Spotlight on E-Scooters: Zooming on Orange County’s Newest Ride During Mobility Week

Imagine the wind whipping in your hair as you’re zipping along I-Drive commuting to work or meeting associates for dinner. Instead of battling traffic or scrambling for parking, you are actually immersed in the energy of the corridor. Sound improbable? It’s actually possible with a newly launched micromobility program that is both convenient and eco-friendly.

Carrie Black, Chief Sustainability and Resilience Officer for Orange County said e-scooters, along with walking, biking, carpooling, or riding transit like SunRail and LYNX, encourage other forms of travel rather than driving.

“The scooters are a fun, convenient and sustainable mode of transportation that support efforts to reduce our community’s carbon footprint,” said Black. “It gives people another way to get up and down I-Drive; while helping reduce air pollution and improve air quality by opting not to drive a vehicle.”

Florida Department of Transportation celebrates Mobility Week October 25 through November 2, and it’s only fitting to spotlight the newest mode of mass transportation for Orange County residents and tourists. A new fleet of e-scooters is available for rental at 10 locations between Carrier Drive and Destination Parkway on International Drive. Many are conveniently located near bus stops to ease that last mile to a final destination.

Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings took a ride from the Orange County Convention Center to ICON Park to showcase Orange County’s new micromobility program.

“As communities evolve, we’re trying to understand all of our mobility options. We want safe, clean transit. That includes a multi-modal response and opportunity for our residents and guests,” said Mayor Demings. “Our vision for I-Drive is to have a connected commuter rail system, alongside an integrated transit system that includes buses, automobiles, and micromobility options. This will allow visitors to explore the area with ease and enjoy the experience without traffic congestion.”

Navigating a town on an – electric scooter is gaining popularity across the country. Cities have found such alternate offerings can alleviate traffic congestion, reduce tail-pipe emissions and thus, reduce air pollution.

The Orange County micromobility ordinance, which features 200 e-scooters, was launched as a pilot in partnership with vendors Lime and Bird to offer cost effective and convenient connectivity in the tourist corridor. The program emphasizes the County’s commitment toward a more sustainable urban transportation system.

“It’s a pilot program, so we will reassess after a year and hopefully will be able to expand in other areas of incorporated Orange County,” Black said.

The County partnered with two pros in the industry that share similar ideals on the importance of sustainability.

According to the Lime website, a trip with Lime uses 75 percent less carbon than a comparable car trip. Since every vehicle is powered by renewable energy, choosing Lime over cars is a great choice.

Bird says its vehicles are designed with an “unrelenting focus on sustainability” making them exceptionally eco-conscious.

Those partaking in the scooter rental should be aware of the rules.