The City of Miami has engaged six of the nation’s largest shared motorized scooter vendors to support a six-month pilot program, deploying hundreds of eScooters in Downtown, Brickell, Coconut Grove and Edgewater. The objective is to introduce a low-cost method of transportation to enhance mobility and address the “last-mile” needs of Miami’s urban core. If successful, the program could be expanded to other parts of the city.
Since the first eScooters were dropped in Santa Monica in 2017, providers have spread to 150 American cities, making commuting more efficient – and fun – for riders. But safety concerns, regulations and profitability are still open questions. Will eScooters change the definition of “accessible to public transportation” for some nearby neighborhoods? Will office tenants consider Miami’s eScooters a legitimate transit option when choosing office space? Do local building owners need to make accommodations?
Consumer adoption and usability will ultimately answer these questions over time. Until then, here’s Cushman & Wakefield’s view of the “ScooterSphere” in Miami, and beyond.
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