E-Scooters and E-Bikes - Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Ride?

Download the app of the company you are interested in renting from on your smart phone or other mobile device. Use the map within the company’s app to find the closest scooter to you. Press the “Scan Code” button to take a picture of the QR Code on the scooter to unlock it.

How Do I Finish My Ride?

When you are finished with your ride, park your vehicle upright and relock it using the app. You should park it in a location close to a curb that does not obstruct pedestrian access or vehicular traffic. Give about 6 feet of clearance on the sidewalk for anybody walking or using a stroller or wheelchair.

What If I Don’t Have a Smartphone?

If you do not have a smartphone, you can still use all of the micro-mobility vehicles. The City requires that all companies provide alternatives to apps on smart phones to access their e-scooters, including text-to-unlock or calling a central support line with a Scooter ID. Please visit each company’s website or contact support to learn about what they offer.  

When Can I Ride?

There are no set operating hours in Durham. Companies operate on their own hours, seven days a week, unless there's a National Weather Service-related weather event that shuts down operation. Outside of company operation hours, devices will either be deactivated or picked up by each company’s local team for recharging or maintenance.

How Much Does it Cost to Ride?

Prices will vary depending on the company and the length of e-scooter trips, but all companies charge $1 to unlock an e-bike or e-scooter. The City requires that all companies provide payment methods for customers who do not have credit or debit cards or smartphones. Please visit each company’s website or contact support to learn about other payment methods. Discounted pricing is also available for those who qualify.

I Can’t Find a E-scooter or E-Bike. Where Are They?

See below for a map of unmarked locations where companies might deploy vehicles. Scooters typically are available in these locations in the morning and throughout the day. There are also several city-marked scooter corrals in development Downtown, at Durham Station, and near NCCU.

View larger map

How Can I Stay Safe Riding E-Bikes and E-scooters?

The City takes safety very seriously for all modes of transportation, including pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and micro-mobility users. The Shared Active Transportation Ordinance which establishes the regulation and operation of bicycles, e-scooters, and e-bikes, lays out safety measures and reminders that we encourage users to be aware of before they ride. These include:

  • You must be 16 years or older to ride.
  • You are encouraged to wear a helmet whenever you ride.
  • You cannot ride a scooter on pedestrian sidewalks or greenway trails. Please use bike lanes whenever possible.
  • You must follow local traffic laws (e.g. ride on the right side of the road, follow traffic signals and stop signs, etc.). Think of yourself as a bicyclist or a car driver.

Additionally, we encourage riders to make smart decisions when riding e-bikes and e-scooters. Limit your speed when riding, especially downhill. Please park vehicles properly and not in a manner that blocks curbs, sidewalks, loading zones, or bus stops. Do not ride with more than one person on a vehicle, do not operate vehicles under the influence, and do not operate micro-mobility vehicles on high-speed roads or freeways.

SATS companies are expected to remind users of safety measures for riding on their website, in-app, on each device, and through various community events. Visit each company’s website to find out more. or view rider guides or safety quizzes.

How do I report a problem with an e-bike or scooter?

SATS companies are responsible for operations, maintenance, deployment, rebalancing, and encouraging the safe operation of their devices. If you see a SATS vehicle that is damaged, parked improperly, tipped over, or in the way of the street or sidewalk, you should directly report the issue to the relevant company.