Micromobility is here to stay, and it’s changing how we experience urban life for the better. With Unagi’s membership program, you can enjoy all the benefits of a top-tier electric scooter without the sky-high price of ownership or the inconvenience of ride-sharing.
In a significant move towards improving urban mobility, the city of Phoenix has announced plans to expand its micromobility program by extending the operational boundaries of its services, refining existing policies to be more conducive for both vendors and customers and implementing strategies to upgrade the current infrastructure within the program.
This initiative represents a significant milestone in the city's ongoing pursuit to provide sustainable and accessible transportation solutions for its residents and visitors.
Background and current status of the program
Since its inception as a pilot in September 2019, Phoenix's Micromobility Program has undergone remarkable growth. By January 2023, what started as a temporary experiment had become a permanent fixture in the city's transportation network. Managed by well-known scooter rental companies Lime and Spin, the program now offers a varied collection of e-scooters, traditional pedal bicycles, and e-bikes.
Starting in Downtown Phoenix, the program's initial phase was a resounding success, with users logging over 330,000 e-scooter rides. This impressive uptake demonstrated a robust demand for micromobility solutions, leading to the program's expansion into neighborhoods south and east of Downtown.
Since January 2023, ridership has steadily increased, peaking during the Super Bowl event in February, with 34,731 trips. And despite a decrease in hotter months, with 30,489 trips in June, the program saw over 185,000 trips from January to June 2023.
At the moment, the Phoenix Street Transportation Department has plans to expand the program's boundaries and enhance the vehicle inventory for 2024.
Key highlights of the expansion as suggested by the vendor vs committee recommendation
In an effort to enhance the Micromobility Program, vendors Spin and Lime submitted a policy update proposal to Phoenix's Streets Department on June 2, 2023. These suggestions, currently under the review of the Transportation, Infrastructure, and Planning Subcommittee, reflect the vendors' insights gained from operating within the program and their understanding of user preferences and patterns.
Concurrently, Phoenix officials are also seeking public input on expanding the program's reach. An online survey in English and Spanish is open for residents to share their views on this expansion until November 30, 2023.
Here are the key recommendations from the tabled proposal:
Increased program scope and boundary expansion
Source: https://www.phoenix.gov/streets/scooters
Currently, the operation of scooters is confined to Phoenix's Downtown core and adjacent areas, with certain no-ride zones like the Capitol Mall area and city parks. That said, data shows increased demand for e-scooters and e-bikes outside these boundaries, especially near light rail extensions, with about 2,000 trips linked to public transit stops in early 2023.
The vendors advocate for a phased expansion of the program. The first phase in 2023 aims to extend the service zone to Midtown, Uptown, Cactus Gardens, and North Phoenix, stretching north to Route 101 and east to Tatum Boulevard. The second phase in 2024 targets further expansion to South and Southwest Phoenix, extending the zone west to the Agua Fria River and south to areas like Del Rio Ranch, Sienna Vista, Paseo Pointe, and Montana Vista.
The Phoenix Street Transportation Department is considering expanding the boundary along the light rail corridor, potentially adding up to two miles on each side, initially targeting neighborhoods south and east of Downtown.
Equity zone compliance
The Phoenix Micromobility Program mandates a 30% fleet deployment in 'Equity Zones' areas identified for their historical underinvestment and limited transportation options. Most of the program's ridership within these zones is concentrated in central and eastern Phoenix, in contrast to south Phoenix.
Vendors are also obligated to offer a 30% discount for trips starting in Equity Zones and reduced rates for low-income users. However, as of January, only 12% of the fleet was deployed in these zones, increasing to 26% by June but still falling short of the 30% target. Despite the increased number of vehicles, utilization rates in Equity Zones remain low for both e-scooters and e-bikes.
Spin and Lime have requested to reduce their Equity Zone fleet allocation from 30% to 15% due to low ridership and to better align with current demand. The Phoenix Street Transportation Department suggests a dynamic approach, adjusting the deployment to a minimum of 15% based on utilization while keeping the 30% discount to encourage use and inclusivity.
Fleet size and bicycle compliance
Each vendor is allowed to deploy up to 1,500 vehicles, with at least 20% of the vehicles being traditional bikes and e-bikes. However, from January to June 2023, e-bikes averaged only 7.6% of the fleet due to their lower usage than e-scooters.
In response, vendors proposed lowering the e-bike deployment requirement from 20% to 5%, planning to increase this percentage as ridership grows. Considering current trends, the Transportation, Infrastructure, and Planning Subcommittee staff suggest revising the minimum e-bike fleet requirement to 10%.
Operating hours
The current operating hours of Phoenix's Micromobility Program are from 5 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. daily, designed to prevent use by intoxicated individuals. Vendors have proposed extending service to 24/7, citing that it will increase overall program utilization by 6%, potentially leading to more trips and a broader user base; replacing more car trips, particularly between midnight and 5 a.m. They also plan to use app-based technology, including sobriety tests, to ensure safety and prevent intoxicated access.
However, the Phoenix Street Transportation Department recommends maintaining the existing operating hours as they intend to further investigate the potential impacts of 24/7 service on the Micromobility Program and overall public safety.
