Dockless Bikes are in Austin. Here's What You Need to Know

Dockless bikes are back in Austin.

After months of policy debate over dockless bikes and scooters and a series of product demonstrations and discussions around the community, the city issued its first permits for dockless bikes to Pace, a dockless bike rental company owned by Zagster, the Austin Transportation Department confirmed Monday.

The company said it plans to have more than 200 bikes available by the end of the week.

Pace is the first company to get approval to operate from the city, which recently passed an emergency set of rules to govern dockless bikes and scooters in reaction to an early rollout of dockless electric scooters by Bird and Lime.

Austin's new rules require people to park dockless bikes in designated spaces near the edge of sidewalks and in landscaping areas -- always requiring at least three feet of space for people to walk or roll through.

Starting in August, the rules will require bikes and scooters to be able to lock to a fixed object, like a bike rack. The requirement, along with a cap of 500 devices per company, has been seen by some as an impediment that makes it almost impossible for dockless bikes and scooters to be used the way the companies envision.

Bird, the dockless scooter company, is the only other company that has submitted an application to the city as of Monday morning. But that application is still being reviewed. Meanwhile, Bird isn't alone in criticizing the city's rules.

“We know our affordable and equitable transportation option can have a lasting, positive impact in Austin, but the permit rules make it nearly impossible for dockless mobility companies to operate outside of the downtown area," said Everett Weiler, general manager of Texas for Ofo, a China-based dockless bike company. "While we’re eager to complete the permitting process and start serving the city, we’ll continue working with Austin officials to craft smart rules that ensure everyone in the city can access affordable transportation solutions."

But Pace, which was developed with lock-to capability, is well-positioned in these early days in Austin. The Boston-based company is small compared to competitors such as Ofo, Lime and Mobike. But it recently raised a $15 million round. Meanwhile, it's getting experience with similar lock-to rules that are part of a pilot project in Chicago, and it seems likely it will have an advantage over a few of its competitors in other cities that implement lock-to rules.

“It’s great to see more and more city leaders committed to bringing dockless bike share to their cities in a way that keeps sidewalks safe and clear, while also preserving the beauty and aesthetics of the urban streetscape." Tim Ericson, CEO for Pace’s parent, Zagster, said in a news release. “The U.S. dockless mobility market has clearly shifted, as the country’s largest cities like Austin and Chicago begin making lock-to core to their dockless mobility programs."

Austin riders can unlock Pace bikes from bike racks through its free app. Your first trip is free, and it offers rides for $1 per 30 minutes or you can get subscription plans.

Over the weekend, Austin transportation officials began painting boxes on sidewalks where you can park dockless bikes and scooters. Those locations are as follows:

We added some new stencils to our street markings collection! Dockless ? & ? will be hitting #ATX streets soon. Our staff installed some dockless parking zones downtown today to encourage people to park dockless ? & ? safely! Learn more: https://t.co/yIyaud9gc6 #ATXundocked pic.twitter.com/m1waF4zQDB

— ATX Transportation (@austinmobility) May 19, 2018

The city says dockless bike and scooter riders should yield to pedestrians on sidewalks; always park in a secure, upright position in designated areas; and to stay off of private property and parkland.