Atlanta Scooter Rentals: How to Get Around the City on Two Wheels
Scooters have become a familiar sight in Atlanta, from Downtown and Midtown to the BeltLine and around major attractions. Whether you live in the city or you are visiting and want a quick, flexible way to get around, scooter rentals in Atlanta can be a convenient option—if you know how they work locally.
This guide walks through the main ways to rent scooters in Atlanta, where you can ride them, what rules apply, and how to stay safe and hassle‑free.
Types of Scooter Rentals in Atlanta
In Atlanta, “scooter rental” usually means one of three things:
- Shared electric scooters (dockless app-based)
- Short-term personal rentals from local shops or services
- Mobility/medical scooters for accessibility needs
Each works differently and is suited to different situations.
1. Shared Electric Scooters (App-Based)
These are the stand‑up e‑scooters you see lined up on sidewalks or parked near busy corners.
How they work in Atlanta:
- You download the company’s app, create an account, and add a payment method.
- Use the app to locate a nearby scooter on a map.
- Scan the code on the scooter to unlock it.
- Ride to your destination and end your trip in a legal parking spot (more on that below).
These scooters are most common in:
- Downtown Atlanta (around Peachtree Center, State Farm Arena, Georgia World Congress Center)
- Midtown (around Arts Center, Tech Square, Piedmont Park)
- Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park (especially near the Eastside BeltLine Trail)
- Georgia Tech and surrounding areas
- Parts of West Midtown and Atlantic Station
They are best for short trips: connecting MARTA stations to your final destination, getting between neighborhoods, or avoiding short car rides in heavy traffic.
2. Short-Term Personal Scooter Rentals
Some local businesses and tour operators offer day‑use or multi‑day rentals of e‑scooters or similar light electric vehicles. These are different from the dockless scooters:
- You usually pick up and return to the same location or arrange delivery/pickup.
- They often include helmets and sometimes basic locks.
- They may be better if you want to use a scooter all day without worrying about per‑minute fees or finding an available shared scooter.
These can be useful if you want to:
- Explore longer stretches of the Atlanta BeltLine
- Visit parks and intown neighborhoods over a full day
- Have a dedicated scooter for a conference, festival, or weekend visit
Search terms like “Atlanta electric scooter day rental” or “Atlanta e‑scooter tour” generally point you toward these options.
3. Mobility Scooter Rentals (Accessibility)
If you or a visitor needs help getting around due to mobility limitations, Atlanta has several services that rent mobility scooters, power chairs, and wheelchairs by the day or week.
You might use these for:
- Conventions and events at the Georgia World Congress Center
- Visits to attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, or Zoo Atlanta
- Getting around Downtown or Midtown during a stay at a nearby hotel
Typical rental process:
- Call or book online with a mobility rental company.
- Arrange delivery to your hotel, residence, or event venue.
- Return or pick‑up is scheduled at the end of your rental.
These services often serve the entire Metro Atlanta area, not just the city limits.
Where You Can Ride Scooters in Atlanta
Atlanta’s rules for scooters are influenced by both city ordinances and state of Georgia laws. Many details can change, but the following general patterns apply to stand‑up electric scooters.
Sidewalks vs. Streets
In much of Atlanta:
- Riding on sidewalks is restricted or prohibited for stand‑up e‑scooters, especially in busy commercial areas.
- Riders are often expected to use bike lanes or ride in the street as close to the right side of the lane as is safe.
Always check:
- Street signage: Some corridors clearly mark where scooters and bikes should ride.
- Company app guidance: Major operators generally show “no‑ride” or “slow‑ride” zones in their maps.
Popular Scooter-Friendly Areas
People commonly use scooters in:
- Atlanta BeltLine (especially Eastside Trail)
- Some parts are more tolerant of slower scooter use, but rules and enforcement can vary. Many sections prioritize pedestrians and cyclists.
- Expect crowds on weekends, and be courteous: ride slowly, yield to walkers, and dismount if it feels unsafe.
