Electric Scooters in Chicago: Arrival Timeline and What to Expect

As more cities across the United States and the world embrace electric scooters as an eco-friendly mode of transportation, Chicago residents are understandably curious when these zippy devices will make their way to the Windy City. While a definitive date is not yet set, recent updates from city officials, local transportation organizations, and major e-scooter companies like Bird, Lime, and Spin indicate electric scooters are on their way to Chicago, likely in the near future.

Chicago's Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) published an E-Scooter Share Pilot Program in 2020, which was a crucial step towards bringing these devices to the city. The pilot program focused on testing e-scooters in certain areas of the city and gathering data on their use, scooter parking, and potential impact on local businesses. From this effort, the two departments adopted new rules and regulations to make e-scooter sharing safe, accessible, and beneficial to all Chicago residents.

Major e-scooter companies like Bird, Lime, and Spin have expressed interest in entering the Chicago market, and local organizations, such as the Shared-Use Mobility Center (SUMC), have been advocating for the integration of e-scooters into the city's transportation landscape. Additionally, CDOT recently revealed its plan for Chicago's Streets for Cycling 2020, a comprehensive strategy to promote active transportation, with e-scooters likely playing a role.

While there is no concrete date for when electric scooters will fully arrive in Chicago, progress made in recent years, including the successful pilot program and new regulations, indicates that it is only a matter of time. Keep an eye out for further updates from local officials, e-scooter companies, and transportation organizations to stay informed on the e-scooter timeline for Chicago.