Shared electric scooters are set to be available in Chicago as soon as this upcoming Saturday, though some residents are already expressing their concerns.
Locals will be able to rent scooters for use in a 50 square mile zone, which excludes the Loop and major tourist areas along the Lakefront.
"We’re very excited," expressed Robert Eckardt, general manager of Jump Chicago, one of 10 companies chosen to be a part of the pilot program that is scheduled to last until Oct. 15.
Each company will have 250 scooters out on the street and available through the company’s app.
Eckardt explained that those who give it a try will see all the scooters available at the time for use nearest to you on a map.
Although scooters will not be allowed on sidewalks and can go just 15 miles per hour, many have concerns over its safety; especially noting that there are no docking stations as riders are expected to leave the scooters anywhere one typically parks a bike.
"Our focus is getting people to drive less," said Kyle Whitehead, spokesperson for the Active Transportation Alliance. "Our hope is scooters will be a new option for people other than driving."
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Those who wish to give it a test drive will have to download each individual company's app.
