You’ve likely seen electric scooters around town lately. As the weather continues to get warmer more and more people are taking advantage of the Bird Scooters, Great Falls newest way to get around town. These electric scooters are located across the city and are available to the public. To ride, users need to download the Bird smartphone app to unlock and pay for their rides.
But can they be ridden on the River’s Edge Trail? YES!
Riders are required to obey all standard rules of the road applicable to bicycles. Here’s the official details from the city:
The City wants to inform the public that electric scooters can be used on roads and in bike lanes and have a maximum speed of 15mph. Scooters must be parked out of the way of pedestrians and never blocking driveways. Riders are required to be 18 years-old and above to access the Bird scooters. They are also encouraged to wear a helmet on every ride and required to obey all standard rules of the road applicable to bicycles.
“The GFPD would like the community to know that all City of Great Falls Ordinances and Montana State Statutes, applicable to bicycles, are applicable to these types of scooters. We want the community to be safe and follow all rules and regulations,” stated Lt. Doug Mahlum.
Please note, unless otherwise allowed by designated City approved signage, or conditions render bicycle travel on a street unsafe, bicycles may only be ridden on those portions of the sidewalk that are a portion of the River’s Edge Trail System, as depicted on the most currently published River’s Edge Trail Map available at the City Computer Mapping and Addressing Department or online at https://greatfallsmt.net/gis/overview-maps.
As always we encourage riders to follow trail etiquette including slowing down and calling out before passing other users.
Want to get started? this blog post has all the information you’ll need to safely find and ride the scooters!
