As part of a shared mobility strategy, UCLA has signed a provisional contract with Lyft, Bird, and Wheels to provide electric scooters and electric bikes to the campus community. UCLA recognizes the importance of offering a variety of transportation options that meet the needs of all Bruins. The arrangement with Lyft, Bird, and Wheels is currently a soft-launch, with a full pilot program rolling out this fall.
After careful review and meeting several mandatory requirements, Lyft, Bird, and Wheels were selected as authorized vendors. The contractual arrangement reached will enable better oversight over how these devices operate on campus and will help ensure the safety of both riders and pedestrians.
A major goal of the University is to provide sustainable transportation options that are convenient, affordable, and accessible. UCLA Transportation offers an array of alternatives to driving alone to also help improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion.
Infrastructure updates are another effort being made to help students, staff, and faculty get to, from, and around campus. UCLA Transportation and UCLA Facilities Management are working together on roadway improvements, including expanding protected bike lanes on University grounds. Designated parking areas for e-scooters and e-bikes are being added throughout campus as well and dismount zones for the wheeled devices have been identified in campus areas with high foot traffic to keep pedestrian walkways clear.
With Bruins able to access these authorized personal mobility devices, e-scooter and e-bike safety campaigns are on the way. Lyft, Bird, and Wheels will geofence dismount zones within their apps and provide helmets and demonstrate how to ride and park safely at campus events.
The pilot program with the selected vendors is subject to fine-tuning at the end of the upcoming academic year. Through this new agreement, UCLA aims to provide a smoother and safer e-mobility experience for riders, as well as pedestrians.
Update: As of November 14, 2022, Lyft has discontinued its scooters and e-bikes in the Los Angeles area.
