City of Akron and The University of Akron Partner with Spin to Bring Dockless Scooter-Share Services to Akron

After months of consideration and research, the City of Akron and The University of Akron (UA) has launched a partnership with Spin, a dockless scooter-share company to provide a new mobility option to Akron residents and visitors. The electronic scooters are located in key corridors of the City, starting with downtown and around the UA campus.

Scooters are located across campus near parking decks, residence halls and classroom buildings. For the map of the deployment points on the UA campus, please click here. A maximum of 400 scooters may be placed around the City and University areas through the partnership.

“We’re excited to be able to bring this convenient mobility option to Akron residents and visitors alike,” said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. “Offering diverse transportation options is important to meeting the needs of the traveling public and building an inclusive, accessible and welcoming city.  Spin scooters allow users to explore the city and visit businesses and other destinations in a fun and affordable way.”

“Spin scooters offer UA students and employees a new and enjoyable way to traverse the campus,” said Gary L. Miller, president of UA. “Our students were quick to adopt them as an additional mode of transportation. We hope they will also use the scooters to explore more of downtown Akron and experience what this great city has to offer.”

Spin was founded in 2016 in San Francisco and has now successfully partnered with approximately 100 other cities and campuses, including Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Ohio University, and Ohio State University. The scooters are operated under the same traffic rules as bicycles. They are to be operated in bike lanes where available or with the flow of traffic if no bike lane is available, and riders should avoid sidewalks, unless parking the scooter. Riders are also encouraged to wear helmets and are required to follow all street signs, signals, and other traffic laws.

There is no cost to the City, the University, or taxpayers related to the partnerships with Spin. All fees are paid for directly by users, and Spin covers 100% of equipment and operational expenses. The scooters will be maintained by Spin, including nightly cleaning/disinfecting, charging, and all required maintenance. Downtown Akron Partnership ambassadors are available to assist with basic questions regarding the use of the scooters.

It costs $1 to unlock the scooter, and between 29 cents and 39 cents per minute to ride, through the app. There are also options available for those without smartphones or credit cards. To learn more visit www.spin.app.

How to rent a scooter:

• Download the Spin mobile app and create your account
• Check the map to locate an available scooter near you
• Scan the QR code on the top of the scooter to unlock it
• Follow the rules of the road when riding (and UA guidelines when on campus)
• When finished, park the scooter in an appropriate location, or at one of the preferred locations displayed within the app to get 25 cents off of your next ride
• Make sure to end your ride within the app when you're finished

When outside using an e-scooter, Spin encourages riders to wear cloth face coverings, use a disinfectant wipe on the handlebars, wash their hands before and after riding or wear gloves. Check out Spin Safety online for introductory videos and additional safety-related information. Score 100% on Spin’s safety quiz and receive a promo code for your next ride.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu