Scoop: Hopp is the newest D.C. scooter operator
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Hopp by Bolt aims to make transportation more accessible to low-income riders in D.C. Photo courtesy of Hopp by Bolt
A new shared scooter company is launching its first U.S. branch in D.C. today, releasing over 700 high-tech standing scooters on city streets.
Why it matters: D.C. was a pioneer in micromobility, launching America's first bike-share program in 2008, and this new company aims to expand transportation access in historically underserved communities.
Driving the news: The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) recently awarded a two-year scooter permit to Hopp by Bolt, which joins existing operators Lime, Veo, and Spin, Axios has learned.
- D.C. is the first U.S. market for Bolt, an Uber competitor based in Estonia that offers ride-hailing, delivery, car-sharing and micromobility services across Europe, Asia and Africa.
- It's called "Hopp" in the U.S. to avoid confusion with Bolt Mobility, a scooter startup co-founded by Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt that shut down in 2022.
- The company will start with 720 scooters in D.C. and expects to double its fleet size in the coming months.
Zoom out: The launch comes as federal workers are being ordered back into offices full-time under the new Trump administration, and D.C. commuters worry about congested roadways.
The intrigue: Through its Hopp for All program, qualified low-income residents can for now access free rides for up to 30 minutes.
- The program is designed to ensure affordable and sustainable transportation is accessible to all District residents, the company said.
Between the lines: DDOT requires companies to deploy a minimum of 3% of their vehicles per ward for equitable coverage — and cap it at 35% so, say, the National Mall isn't clogged with scooters.
Another Hopp innovation is distance-based pricing, which — instead of time-based rentals — is intended to discourage speeding and other reckless behavior by customers worried about finishing their trip within a certain time limit.
How it works: Hopp's latest scooter model, the Bolt 6, was designed in-house with innovative tech features to enhance safety and the overall riding experience.
- No drunk riding: To cut down on intoxicated riding, users must pass a cognitive test — requiring them to tap on images appearing on their smartphone screen quickly enough — before they can unlock the scooter.
- Fewer scooters littering the sidewalk: A new tech feature uses AI parking technology and geo-location to determine if a scooter is parked upright, in the proper location.
- Warnings about doubling up: If a customer rides with an additional passenger, they'll get a scolding in the app after the ride is finished advising against tandem riding.
- Pedestrian lookout: Camera-based tech alerts the scooter to slow down when it detects sidewalks and pedestrians.
What they're saying: "Washington D.C. represents the perfect intersection of innovation and impact for Hopp's U.S. debut," said Dmitri Pivovarov, Bolt's vice president of micromobility.
- "By prioritizing accessibility in underserved communities while serving the entire city, we're demonstrating how smart mobility can create positive change for all residents."
The big picture: The city's partnership with Hopp is the latest step forward for transportation equity. DDOT launched an e-bike voucher program last year to make it easier for residents — particularly low-income individuals — to buy and maintain electric bikes.
- A second application round for the program starts Saturday and runs through Feb. 21. All applicants, selected at random, can apply for vouchers up to $1,500 for e-bikes, plus helmets and locks.
