Gastonia's streets are set to become a hub for eco-friendly transit as the City announces a new partnership with Peel Scooters. This electric scooter pilot program, given the green light by the Gastonia City Council on November 19, 2024, according to an official statement, will operate for a year with a possible extension, and comes at no cost to the municipality. Peel Scooters has agreed to pay the city five cents per ride, following the former pilot with Bird Rides, Inc., which ran until 2023.
The new fleet of up to 25 scooters will be available for use along Franklin Boulevard and surrounds, including the burgeoning Loray Mill and FUSE Districts, CaroMont Health Park, and the downtown area. "We are excited to bring Peel Scooters to Gastonia," Assistant City Manager Quentin McPhatter told the official city website. "This program gives residents and visitors a fun, convenient way to get around to key destinations while promoting safe, multi-modal transportation."
Users can unlock a scooter for $1.00, with each minute of the ride costing $0.40. However, city ordinances restrict the use of scooters on sidewalks, trails, and in public areas like Eastridge Mall to ensure safety and order. Gastonia officials are placing emphasis on responsible riding, with riders advised to conduct a pre-ride safety check, wear helmets, plan their trips in advance, ride solo, avoid drinking and riding, and park the scooters properly post-use.
Safety is paramount when scootering about Gastonia. The city "strongly recommends that riders use the scooters safely and responsibly, being aware of traffic flow and City ordinances." For more details on the Peel Scooters, potential riders can reach out to Alex Zimmerman via email or at 704-794-2289. Questions regarding the pilot program can be directed to Quentin McPhatter by email or at 704-866-6013, or visited through the Peel Scooter Pilot Program webpage.
