Dockless Bikeshare - The Dockpocalypse Nears

**Erin Potter** · 03-28-2018, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by ginacico

So now we have three dockless scooter operations in DC. Waybots, LimeBike, and now Bird.

I'm curious about these, because I have NO interest in them, and response from most folks I know is similar, but it feels like they're capturing a group of people that aren't interested in biking, or really, walking. The perception seems to be that it's more approachable/more fun/easier to use/easier to wear professional attire than a bike. A woman in my office said seeing them filled her with delight. While I'm not into scooters, I am into people being delighted by their transportation options. I have similar thoughts on the e-boost skateboard/e-unicycle/mixed rideable communities that I'm starting to see.

**Judd** · 03-28-2018, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by Steve O

Of course, we've gotten used to these kinds of things related to automobiles.

Click image for larger version.

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WAMU just had a great article about the Anacostia River which discussed the number of tires that were pulled out of the river when the first clean up efforts began. Tires in the river continue to be a problem in addition to tons of plastic trash.

Article is here: https://wamu.atavist.com/anacostia-r...hapter-3561428

**huskerdont** · 03-28-2018, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by wheels&wings

I'm not sure if anyone's posted this yet...a photo-essay in The Atlantic on the bike-share oversupply in China. Amazing pictures.
https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/20...cycles/556268/

HS, no matter how messed up your messedupedness is, in China, it's even more messed up.

**ginacico** · 03-28-2018, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by Erin Potter

it feels like they're capturing a group of people that aren't interested in biking

Originally Posted by Erin Potter

The perception seems to be that it's more approachable/more fun/easier to use/easier to wear professional attire than a bike.

Originally Posted by Erin Potter

I am into people being delighted by their transportation options.

Well stated! I am curious, also.

"Cyclists" tend to have one hammer, therefore everything looks like a nail. Plenty of voices assert that you can use a bike for everything, but the truth is most people won't. I think to make DC and the metro area much more easily navigable for the community at large, these e-assist skateboard/unicycle/scooter/bike options will fill gaps that trains, buses, and even bikeshares don't fill. It's hard to predict how people will use these gizmos because they haven't been widely available before. But in the grand social experiment figuring out how to get around with minimal fossil fuels and the least amount of hassle, I welcome new ideas and will pay attention to how it all plays out.

**bentbike33** · 03-28-2018, 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by huskerdont

messedupedness

MR. SCOTT: "Cap'n, the spellcheck systems are tryin' to shut us down!"
KIRK: "Go to manual override! NOW Scottie!"

**n18** · 03-28-2018, 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by Erin Potter

I'm curious about these, because I have NO interest in them, and response from most folks I know is similar, but it feels like they're capturing a group of people that aren't interested in biking, or really, walking. The perception seems to be that it's more approachable/more fun/easier to use/easier to wear professional attire than a bike. A woman in my office said seeing them filled her with delight. While I'm not into scooters, I am into people being delighted by their transportation options. I have similar thoughts on the e-boost skateboard/e-unicycle/mixed rideable communities that I'm starting to see.

I always thought those who buy scooters/skateboards did so because they couldn't afford bikes, or because they are more long lasting than cheap bikes, so they have better value. I think the average person who never tried scooters/skateboards and the like is scared from falling while using them(and so am I). So I think they appeal to those who tried scooters/skateboards before.