Parking compliance
As it stands, the program has distinct parking rules for different areas within the city. In the Downtown core, riders must park in clearly marked designated corrals. Outside Downtown, vehicles (with inbuilt locks) must be securely locked to a bike rack or similar vertical element.
The pilot program exclusively used corral parking, but the permanent program introduced free-floating parking, leading to challenges like improperly parked vehicles on sidewalks or pedestrian ramps. The lock requirement was implemented to mitigate these issues; however, problems with unlocked or improperly parked vehicles still persist.
The vendors recommend implementing virtual parking corrals throughout the Phoenix/ Scottsdale area to address this. Facilitated by an app, this approach would guide riders to designated parking areas with a pop-up message if they attempt to end their trip outside a parking zone.
On the other hand, Transport Department recommend establishing physical parking corrals program-wide, within both the current and proposed future boundaries of the Micromobility Program.
Implications and future prospects
While the department isn't recommending an immediate expansion of the program's boundaries, it plans to explore this possibility over the next six months, eyeing potential expansion around January 2024.
This cautious approach aims to balance current operational success with future growth potential. The anticipated expansion is expected to ease urban congestion, lower carbon emissions, and provide equitable transportation, especially in areas with limited public transit access.
Financially, the program is proving beneficial for the city. Vendors pay Phoenix a per-trip fee ranging from $0.15 to $0.25, with a minimum annual guarantee of $15,000 per vendor. From January to June 2023, the city received $20,421.43, exceeding this guarantee. The projected
annual revenue exceeds $50,500, which could also strengthen the case for expanding the program.
9/17/2024
Micromobility is here to stay, and it’s changing how we experience urban life for the better. With Unagi’s membership program, you can enjoy all the benefits of a top-tier electric scooter without the sky-high price of ownership or the inconvenience of ride-sharing.
8/1/2024
We’re excited to celebrate Unagi’s 5th Anniversary, and we want you to join the fun! To thank you for your support, we're hosting an exclusive $10,000 Airbnb giveaway. No purchase necessary—just enter for your chance to win! Hurry, the giveaway ends on 10/4/2024!
7/25/2024
In today’s fast-paced world, finding an efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation is crucial. E-scooters offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate urban landscapes. Unagi stands out not only for its superior design and performance but also for its affordability and unmatched rental program.
6/20/2024
You just got an Unagi Scooter and love it! The last thing you want is a brazen thief to be eyeing your prized possession and steal your scooter. As the micro-mobility trend continues to grow and scooters become more ubiquitous, unfortunately so will theft. Enter the Unagi Cinch Lock.
6/13/2024
The Unagi community has just surpassed an amazing milestone – 4,000,000 miles ridden on our scooters since we recently started aggregating mileage-ridden! This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without your support and enthusiasm.
5/1/2024
Elevate your style and conquer the city with the brand new Unagi and Mafia collab crossbody bag. This stunning, highly convenient bag is crafted from cutting-edge Dimension Polyant® X-Pac Shell fabric, making it waterproof and durable enough to withstand any adventure.
4/29/2024
Discover why I swapped my car for an Unagi Scooter! Dive into my journey from the monotony of traffic to the freedom of city streets, exploring the excitement, eco-friendliness, and simplicity of scooter life. Join the ride towards a more adventurous, sustainable urban lifestyle. Will you join me?
4/2/2024
Explore our latest feature in the Voyager's smart mobile app: Ride Recording. Now, you can effortlessly track your journeys, monitor stats, and review your ride history to see how far you've traveled, and much more. Discover this and more in the Unagi Voyager’s smart app!
3/22/2024
People all over the world are discovering how your own perfect electric scooter can make life more efficient, adventurous, and fun. Emma Magidson is a New York-based set designer who’s always on the go — the Unagi makes it possible.
9/17/2024
Micromobility is here to stay, and it’s changing how we experience urban life for the better. With Unagi’s membership program, you can enjoy all the benefits of a top-tier electric scooter without the sky-high price of ownership or the inconvenience of ride-sharing.
4/29/2024
Discover why I swapped my car for an Unagi Scooter! Dive into my journey from the monotony of traffic to the freedom of city streets, exploring the excitement, eco-friendliness, and simplicity of scooter life. Join the ride towards a more adventurous, sustainable urban lifestyle. Will you join me?
3/5/2024
Like every good relationship, our team has long-term goals to keep you and your Unagi in tip-top condition. You can ride on with confidence knowing that our amazing service team is here to support you. Trust us: the pleasure is all ours.
2/22/2024
We're excited to share the buzz from our latest Unagi U-Nite in the heart of Miami, a vibrant gathering that brought our community together in a celebration of art, taste, and electric mobility. Our Miami adventure was a curated experience, blending the thrill of discovery with the joy of connection.
1/30/2024
We’re thrilled to recap our latest San Francisco Unagi U-Nite, a series of unique monthly meet-ups uniting our community through food, music, and culture. Partnering with local businesses, we aim to offer our members unforgettable experiences.
