Micromobility

Bird scooters in Manchester — Bird Scooters are available to rent in downtown Manchester. Photo credit: Manchester Ink Link

Micromobility generally refers to small, slow, non-gasoline powered vehicles. These can include bicycles (traditional and pedal assisted), scooters, skateboards/ Onewheels, and wheelchairs. Micromobility devices can be part of a shared fleet or privately owned.

Micromobility options are a fun and efficient way to get from here to there. It’s also a great way to connect gaps in public transit.

The SNHPC region currently offers the following micromobility options in the Greater Manchester Area:

BIRD Scooters: Download the BIRD app on your mobile device to find scooters near you. These are most commonly found in downtown Manchester and in the bustling Millyard district. Discounts are available for low-income riders, Pell grant recipients, select local nonprofit and community organizations, veterans, and senior citizens. Free rides are offered to healthcare workers and emergency personnel.

Manchester Moves Gear Lending Library: The Manchester Moves Gear Lending Library is a program for people of all ages to access equipment and tools as well as information and leadership. They have a fleet of over 50 bikes available to borrow, free of charge, for up to one week, including tandem bikes, kids bikes, and fat tire bikes. To reserve your gear, use the contact form on ManchesterMoves.org and a volunteer will respond to you within 24 hours.

Queen City Bike Collective: This non-profit organization recycles donated bicycles and sells them at affordable prices to those who rely on them for transportation. Their “do it together” repair model allows anyone to bring in their bicycle and fix it themselves using shop tools and guidance from volunteer mechanics. Shop users gain the knowledge to repair and maintain their own bicycle, while minimizing cost (Open Shop time is $5 per hour plus the cost of parts used). Need to make a quick repair on the go? Visit one of QC Bike’s many FixIt Stations around Manchester (see proposed and existing locations map).

Here's a short video from Bike Is Best on choosing the “right tool for the job” and for those not sure whether biking is for them, watch the Bike is Best on making changes video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6ChTqII-Yk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf463CbEQiE

Explore the Region by Rail Trail

Micromobility isn’t limited to urban areas. Our region is connected by a system of rail trails that are open to non-motorized users. As of 2023, it is possible to travel between these SNHPC communities by trail:

Manchester-Auburn-Candia via Rockingham Rail Trail
Manchester-Londonderry-Derry-Windham via Londonderry Rail Trail, Derry Rail Trail (one gap exists) and Windham Rail Trail
Manchester-Goffstown-New Boston via Heritage Trail, Piscataquog Trail, Goffstown Rail Trail and New Boston Rail Trail (one gap exists)

For more information, please see the 2021 Regional Trails Plan or visit nhrtc.org/