Orange County in Florida has launched a micromobility programme in partnership with Lime and Bird to provide residents and visitors with a low-cost option for getting around the International Drive area.

Some 200 electric scooters will be deployed along International Drive with ten parking locations between Carrier Drive and Destination Parkway. Orange County Public Works’s traffic engineering division will administer the programme using the two vendors.

People over 18 will be able to rent and ride scooters inside a geographic area surrounding the International Drive corridor. Riders can rent scooters and find more information on their location and cost by using the Bird (www.bird.co) or Lime (www.li.me) apps on their mobile device.

“As a passionate advocate of the micromobility programme, I am thrilled to witness its soft launch in Orange County,” said Orange County project coordinator Luz Munoz. “This initiative stands as a beacon of accessible and eco-friendly transportation, promising to enrich our community with sustainability that prioritises convenience and environmental stewardship.”

Micromobility is increasing in popularity in the USA, and similar programmes have been implemented across Florida. For now, Orange County’s launch is limited to the International Drive corridor. If the county’s micromobility programme is successful, it will be expanded into other parts of unincorporated Orange County.

Orange County Government (www.OCFL.net) strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centres and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the board of county commissioners, including the mayor, who is elected countywide.