1/4/2024
At Unagi, we believe that every aspect of our scooters should reflect our commitment to a greener, cleaner future. That's why our unboxing experience isn't just an afterthought; it's a carefully crafted expression of our dedication to sustainability.
12/5/2023
At Unagi, we’re determined to be here for our customers. That's why we’re excited to invite you to visit our flagship store in the heart of SoHo. So come on in—we can't wait to meet you.
10/20/2023
The October 8th group ride was more than an event; it was a testament to what Unagi represents: community, freedom, and unbridled fun. The streets of NYC bore witness to an electric revolution, punctuated by the joyous beats of an afterparty.
10/16/2023
Life as a student? It's a whirlwind mix of cram sessions, legendary parties, and the eternal hunt for the ultimate budget munchies. Throw in that trudge between campuses or the unpredictability of public transport, and the struggle gets all too real. Enter the age of the e-scooter.
1/1/2024
In the bustling streets of our urban landscapes, finding a mode of transport that combines efficiency, style, and convenience is akin to discovering a hidden treasure. Enter the Unagi Model One Classic. Recently, Top 10 Zone turned the spotlight on the E500, and their praise was nothing short of revelatory.
11/21/2023
Dubai, a city known for its futuristic skyline and innovative projects, is now taking a bold leap into micromobility by hosting the world's first high-speed electric scooter race.
4/4/2023
The Unagi Model One might be the most reviewed electric scooter in existence, receiving tons of coverage. In 2020, they did something totally unique–a monthly subscription service. This year, they bring us the Unagi Voyager, the latest upgraded version of their iconic Model One scooter.
7/25/2024
In today’s fast-paced world, finding an efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation is crucial. E-scooters offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate urban landscapes. Unagi stands out not only for its superior design and performance but also for its affordability and unmatched rental program.
6/20/2024
You just got an Unagi Scooter and love it! The last thing you want is a brazen thief to be eyeing your prized possession and steal your scooter. As the micro-mobility trend continues to grow and scooters become more ubiquitous, unfortunately so will theft. Enter the Unagi Cinch Lock.
6/13/2024
The Unagi community has just surpassed an amazing milestone – 4,000,000 miles ridden on our scooters since we recently started aggregating mileage-ridden! This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without your support and enthusiasm.
4/2/2024
Explore our latest feature in the Voyager's smart mobile app: Ride Recording. Now, you can effortlessly track your journeys, monitor stats, and review your ride history to see how far you've traveled, and much more. Discover this and more in the Unagi Voyager’s smart app!
3/20/2024
With Unagi All-Access Membership, top-notch support is at your fingertips. Our on-site chatbot can assist with subscription queries, scooter troubleshooting, or route advice. For troubleshooting, include your scooter's serial number and issue description. And don't forget to keep your box for swaps and returns.
2/15/2024
Unagi transforms urban commuting with the Model One scooter. Economical, efficient, and eco-friendly, it offers freedom from traffic and high costs. Glide through the city with style and ease. Here’s a few reasons why we think our Model One scooter is the best urban commuter.
1/2/2024
Your commute plays a significant role. It can set the tone for your day and impact your overall well-being. That's where Unagi Membership comes in – it's your passport to a stylish and sustainable journey in the New Year. Here's why Unagi Membership is the ultimate choice for your 2024 commute!
12/19/2023
As gas prices continue to soar, Unagi electric scooters emerge as an ultimate solution for cost-sufficient, eco-friendly commuting.
12/11/2023
Unagi subscribers! Discover a new level of freedom by referring a friend to Unagi All-Access and get $100 off your subscription! You and a friend can unlock a world of convenience and eco-friendly transportation at your fingertips for free.
3/22/2024
People all over the world are discovering how your own perfect electric scooter can make life more efficient, adventurous, and fun. Emma Magidson is a New York-based set designer who’s always on the go — the Unagi makes it possible.
1/20/2022
Serafima is a real estate broker living a busy life in New York City. In this short video we see the ways she’s come to rely on the Unagi scooter to move around the city for work and pleasure. It’s eye opening to see how she picked up an Unagi and found a perfect fit.
11/8/2022
Alessandra Ambrosio was featured in Us magazine’s Stars—they’re just like us section riding her Unagi scooter while running errands in LA. The busy Victoria’s Secret supermodel and mother of two has a tightly-packed schedule, and what better way to get around LA than by this well-designed scooter?
8/4/2022
Coco Rocha, premier fashion icon and international supermodel, has marched the runway for brands such as Stella McCartney, Anna Sui, and Marc Jacobs, and graced the covers of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, W, Time Style & Design, among many others.
7/12/2022
We got invited to Soulja Boy’s 31st birthday, and we surprised him with a brand new Unagi scooter. Knowing parking would be hectic in the Hollywood Hills, we cruised up the winding roads on scooters instead, and arrived in style, without breaking a sweat.
7/1/2022
We’re proud to announce the new face of Unagi—the Godfather of Punk himself—Iggy Pop. The artist embodies freedom and individuality, two values at the core of Unagi, and we’re psyched to have the chance to collaborate with him on a series of films featuring the artist and his approach to life.