- Midtown
- Good for short trips between offices, restaurants, Piedmont Park, and MARTA stations, with more bike infrastructure than some other neighborhoods.
- Downtown
- Useful for connecting MARTA stations to the Georgia State Capitol, GSU campus, or event venues. Be extra careful: traffic is dense and there are many pedestrians.
Areas like Buckhead, West Midtown, and Grant Park may have more limited scooter coverage and fewer bike lanes, so routes can feel more car‑oriented.
Atlanta Scooter Rules You Should Know
While you should always check the most current rules, Atlanta riders commonly encounter the following expectations for shared e‑scooters:
Age, Helmets, and Riding Conduct
- Age: Shared scooter companies generally require riders to be 18+ to create an account and ride.
- Helmets: Helmet use is strongly encouraged. Some age groups may be required to wear one by state law when operating certain vehicles, but enforcement and company policies can differ.
- One rider per scooter: No doubling up.
- No riding under the influence: Treat scooters like a vehicle—riding while impaired can lead to citations or accidents.
Night Riding and City Restrictions
Atlanta has, at times, placed time‑of‑day limits on scooter usage, especially late at night, due to safety concerns. The details can shift:
- Some companies restrict riding during late‑night hours inside the city limits.
- You may see automatic shutoff times in the app.
If you plan to rely on scooters at night, open the app in advance and check the service hours for the area where you’ll be riding.
Parking Rules and No‑Parking Zones
Improper parking is one of the most common sources of complaints about scooters in Atlanta.
Generally, you are expected to:
- Park upright and out of the pedestrian path.
- Avoid blocking:
- Sidewalks and curb ramps
- Doorways and building entrances
- Driveways
- Bus stops / MARTA stations entrances
- Use:
- Bike racks where allowed
- Designated “scooter parking” areas if marked
Some places in the city are no‑parking or no‑ending‑trip zones. Your app may prevent you from ending a ride in these areas, or may charge a fee if you leave the scooter improperly parked.
Costs and Payment Expectations
Prices vary by company, but shared Atlanta scooter rentals usually charge:
- A base unlock fee (for example, a flat fee to start the ride)
- A per‑minute rate while you ride
Additional costs you may encounter:
- Temporary hold or deposit on your card
- “Parking” or relocation fees if you end your ride in restricted areas
- Damage fees if the scooter is returned broken or is reported misused
For short‑term daily or multi‑day rentals from local shops:
- Expect a flat daily rate, sometimes with discounts for multiple days.
- Delivery and pick‑up (for hotels or events) may incur extra charges.
For mobility scooters:
- Pricing is often per day, per weekend, or per week, with separate delivery/pick‑up fees.
- Insurance or damage waivers may be offered at an additional cost.
Comparing Scooter Options at a Glance
Below is a simple comparison of the three main scooter rental types you might use in Atlanta:
| Type of Scooter Rental | Best For | How You Access It | Typical Use Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared e‑scooter (app-based) | Short, on‑demand trips | Mobile app, scan, pay‑per‑minute | Downtown, Midtown, BeltLine areas |
| Day‑rental e‑scooter (shop/tour) | All‑day exploring or multi‑day visits | Book with local provider, pick up/return | Intown neighborhoods, BeltLine |
| Mobility scooter (accessibility) | Visitors/residents with mobility challenges | Reserve in advance; delivery to location | Hotels, attractions, convention hubs |
Practical Tips for Riding Scooters in Atlanta
Before You Ride
- Check the app coverage map
Make sure scooters are available where you are and where you plan to end your ride. - Inspect the scooter
Test the brakes, look for visible damage, and check battery level. If anything looks off, end the session and pick another scooter. - Plan your route
Favor bike lanes, lower‑traffic streets, and clearly marked multi‑use paths where scooters are allowed.
While Riding
- Ride predictably
Avoid weaving between pedestrians and cars. Use clear lane positioning. - Follow traffic signals
Treat red lights and stop signs as you would in a car or on a bike. - Watch for road conditions
Atlanta streets can have potholes, tracks, and uneven pavement, especially in older areas. Slow down on unfamiliar roads.
