Shared Mobility in Boise

In 2018, the City of Boise adopted ordinances to allow the use of electric mobility devices including E-bikes and E-scooters in city limits. The city currently has three vendors (Lime, Spin and Bird) licensed to operate shared mobility services in Boise.

Latest News: The City of Boise has recently conducted a Request for Proposals (RFP) process to select one company to provide a safe, accessible and comprehensive shared mobility program for Boise. Through this revamped program, the City seeks to achieve the following program goals:

Provide a safe, attractive and high-quality e-bike and scooter share fleet that can be reliably accessed throughout Boise.
Implement strategies to provide transportation options, connect people to transit, and meet climate goals.
Offer transparent and affordable pricing options for community members.
Reduce conflicts that arise from improperly parked devices.
Proactively address safety and promote proper user behavior.

The City is working through the contract process and expects to launch the new program in July 2023!

In the meantime please see the information below regarding current e-mobility services in Boise and before you head out on your E-adventure, please be sure to learn the etiquette and rules around using them within city limits.

E-Scooters

E-Scooters can be used within City of Boise limits in the following locations:

On streets
On sidewalks and crosswalks
In bike lanes
On the 25 miles of Greenbelt paths managed by the City of Boise

As with all modes of transportation, please obey traffic laws and be mindful of obstructions, pedestrians, motorists and bicyclists.

E-Scooters Enforcement Request

Use this form to report scooter violations. Service requests will be routed to the appropriate Compliance Officer for investigation.

FILE COMPLAINT

No Ride Zones

Riders should check company mobile applications for no-park and no-ride zones. These areas include:

Parts of Boise State University
Boise Skate Parks (No Ride Zone)
Idaho State Capitol (No Park Zone)
Boise Foothills (No Ride Zone)
Kathryn Albertson Park (No Ride Zone)

How to Park

Since these devices are stationless, they do not need to be parked in a dock or station. Please refer to the company's mobile application for designated parking zones for the device. Proper parking etiquette is encouraged.

Park the E-scooter upright
Do not park on private property
Do not obstruct ADA access, pathways for pedestrians, bicyclists or motorists
On the Boise Greenbelt, park the E-scooter off the Greenbelt path on a concrete surface

Tips for Riding

Individuals riding an E-scooter should follow proper etiquette. Anyone operating a device recklessly can be charged with a misdemeanor.

Before using the E-scooter, do a pre-safety check
Apply brakes to slow down/stop
Be mindful of obstructions, pedestrians, motorists and bicyclists
Always follow traffic laws

Additional Information

For help requests about the devices, questions around use of the mobile applications, transactional issues and operational concerns should be directed to the companies.

Bird

Call 1-866-205-2442

Lime

Call 1-888-546-3345

Spin

E-Bikes

According to city code, E-bikes with a motor that has a power output of no more than 750 watts and a top speed of 20 miles per hour (typically Class 1 and Class 2 E-bikes) are allowed:

On streets in the City of Boise
On sidewalks and crosswalks in the City of Boise
In bike lanes throughout the City of Boise
On the 25 miles of Greenbelt paths in the City of Boise

E-bikes that can reach or exceed speeds of 28 miles per hour (Class 3) are not allowed on the Greenbelt, on sidewalks, in crosswalks or in bike lanes throughout the city under the ordinance.

Ridge to Rivers

The City of Boise does provide an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to individuals with a mobility disability to ride an E-bike as defined by the City of Boise on certain city-owned property with Ridge to Rivers trails. Users are asked to visit either the Boise Parks and Recreation Admin Office (1104 Royal Blvd.) or the Fort Boise Community Center (700 Robbins Rd.) to complete the accommodation process. Please bring the following:

A valid state-issued disability parking placard or other state-issued proof of disability
Documentation from your E-bike purchase that outlines the power output of your E-bike motor (must be no more than 750 watts with a top speed of 20 m.p.h.)

Trail Guides

E-bike use on the Ridge to Rivers trail network is restricted to trails and roads that currently allow motorized use. Federal agency partners prohibit E-bikes and other motorized devices on all trails that cross BLM and USFS land. Approximately, 52 miles of motorized trails and primitive roads are accessible for E-bikes.

E-Bike ADA Accomodation Trail Maps (PDF)

Trails and Roads open to E-bikes and other motorized devices:

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