As part of a shared mobility strategy, UCLA has signed a provisional contract with Lyft, Bird and Wheels to provide electric scooters and bikes to the campus community.

According to the agreement, shared e-scooters and e-bikes from unapproved vendors can continue to ride through campus roads, but they will be impounded if parked on campus. For pedestrian safety, e-bikes and e-scooters are prohibited on campus sidewalks and pathways.

The contract provides on-campus e-scooter and e-bike parking for these approved vendors. It will also enable better regulation over how these devices operate on the UCLA campus and will help ensure the safety of both riders and pedestrians. Per terms of the contract, Lyft, Bird and Wheels pay fees to the university and will offer a variety of discounts to members of the UCLA community.

The arrangement soft-launched Aug. 1; a full pilot program will roll out this fall.

“UCLA recognizes the importance of providing a variety of sustainable transportation options that are convenient, affordable and accessible while meeting the diverse needs of UCLA commuters,” said Renée Fortier, executive director of UCLA Transportation. “In order to reduce traditional air pollutants, greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion, UCLA Transportation offers a wide array of options to lower the number of people driving to, from and around campus alone.”

UCLA selected Lyft, Bird and Wheels after reviewing how each company would meet a set of requirements:

demonstrate how to ride and park on campus safely

provide helmets at campus outreach events

geofence dismount zones within their mobile applications

Geofencing will limit motors to 1 mile per hour in UCLA’s pedestrian dismount zones, such as Bruin Walk, and help riders find approved parking zones. The vendors will also have the opportunity to advertise on campus and can participate in campus events.

All selected vendors have proposed the following discounts for UCLA riders including, but not limited to: free ride time, discounted pricing, event ride promotions, UCLA specific rates and discounts for parking properly.

UCLA continues to make infrastructure improvements that help all wheeled devices get around campus. Officials with transportation and facilities management are collaborating on roadway improvements, including extending the network of protected bike lanes on university grounds. Additionally, designated parking areas for e-scooters and e-bikes are being added throughout campus.

E-scooter and e-bike safety education campaigns are planned for the start of the academic year. Dismount zones have also been delineated in campus areas with high foot traffic to minimize impacts on pedestrian walkways.

The pilot program with the selected vendors is subject to revision at the end of the upcoming academic year based on the implementation results.