Are you looking for an effective way to rent your first scooter?
With Lyft and Uber getting into the e-scooter game, it seems like all the leaders in the gig economy are jumping to join the trend.
Or, have you tried Lime or Bird and wondered if a different option exists?
Wheels Scooter is a transportation company that offers scooters for rent in select locations around the world.
In this article, we will discuss how Wheels works, how much it costs to rent a scooter from Wheels, where Wheels scooters are available, how to use the platform, and the features offered by the company.
Table Of Contents
What Is a Wheels Scooter?
A Wheels scooter is a two-wheeled electric vehicle that can reach speeds of up to 18 miles per hour.
Wheels designs its scooters for use on sidewalks, bike lanes, and streets.
How Does Wheels Work?
The first thing you need to do is download the app and create an account.
Then, you’ll need to find an electric scooter.
Use the Wheels app to unlock it.
You can then start your journey.
When you’re done, park the scooter at a designated parking spot and lock it up.
What Kind of Scooter Does Wheels Use?
When you rent from Lime or Bird, you’ll need to stand on your scooter’s platform.
With Wheels scooters, you sit.
The Wheels company uses electric scooters that typically measure 27 inches long.
Wheels mainly focuses on providing its Atlas model to customers.
The Atlas offers a digital display and GPS features.
- The LCD screen shows you the scooter’s battery life and how fast you’re moving.
- It also provides a kickstand technology that avoids tipping.
- You won’t see any exposed wiring when taking a Wheels Atlas scooter.
- It’s easy to stop via its modern braking system.
Wheels calls its second type of scooter the Wheels 2.0.
The 2.0 model provides a quiet ride and lights for night driving.
Wheels Scooter Features
You’ll benefit from the following features when renting a scooter from Wheels.
- Electric: You don’t need to worry about pumping gas or oiling the chain. An electric motor powers the scooter.
- Padded Seat: A padded seat provides a comfortable ride, even over long distances.
- Pegs to Rest Your Feet: There are pegs on the footboard so you can rest your feet as you ride the scooter.
- Tired: When you need a break, the scooter has a built-in kickstand so you can take a rest.
- Electric Horn: There’s no need to shout when someone is in your way. The scooter gives you an electric horn to use.
- Bluetooth Speaker: You can connect your phone to the scooter’s Bluetooth speaker and enjoy tunes or hands-free phone calls as you ride.
How Fast Do Wheels Scooters Go?
The scooters can reach a top speed of 18 miles per hour.
On a full battery, you can travel up to 30 miles.
What Makes Wheels Scooters Different Than Wheels Bike?
There isn’t any difference between Wheels Scooters and Wheels Bike.
The company brands itself with both names.
How Much Does a Wheels Scooter Cost?
Wheels costs differ from market to market.
However, you can expect to pay $0.15 to one dollar to unlock the vehicle.
From there, you might pay approximately 30 cents per minute to use the scooter.
Most markets also charge a minimum fare of approximately $3.50 per trip.
You can find pricing information for your specific city by opening the app.
Find a nearby scooter and tap on it.
You will see a price estimation.
You don’t need to pay manually for your scooter rides.
After ending the ride, Wheels will automatically charge the credit card you have on file inside your Wheels account.
If you need a Wheels scooter on a long-term basis, the company lets you rent them starting at $90 per month.
Where Are Wheels Scooters Available?
So far, the Wheels company only exists in North America.
Wheels Scooters are available in the following areas in the United States.
- Austin, TX
- Los Angeles, CA
- Miami, FL
- Orlando, FL
- West Hollywood, CA
- Culver City, CA
- Santa Monica, CA
- Miami Lakes, FL
- San Diego, CA
- Seattle, WA
- New York City, NY
The company also serves these universities.
- UCLA
- St. John’s University
- The University of Texas at Austin
- The University of Massachusetts (Boston, MA)
Wheels continue to expand into new markets. Check its locations here periodically to see if the company expands into your city.
Riding a Wheels Scooter
Let’s answer any questions you may have about using a Wheels scooter to get around.
Requirements To Ride a Wheels Scooter
To ride a motorized scooter in most states, you must be 16 years or older and have a valid driver’s license.
After that, many states place different requirements on scooter riders.
Arizona, for example, lets you ride a motorized scooter without a driver’s license (although Wheels hasn’t expanded into Arizona yet).
