Pittsburgh residents and visitors will soon be able to zip around town with the wind in their hair on a scooter.
Starting in June, a fleet of 100 dockless electric scooters known as a Scoobi will be available for rent to people looking for a pollution-free alternative to driving or using public transportation.
“Our goal is to reinvent the way Pittsburghers travel, providing an affordable, environmentally conscious way to experience the city,” said Mike Moran, CEO of Pittsburgh-based Scoobi. “Scooters allow people to skip the cramped city bus or expensive rideshare car and enjoy a low-cost way to get around town. It's about fun, efficiency and freedom-of-movement.”
Riders will be able to locate and operate the scooters using a mobile app, which identifies available scooters throughout the city and holds the vehicle for 10 minutes.
The app also displays the scooter's battery life, enables the vehicle to be started and provides access to a lockable trunk containing a pair of different-sized helmets. The trunk also is equipped with an outlet to charge Apple and Android smartphones, which can be mounted to the handlebars so users can monitor the miles they have driven and other information.
Scoobi scooters have a maximum speed of 30 mph and can travel up to 34 miles per battery charge. It will cost $5 for the first 20 minutes to rent a Scoobi and 20 cents for each additional minute. A standard driver's license is required to rent a Scoobi.
Charging stations will be located throughout the city's East End where riders will be able to park in garages and charge the scooters after their ride has ended. Scooters also can be parked on the street in “blue zones” that will be set up in the East End, South Side and on the North Shore. The parking locations will be available through the Scoobi app.
Tony LaRussa is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 724-772-6368 or tlarussa@tribweb.com or via Twitter @TonyLaRussaTrib.
