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(https://www.cathinfo.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=49872.0;attach=12072;image)
For all you know, this couple might be out having fun by giving onlookers something to complain about.
Maybe they're doing this at least in part for the shock value.
Maybe they get a kick out of receiving strange looks or rude comments.
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Upon closer look, it appears these scooters have a cable going down the front bar
and a brake lever on the left grip, with what appears to be a brake mechanism
inside the rim of the front wheel. I don't see any drag bar in back.
The low foot platform is positioned to give maximum stability plus some ground clearance.
.
Wait a minute.
There is a lot more to this than meets the eye.......
IOW -- the enthusiasm this couple shows on their faces is not fake.
They're enjoying what they're doing because they believe it's the new fad!
And they think they are TREND SETTERS by using this technology!
(They're in a hurry because the scooters are costing them 15c a minute to ride!)
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I did a quick search and identified the precise type of scooter this couple is using.
Guess where I found them?
Lyft.
What would an upstart imposter quasi-taxi service group be doing promoting the use of SCOOTERS?
Check it out........
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https://www.lyft.com/scooters
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(https://images.ctfassets.net/oqn5qhpsy9i3/3JLnPNJWv6KACqoEcs4yac/66eee81068da0ffd85ff75f4c0ac4cc6/Cherry-300mm-onTransparent_0906.png)
Wait. Lyft offers scooters now?
Yup. Two blocks or two miles, Lyft Scooters go up to 15 MPH and are the latest, affordable way to get you where you’re going — and maybe have some fun while you’re at it.
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(https://images.ctfassets.net/oqn5qhpsy9i3/2wBDdNBZDCEmuY248u0Y6K/f56bbc25440fdcf243b614194d6ba3e2/getting-approved_2x.png)
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Leave traffic in the dust
FIND
When in a service area, the scooter icon will appear in your Lyft app. Tap the scooter icon to see any available scooters nearby. Use your Lyft app to scan the QR code or to reserve a scooter ahead of time.
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UNLOCK
Reserve a scooter ahead of time or use your Lyft app to scan the QR code on a nearby scooter to get going. Scooters are just $1 to Unlock and 15 cents per minute to ride.
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PAUSE AND END
Need to take a quick break? Just tap Lock to hold your scooter until you're ready again. Done with your trip? Just tap End ride.
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Lyft Community Pass
Lyft is working closely with cities across North America to ensure Lyft Scooters are available to anybody who needs a low-cost mode of transportation. The Lyft Community Pass offers residents of scooter service areas an easy, affordable way to get around.
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Where to find us
We’re launching in a few select areas of North America.
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Denver
Whether you’re going a mile-high or a mile-wide, these scooters will take you there.
SELECT YOUR CITY (https://www.lyft.com/scooters/denver-co)
(https://images.ctfassets.net/oqn5qhpsy9i3/3P8ylONnIc8kYmYkOEoKGy/388aedcb80953bdb8a0d3c036108f8cd/LBS_Denver.jpg)
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Please wear a helmet
There’s no better way to make sure you arrive safely — please, please, please wear a helmet.
LEARN MORE (https://www.lyft.com/scooters/denver-co/how-to-ride#wear-a-helmet)
Pack your helmet
We’re working hard to support Denver’s efforts to build protected scooter lanes, but it’s never a bad idea to wear a helmet. (And don’t worry — helmet hair is cool now.)
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The lyft helmet thingy..................
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(https://images.ctfassets.net/oqn5qhpsy9i3/3DFYWAgjZK4YsMS4c8WCaW/77b04b17304a5cd9590c2e14860123ae/6_wear_a_helmet_B.gif)
I hardly think they'd go to the trouble, unless they were renting helmets, too.
Naah. Head lice. Think liability. But they could be selling helmets.
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Buried in the list of questions is a curious factoid: Lyft scooters are battery powered, with a motor drive, right grip throttle (like motorcycles), and can accelerate to get you going places faster than leg power can. The couple kicking the ground in the OP were getting their scooters STARTED -- once the battery and motor engage this way, you can stand still on the platform, twist the right handle, and the scooter does all the pushing for you. So what I had thought was a BRAKE in the front wheel rim is actually a MOTOR, so they most likely use a REVERSE GENERATOR BRAKING FUNCTION that stores the kinetic energy of your motion forward back into the battery when you apply the brakes, rather than wasting the energy as heat from friction of brake pads slowing you down. But they don't bother to explain that on the website, apparently.
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https://www.lyft.com/scooters/denver-co/faq
So you have questions about scooters?
How do Lyft Scooters work?
How much does it cost to ride a scooter?
Are Lyft Scooters available near me?
Where can I ride the scooters?
When can I ride the scooter?
What are the requirements to ride a scooter?
How do I unlock a scooter?
How do I reserve a Lyft Scooter before starting a ride?
How does the scooter work?
Kick-start the ground twice and press the throttle on the right-hand side of the handlebar to accelerate. To stop, squeeze the brake on the left-hand side of the handlebar. Battery level is displayed on both the handlebar of the scooter, as well as in your Lyft app.
How do I pause a ride?
How do I end a ride?
Where can I park the scooter?
Can I rent a scooter for my friend, too?
Can I ride Lyft Scooters up hills?
How do I report a broken scooter?
Do you offer any discounted plans or flat-rate rides?
Can I request a scooter ride from my computer?
What are the safety requirements for Lyft Scooter rides?
What are your Terms of Service for scooters?