Electric scooters return to Mexico City for limited, free trial

Electric scooter rental services, once a popular but short-lived feature in Mexico City, are making a comeback for a limited time and free of charge. The Secretariat of Mobility (Semovi) confirmed that the scooters recently spotted across the city are not part of a commercial rental service. Instead, they are part of a pilot program designed to enhance mobility during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and alleviate traffic congestion around the stadium.

According to Héctor Ulises García Nieto, the Secretary of Mobility, the strategy focuses on solving the "last mile" problem – the final leg of a journey for fans heading to the stadium, especially when vehicular traffic is heavily congested. The program establishes temporary stations where attendees can pick up an electric scooter or bicycle to reach their destination via designated bike lanes.

Semovi clarified that there are no permanent stations, nor is there a rental scheme operated by private companies. Although the project is coordinated by the Mexico City government, companies like Lime and Whoosh have provided the scooters used in the pilot. These companies stated their participation aims to complement existing systems, such as EcoBici, rather than compete with them.

For now, the scooters will operate during events where Mexico City hosts World Cup matches. The primary objective is to evaluate whether this alternative can become a permanent solution for improving transportation efficiency on high-demand days. The results of this pilot program will determine the future of electric scooters as a viable public mobility option in the capital.

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The strategy is focused on solving the 'last mile,' that is, the last stretch that fans must travel to reach the stadium when vehicular traffic is saturated.