By Jase Orion
UniteNews Contributing Writer
Springfield’s premier micro mobility providers have expanded their fleet, and have made great strides in their service’s convenience since arriving on the scene in 2021.
On June 13, 2022, Springfield City Council approved new rules for electric scooter rentals. Implementing micro-mobility device rules that create an outline to prevent electric scooters from being “a nuisance or poses a threat to public safety or security,” Ride E-way Scooters has been working closely with city officials. Springfield has been receptive to their proposals, gaining the local upstart additional parking spots, and preparing for some very exciting summer events!
The bright yellow speed machines can be found at Booneville and Olive, next to Vision Clinic downtown. They can also be found on South and Walnut, near Great Southern Bank, and on the square downtown. There are over 30 scooters publicly available, and E-way plans to expand the fleet up to 80, by July 2024.
“The new model of scooter is lightweight, more nimble, and has an improved braking system,” says Marquez Williams, who owns and operates the company with Trayvon Northern.
Ride E-way is also introducing an improved app experience. At only $1 to unlock, and $0.39 per minute, the local start up beats Bird Scooters at the price point. The app can also scan up to 4 EVS at once, so your friends don’t have to struggle through a sign up process on a night out. Don’t want to use another app? E-way’s website (ewayscooters.com) offers reservation services for the user to peruse and decide on which model of scooter will best fit their party’s needs.
The owners are both from the Quad City area, a region of cities in Iowa and Illinois. They moved to Springfield in 2014. Williams said he first experienced the electric scooter in Tulsa and has been hard at work researching what it would take to bring that type of experience to the Ozarks.
On Thursday evenings, starting in April, E-way plans to organize meet-and-greet-and-ride events! “Tentatively, the plan is for every Thursday, at 6:30 pm, there will be discounted rates for customers to take advantage of,” says Williams. “We can all meet up at Boonville and Olive, or maybe behind the Efactory (Where the company office is located) and ride together.”
Get to know the local entrepreneurs and check out their services at one of these special events soon! As Bird Scooters faces financial difficulty, our local E-way is making big moves to become Springfield’s favorite way to explore the Queen City. Look for the black scooters with the yellow lettering!
