Orlando approves Lime, Bird scooters

Riders can experiment, take safety course at Tuesday kickoff

Orlando officials have approved their first two scooter permits, paving the way for Lime and Bird scooters to run in the city.

At least four companies have applied to operate in Orlando, but Lime and Bird were the first two companies to apply when the permitting period opened last month. Each company will be allowed 200 scooters apiece, according to the approved permits.

Lime is planning to kick off its scooters with its “First Ride” program Tuesday on the sixth floor of the Geico Garage, across from the Amway Center at 11:30 a.m. There, riders will get to experiment with the scooters and take a safety course with information on local regulations.

“We were excited about how quickly Orlando residents took to Lime’s bikes, which makes us think they’ll love scooters even more,” said Lime’s Florida General Manager, Uhriel Bedoya. “Our First Ride course will explain the rules of the road, encourage helmet use and provide a great introduction to scooters so they are ridden safely and properly from the start.”

It’s unclear when Bird’s scooters will launch. A spokesperson said the company was excited to have scooters in Orlando.

“Bird will work with the City of Orlando on a flight plan to our Birds to land in Orlando soon,” a statement said.

The city signed off on rules for scooters in December, allowing up to 1,800 scooters to operate in Orlando, capping each fleet at 400 vehicles. Scooters also have a speed limit of 10 mph, and companies are required to hold insurance and respond promptly to