Baltimore, MD – Today, Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young and Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT) Acting Director Steve Sharkey announced that Baltimore has awarded its first annual dockless vehicle permits.  The four companies selected to operate in Baltimore City include Lime, Bolt, Spin and Jump. 

“This dockless program affirms my commitment to providing equitable and accessible transportation options for the residents of Baltimore City,” said Mayor Young.  “We are creating new and sustainable mobility choices that are efficient for Baltimore residents and all those who visit our great city.” 

The dockless operations officially begin today, which build upon the experience of the Dockless Vehicle Pilot Program that started on August 15, 2018 and has formally concluded with the issuing of these permits.  With a dockless vehicle sharing program, citizens are able to conveniently rent electric scooters and bikes for short-term one-way trips throughout the city.  Dockless vehicles do not need to be parked in a bike rack or any other designated locations.  They are equipped with GPS technology that allow users to safely place or find them in any secure location across the city.

“The Department of Transportation is excited with the quality and number of dockless operators selected for the 2019 program," said Acting Director Sharkey.  “This is a major step towards more equitable transportation options that will help the citizens of Baltimore City.  Over the course of the next year, we will continue to evaluate this program in an effort to improve services being provided by the four companies.”

Following the city’s Dockless Vehicle Pilot Program, the passing of Council Bill 19-0324, and a public comment period on Rules & Regulations, BCDOT opened a competitive application period.   BCDOT received 7 applications which were scored by a committee of representatives from BCDOT, the Mayor’s Office of Performance and Innovation, the Law Department and the Department of Planning.  The committee used a strict rubric to score applications based on the needs of Baltimore City for a safe, equitable, and successful program.

The four companies selected submitted the top scoring applications in order to be chosen.  Of the four, Jump, Lime and Spin have previously operated in Baltimore City.  Bolt will be new to launch in Baltimore City - they also recently launched in Washington DC and feature a unique scooter design.  Lime will now offer dockless electric assist bikes, and Jump plans to add bikes to their fleet.

Under the new permit, companies will abide by the rules and regulations developed by the Department of Transportation, its partners, and through public comments.  To view the Rules, Public Comment Report, or for more information visit: https://transportation.baltimorecity.gov/bike-baltimore/dockless-vehicles. 

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