national scooter providers.”
Riders should remember that scooters must stay on the road and follow all traffic laws.
They are not allowed on sidewalks within the geofenced areas. The Albany Police Department also recommends that riders wear helmets for added safety.
“APD advises anyone who uses the scooters to follow all rules and regulations of vehicle and traffic law,” said Megan Craft from the Albany Police Department.
With the launch of SCOOT, CDTA is aiming to provide residents with an exciting, eco-friendly transportation option that makes it easier to explore the city while promoting safe riding practices.
Read More:
Shocking Arrest: NY Lawmaker Eddie Gibbs Handcuffed After Heated Traffic Stop!
Shocking Arrest: Three Flee Stolen Car and Crash into Police Vehicle in Watervliet!
Whether you’re commuting to work, heading to a meeting, or just looking for a fun way to get around, SCOOT is set to offer a great new choice for urban travel in the Capital Region.