Parking and Ending Your Ride
- Look for wide sidewalk areas, bike racks, or designated scooter zones.
- Take a moment to move the scooter out of the center of the sidewalk, especially near venues like Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or MARTA station entrances.
- Most apps ask you to take a photo of your parked scooter. Make sure the photo clearly shows that it is not blocking anyone.
Using Scooters with Public Transit
Scooters can be a useful “first‑mile/last‑mile” solution when connecting to MARTA and other transportation in Atlanta.
MARTA Rail Stations
Many riders use scooters to get to and from stations like:
- Five Points, Peachtree Center, Garnett, and Georgia State (Downtown)
- Midtown, Arts Center, and North Avenue (Midtown)
- Inman Park/Reynoldstown near the BeltLine area
Typical pattern:
- Ride a scooter from your home, hotel, or office to the MARTA station.
- Park according to local and station rules (do not block entrances or bus bays).
- Take MARTA rail or bus to your next area, then use another scooter at your exit station.
MARTA Headquarters is at:
- MARTA Headquarters
2424 Piedmont Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Phone: 404‑848‑5000
MARTA’s customer service can help with questions about station access, but scooter rules right outside stations are typically guided by city regulations and the scooter operators, not MARTA itself.
Events and Crowds
During large events (concerts at State Farm Arena, games at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, festivals around Centennial Olympic Park or Piedmont Park), scooter operators may:
- Restrict riding or parking near stadiums and event zones
- Add temporary geofencing so you can’t start or end rides directly at the venue
If you’re attending a big event, check the app beforehand and plan to walk the last block or two from a legal parking spot.
Scooters and the Atlanta BeltLine
The Atlanta BeltLine is one of the most popular places where locals and visitors want to use scooters, especially the Eastside Trail between Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and Old Fourth Ward.
Key considerations:
- The BeltLine is heavily used by walkers, runners, and cyclists, including families with children.
- In crowded times (weekends, nice evenings), many riders find it safer and more considerate to go slowly, ride in bike‑marked sections, or even walk the scooter if the path is packed.
- Rules and signage on the BeltLine can evolve, so follow:
- Posted signs along the trail
- Guidance from trail staff or security
- Any no‑ride/slow‑zone indicators in your scooter app
The main administrative office for BeltLine‑related information is:
- Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.
112 Krog Street NE, Suite 14
Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: 404‑477‑3003
They can provide up‑to‑date information on general BeltLine use and policies.
Accessibility and Mobility Scooter Support
For visitors or residents who need mobility support, Atlanta’s mobility scooter and wheelchair rental providers often coordinate with:
- Downtown hotels near Centennial Olympic Park
- Georgia World Congress Center (285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
- Major attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola
Common steps:
- Call ahead to a mobility rental company.
- Share your hotel or destination address, arrival time, and how long you need the equipment.
- Arrange delivery and pick‑up windows that match your stay or event schedule.
Many large venues also have their own on‑site options or partnerships for mobility devices, so checking with the venue’s guest services before your visit can be helpful.
If You Have Questions or Concerns
For city‑wide rules, complaints, or questions about scooters in public spaces, many Atlanta residents and visitors turn to:
- City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Transportation
(Frequently referenced for mobility and street use policies) - Atlanta City Hall
55 Trinity Avenue SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main line: 404‑330‑6000
They can direct you to departments that handle micromobility programs, right‑of‑way enforcement, or transportation planning.
If your concern is specifically about:
- A broken or dangerously parked scooter
- A billing issue or crash involving a shared scooter
You will generally need to contact the scooter company directly through its app, since they are responsible for the devices and customer accounts.
Scooter rentals in Atlanta can be a practical way to get around busy intown neighborhoods, connect to MARTA, or explore the BeltLine—as long as you understand the local rules, ride defensively, and park responsibly. With the right expectations and a bit of planning, scooters can fit neatly into how you move through the city.
