Lyft News

Supporting critical workers and providing free scooter rides

Apr 3, 2020

Lyft has always been committed to improving people’s lives with the world’s best transportation. This mission has taken on even greater importance during the COVID-19 crisis. While many Americans “shelter in place,” our critical workers - first responders, the transit workforce, and healthcare providers - still have  essential travel needs. It’s become clear that two-wheeled options like bikes and scooters can help people complete these essential trips while practicing social-distancing.  

That’s why we launched the LyftUp Scooter Critical Workforce Program, a new initiative providing the first-responder, healthcare, and transit workforce with free scooter trips as they serve the public on the frontlines against COVID-19. These free 30-minute rides are available for critical workers in:

  • Denver

  • Los Angeles

  • Metro DC

  • San Diego

  • Santa Monica

This is alongside bikeshare programs we’ve already put in place, offering free memberships for critical workers on networks Lyft operates, including Citi Bike (New York), Divvy (Chicago), Bluebikes (Boston area), and Bay Wheels (SF Bay Area), Capital Bikeshare (Metro DC area), Nice Ride (Minneapolis).

In order to participate in the program, employers of critical workers - first responders, the transit workforce, and healthcare providers - should reach out to heroscooters@lyft.com or essentialrides@lyft.com to enroll their employees. Once enrolled, critical workers have access to free, unlimited 30-minute scooter rides through May 31. We have been deploying extra scooters near hospitals to make sure scooters are available for critical workers. To help protect our riders, we’ve also increased our cleaning protocols - for scooters and bikes - in recent weeks. 

These no-cost scooter trips are an expansion of LyftUp, Lyft’s collective effort to provide access to transportation to those who need it most. Immediately when the COVID-19 crisis began, Lyft activated our LyftUp program to support our most vulnerable communities with access to essential needs, and in partnership with more than 150 local and national organizations across the country, we’re providing access to free Lyft rides for low-income seniors, young families, healthcare workers, individuals with disabilities, and more. 

In a time of crisis, we know Lyft can be an essential lifeline for our communities. We will continue to support first responders, transit, and healthcare providers as they serve the public in cities across America. On behalf of all of us at Lyft, thank you for your tireless efforts during this unprecedented moment.