Cootersharing

Cootersharing, commonly called scooter sharing, is a form of micro-mobility in which electric scooters are deployed as a fleet and rented to users on a short-term basis through a mobile application. Users locate nearby devices, unlock them via the app, ride to a destination, and park in approved areas.

Systems may be docked or dockless. Docked services require riders to return scooters to fixed stations, while dockless services allow parking within a designated service area. Operators employ GPS, fleet management software, and geofencing to track availability and enforce restrictions, such as no-ride zones or parking boundaries.

Pricing typically includes an initial unlocking fee plus a per-minute rate, with variations by operator and city. Some providers offer subscriptions, bundles, or time-based passes. The transaction is completed through the app and billed to the rider's payment method.

Regulation and governance vary by jurisdiction but commonly cover safety, insurance, speed limits, rider age, helmet requirements, parking rules, and permitting of operators. Municipalities may require data sharing, end-of-life recycling, and performance metrics to address safety and urban impact.

Impact and concerns include improved first- and last-mile connectivity and potential reduction in car use and emissions, balanced against sidewalk clutter, pedestrian safety risks, vandalism, and equity issues related to service availability in underserved areas. Privacy and data security are also considerations for operators and cities.

Major operators include several regional and global firms; the market has seen rapid expansion, regulatory responses, and industry consolidation as cities seek to manage safety, infrastructure, and public space.