Mexico City, September 3, 2026 – Rental electric scooters, which had returned to the streets of Mexico City as part of a pilot program for the World Cup, have once again ceased operations. The Secretariat of Mobility of Mexico City (SEMOVI) confirmed that companies Lime, JET, and Whoosh are no longer permitted to offer their services as of September 1, 2026, following the conclusion of the trial period.
Pilot Program Recorded 117,000 Trips
The 60-day pilot program yielded significant data on the usage of these micromobility devices. During this period, approximately 117,000 trips were registered across the city. The average duration of these journeys ranged between 15 and 20 minutes, covering distances of 800 meters to 2.4 kilometers. This indicates that the scooters primarily served as a solution for ‘last-mile’ travel, connecting users from public transport hubs like Metro or Metrobús stations to their final destinations, rather than substituting longer commutes by car or public transport.
Peak Usage During Rush Hours
SEMOVI also identified that the peak hours for scooter utilization were from 8:00 to 9:00 AM and from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. These timings coincide with the periods of highest traffic congestion in the capital, highlighting the scooters’ role in alleviating short-distance travel during busy times.
Temporary Permits Conclude
Lime, JET, and Whoosh were granted temporary permits to deploy up to 1,000 scooters each, potentially bringing the total number of operational units to 3,000. Originally, the permits had a limited duration. Although there were discussions in August regarding the fate of the units after the authorized period, SEMOVI ultimately extended the operation until August 31, 2026, and confirmed that services could not continue from September 1 onwards.
Future of Rental Scooters in CDMX Uncertain
As of now, there is no definitive confirmation regarding the return of rental scooters to Mexico City. SEMOVI is set to analyze the extensive data collected during the pilot program. This evaluation will encompass the total number of trips, peak usage times, areas with the highest demand, and overall operational conditions.
The outcome of this assessment is crucial, especially as electric scooters are becoming an increasingly integrated part of urban mobility. This analysis will also play a significant role in the context of upcoming regulations for Personal Electric Motorized Vehicles (VEMEPE).
The cessation of operations marks a critical juncture for micromobility in Mexico City, as authorities weigh the benefits and challenges of integrating such services into the city’s transport ecosystem. The decision on their permanent return will depend on the comprehensive review of the pilot program’s results and how they align with the city’s broader urban planning and mobility goals.
