Shared Bikes and Scooters
Several companies offer shared mobility services in Berkeley, including rentals of bikes, scooters, and more.
Shared mobility services—such as bikes and electric scooters—offer a convenient way to get around Berkeley without having to own your own vehicle.
Shared electric scooters
Shared electric scooters are a convenient and eco-friendly way to travel around Berkeley. Whether you're heading to work, campus, the BART station, or your favorite neighborhood café, shared e-scooters can help you get there quickly while reducing traffic and pollution. The City is excited to offer this program as part of its commitment to sustainable transportation and safer streets.
Download a participating scooter company's app to locate available shared e-scooters near you:
Discounted rides
Low-income households can get discounted rates for scooter rentals. You may qualify if you are on a government assistance program, such as SNAP or Medicaid. Learn more and apply with the relevant company:
Adaptive Vehicles
People with disabilities can reserve an adaptive vehicle from each of the scooter companies in Berkeley. See the links below to learn more and participate:
Rules for riding and parking
E-scooters must follow the rules of the road. Ride in the bike lane if one is available. Do not ride on streets without bike lanes that have a speed limit greater than 25 mph.
When parking, keep the sidewalk clear so seniors, people with disabilities, and families with strollers can get by.
Great parking looks like:
- Parked upright
- Locked to a fixed object
- Parked as close to curb as possible
- Parked at a bike rack or in a designated shared scooter parking zone
Please don’t:
- Block sidewalks, doorways, or driveways
- Block ADA ramps or access paths
- Leave scooters at bus stops or in the street
When in doubt, leave at least 4 feet of clear pedestrian path.
Report improperly parked e-scooters
Call or email to report e-scooters that are blocking sidewalks, curb ramps, and other portions of the public right-of-way.
- Call: (510) 981-7056
- Email: Send an email to the scooter company’s Berkeley-specific helpline and the City’s Shared Mobility program (sharedmobility@berkeleyca.gov):
- VeoRide: BKLOps@veoride.com
- Lime: help-Berkeley@li.me
Be prepared to provide the following details:
- Location of incident
- Scooter ID number (take a photo of the QR code on the handlebar)
- A photo of how the scooter is parked
Scooter companies are required to respond within set time limits to address parking and safety issues and are subject to fines for permit non-compliance.
Docked bike-share
Borrow a bike or e-bike from Bay Wheels, a bike-sharing network with stations around Berkeley and the Bay Area. Use the company's app or your Clipper card to unlock a bike and return it at any Bay Wheels docking station. Bay Wheels offers discounted memberships for those who qualify for CalFresh, SFMTA Lifeline, or PG&E CARE.
Docked bike-share in Berkeley is supported by funding from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD).
Information for shared mobility companies
The City of Berkeley regulates these shared mobility services to ensure that they operate safely. Organizations interested in offering shared mobility in Berkeley can find applications and information below.
Shared Electric Micromobility Permit Program
Permit Overview
Operators must obtain a valid City permit before deploying shared e-scooters within Berkeley city limits. Permits are issued at the City’s discretion. Operating without a valid permit is prohibited.
Key Permit Requirement
Fleet Management
- Compliance with City-established fleet caps
- Daily fleet balancing across City districts
- Compliance with parking and deployment rules
Parking Compliance
Operators must:
- Educate riders on proper parking
- Monitor parking compliance
- Respond to improperly parked scooter complaints within required time limits
- Support designated scooter parking zone implementation
Failure to comply may result in administrative penalties, for example a reduction in fleet size and/or fines.
Data Reporting
Operators are required to submit:
- Quarterly performance reports
- Trip-level mobility data (in required format)
- Equity program usage data
- Safety incident reports
Reports are due by the 15th day following the end of each calendar quarter unless otherwise specified. These data reports are analyzed for vendor compliance and provide the City a point of reference when assessing additional parking areas and possible trouble areas.
Equity & Community Commitments
Operators must:
- Offer low-income fare programs
- Maintain accessible customer service channels
- Participate in community engagement efforts
Insurance & Indemnification
Operators must maintain insurance coverage meeting City requirements and provide certificates of insurance prior to deployment. All valid and relevant paperwork are kept on file.
Enforcement & Administrative Actions
The City may impose:
- Fines for non-compliance
- Per-day penalties for unresolved violations
- Fleet reductions
- Permit suspension or revocation
Enforcement actions are guided by the City’s adopted fine schedule and permit conditions.
Applying for a Permit
When the City opens a permit application cycle, details will be posted here.
Applications typically require:
- Operations plan
- Parking compliance plan
- Equity plan
- Safety and education plan
- Maintenance plan
- Updated valid insurance documentation
- Fee payment
Expected Timeline for 2027-28 permit year
April 1, 2027: Release application
May 1, 2027: Application due
Mid-May 2027: Applications reviewed, applicants notified
July 1, 2027: 2027-28 Permit Year begins
Requests to be included in any permit solicitation outreach can be sent to sharedmobility@berkeleyca.gov.
