Bikes and electric scooters are a cheap way to get around in many cities and on campuses. In most states, a bike is treated like a vehicle: you follow the same traffic rules as cars.
Ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as cars.
Stop at red lights and stop signs.
Use hand signals: left arm straight out to turn left; right arm straight out (or left arm bent up) to turn right.
Use a bike lane when there is one. It is a lane marked with a bike picture and a white line.
Riding on the sidewalk is allowed in some places and not in others. This differs by city.
At night you need a white front light and a red rear light or reflector.
Wear a helmet. Many states require helmets for children, and some cities require them for everyone. This differs by state and city; see In your state.
Bike theft is common. Use a strong U-lock, not only a thin cable. Lock the frame and a wheel to a bike rack. Take lights and bags with you. Write down your bike's serial number (under the frame) and take a photo.
Rental bikes and e-scooters
Many cities have shared bikes and scooters you rent with an app. Brand names differ by city.
Download the app your city uses.
Create an account and add a card. Some apps ask for a photo of a driver's license.
Scan the QR code on the bike or scooter to unlock it.
Ride. You pay by the minute, or with a day or monthly pass.
Park in a marked area or a dock. Take a photo in the app if it asks. End the ride in the app, or the clock keeps running.
Rules differ by city. Common ones: a minimum age (often 18 for rental apps), no riders on the sidewalk, one person per scooter, and a speed limit.
Riding against traffic. Drivers do not expect you there.
Not ending the rental in the app. You can be charged for hours.
Parking a scooter in the middle of the sidewalk. It blocks wheelchairs and you may get a fine.
Riding between a parked car and traffic without looking for opening doors.