In California, you can only operate a Wheels scooter if you have a driver’s license.
In Florida, you can ride a Wheels scooter.
However, you must avoid using it on sidewalks.
Are Wheels Scooters Legal?
Yes, Wheels scooters are legal in the United States.
The company complies with all local and state regulations.
In the cities that Wheels operates in, it’s legal to ride a motorized scooter with a normal driver’s license.
The legality of Wheels scooters does differ from city to city.
In some places, scooters are not allowed on sidewalks.
In those cases, you’ll want to ride your scooter in the street.
Be sure to check your local laws before riding.
How to Rent a Wheels Bike
To get started with renting your first Wheels bike, you’ll need to download the Wheels app from the App Store or Google Play store.
Once you do so, you can begin the account creation process by opening the app and tapping “Let’s Ride.”
When prompted, enter your phone number, tap “Submit,” and enter the verification code you receive via text before tapping “Next.”
Enable location services, then agree to the Wheels terms of use, privacy notice, and rental agreement by tapping “Ride.”
Be aware that, as part of the terms of use, riders are required to be at least 18 years old and have a driver’s license before using a Wheels scooter.
Once this process is complete, you’re ready to start riding.
Finding and Renting Bikes
When you’re ready to ride, jump on your app’s home screen to start looking for bikes near you on the map, as marked with bike icons.
When you reach the bike you want, you can tap “Scan to Ride” and scan the code on your Wheels Bike.
Alternatively, you can tap on a nearby Wheels Bike and select “Reserve” to put it on hold until you walk over and scan it.
Note that you’ll only see bikes within 20 miles of you on the app, so depending on your location, you may not be able to make a reservation ahead of time.
Ahead of your first ride, you’ll be prompted to enter your payment information, so make sure you have your credit card ready.
Once you’ve unlocked your Wheels scooter, you can disengage the kick-stand, tap the power button, and twist the right handlebar to accelerate.
To stop, use both brakes. Your e-scooter can be used for about 30 miles if it’s fully charged.
Paying on the Wheels App
The cost of Wheels scooter rides varies by city.
Users have reported the unlock fee to range from $0 to $1, while the per-minute fee can be as high as 35 cents.
In the Scottsdale market, for example, a scooter costs $1 to unlock, plus 29 cents per minute, with a $3.49 minimum fare.
You can find the cost of a Wheels bike by tapping a nearby bike icon in the app.
Beyond providing your payment information on your first ride, there’s no need to manually submit a payment after your trip ends.
All you need to do is slide the “End Ride” button within your Wheels app to get an accurate per-minute charge.
There’s also no need to return your Wheels scooter to the same place where you picked it up.
Simply park the device by a bike rack or curb, then push the kick stand back down.
Your destination simply needs to be within a valid operating area, as marked in your app.
Avoid parking in areas that block traffic or pedestrian pathways, as well as places that make it difficult for other users to find scooters, such as underground parking garages or gated areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although we’ve covered most of the details about renting a Wheels scooter, you may still have questions.
Here are the answers to four commonly asked questions about Wheels.
Can you use Wheels scooters at any time?
No, Wheels scooters aren’t available 24/7.
The company restricts riding times to between 7 am and 8 pm seven days a week.
How do you charge Wheels?
You don’t need to charge your scooter.
The company pays people to pick the scooter up each night, charge them, and deliver them back the following morning.
If you rent a long-term scooter, then Wheels will provide you with a charger.
Do you need a helmet to ride a Wheels scooter?
It depends on where you’re riding the scooter.
States use different laws regarding helmets.
However, we highly recommend wearing one for your safety.
Wheels makes it easy to wear a helmet by providing one with each scooter.
You’ll find a helmet connected to the back of each scooter.
It will unlock after you unlock the scooter.
A headliner also comes with each helmet.
It helps avoid sharing lice, sweat, or germs with past riders.
Wheels scooters for sale: Can you buy one?
No, you can’t buy a Wheels scooter.
The company only rents its scooters.
Wrapping Up
Wheels Scooter provides an affordable, convenient, and eco-friendly way to get around town.
The company’s app makes it easy to unlock a scooter and start riding.
Do you still have questions about Wheels?
Ask us in the comments below.
If you’re ready to start using a Wheels Scooter in a city where the company provides its service, download the app today and get started.
