Free Electric Shuttle Offers In South Florida From Circuit And Freebee

Nov. 19, 2025, 1:08 p.m.

Tags: circut

For residents, workers, and visitors in South Florida, a growing number of free electric shuttle services offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional transportation methods. These services, including Circuit and Freebee, provide convenient, app-based rides within dense urban zones such as Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Palm Beach, and West Palm Beach. The shuttles operate within low-speed, high-density communities where living a car-free lifestyle is not only feasible but increasingly attractive. These services are typically powered by a combination of public and private partnerships, as well as advertising sponsorships, to maintain free access for riders. In this article, we examine the availability, service areas, operating hours, and funding models of these free electric shuttles in South Florida, based solely on verified source information.

Service Overview and Availability in South Florida

In South Florida, Circuit and Freebee are among the most recognized electric shuttle services. Both companies operate small, six-seat, low-speed electric vehicles through short-distance routes in cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Palm Beach. These routes are often confined to street-legal zones with speed limits no higher than 35 mph, ensuring the vehicles are safe and suitable for urban environments.

Circuit operates primarily in Fort Lauderdale, where it powers the LauderGO! Micro Mover, a free and expanding transportation solution for downtown, Las Olas, and the beach. Riders can access on-demand services using the Ride Circuit app, allowing convenience and real-time ride requests. Additionally, Circuit offers a fixed-loop service from City-owned beach parking garages to designated zones along Las Olas Blvd. and the mainland section of Fort Lauderdale city, accommodating both tourists and longtime residents.

Freebee, on the other hand, has launched a pilot program in downtown Fort Lauderdale, funded entirely by advertising revenue. The company works with brand sponsors such as Corona and Bacardi to maintain free service for all users. Spiegel, a representative of Freebee, has stated that advertising partnerships make up the primary source of funding in several service areas and are the reason why the shuttle remains free to ride for users.

Operating Hours and Schedule Information

Operating hours for these services differ significantly depending on the city and the specific route. Freebee, for example, is active in Fort Lauderdale from 6 p.m. to 2 p.m on various days of the week, with longer hours on weekends:

Monday to Thursday: 6 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9 p.m.
Sunday: 2 p.m.

Circuit has a more extended operating schedule, particularly in Hollywood, Florida:

Sunday through Thursday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The LauderGO! Micro Mover, a Circuit-powered service in Fort Lauderdale, follows a distinct daily schedule:

Monday to Thursday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For users of the on-demand service, these schedules allow flexibility to use the shuttles for shopping, working, or social activities in densely packed zones.

Service Expansion and City Partnerships

Spiegel, the representative of Freebee, emphasized that South Florida’s development trend toward densely packed, car-free “live-work-play” communities is expanding the potential market for services like Freebee and Circuit. Unlike traditional car-centric neighborhoods, mixed-use developments in South Florida increasingly focus on public transportation, eco-friendliness, and urban accessibility.

Circuit is currently partnering with the City of Fort Lauderdale, as well as Municipal Transportation and Mobility Departments, to offer both on-demand and fixed-loop rides, especially for those traveling to and from the beach. According to Circuit partner Jason Bagley, the company has 32 employees in the South Florida region, and a total of 140 nationwide. Freebee, which was founded in 2013, reportedly employs 75 full-time workers in South Florida and plans to expand that number to over 100 in the next few months if city budgets and sponsorships align.

Both companies continue to partner with cities to expand service areas, and in some cases, like in Coral Gables, cities have committed to full funding rather than allowing ad sponsorships to be the sole revenue source. For instance, Coral Gables had previously paid $300,000 a year in exchange for fully sponsored service, but later decided to pay $486,000 to secure self-branded free electric rides and expand from three to five operating vehicles.

Advertising and Brand Sponsorships in Freebees

Freebee services are frequently fully funded by advertising revenue, meaning users do not pay a fare to ride. These partnerships typically involve not only brand advertisements on the exterior and interior of the vehicles but also print and digital marketing tools used while on the ride.

Riders are treated to ad displays on mounted tablets inside the vehicle, often provided by sponsors such as Bacardi and Corona. Product sampling is another common practice during ad-supported Freebee services. Sponsors give out free samples to passengers, often along with promotional materials and branded goods. This model not only covers operating expenses but also turns the ride experience into an interactive marketing tool for sponsors.

According to Spiegel, users may engage further by taking selfies with the promoted products, listening to custom playlists, or even posting on social media about the experience. As such, these free rides are effectively a marketing platform for the sponsoring brands. This dual-purpose concept means that users benefit from an eco-friendly, no-fare ride, while local businesses and national advertisers can reach targeted demographics in urban settings.

On-Demand vs. Fixed Loop Service

The two service types under Circuit and similar providers are on-demand rides and fixed-loop routes. Both aim to serve different user needs. In the case of LauderGO!, the app-based on-demand shuttle has designated areas where it will operate. Meanwhile, the fixed-loop service follows a predictable schedule and route, ideal for riders who park their vehicles in city-owned garages and travel between specific zones.

In Fort Lauderdale, for example, fixed-loop services run from beach parking lots to mainland points, making it ideal for visitors who want to park, take a shuttle to downtown areas, and return easily. This model also reduces traffic congestion at hotspots along Las Olas Blvd and other commercial zones.

On the other hand, on-demand services, such as those provided by the Freebee pilot program, are flexible and suitable for point-to-point travel in more dynamic zones. According to the documentation, both ride types can be used interchangeably, depending on the user’s preference and the city's available service options.

Public Funding and City Budget Commitments

While some services are entirely ad-supported, others are funded through city agreements and public budgets. For example, Freebee is conducting a three-month pilot in downtown Fort Lauderdale, fully supported by Corona and Bacardi's sponsorships. However, for longer-term programs, funding from city budgets—rather than advertising—becomes a more stable solution.

Spiegel has noted that Coral Gables recently chose to pay $486,000 per year to expand its Freebee fleet and service area rather than rely solely on ad revenue. This shift indicates a growing trend among city governments to embrace eco-friendly public transportation options, even if it requires upfront public investment.

Similar models have been used in other cities, such as Miami-Dade and West Palm Beach, where city officials have secured longer-term agreements to operate electric shuttles in high-rise residential and commercial zones. These initiatives reflect an increasing willingness to fund urban infrastructure, especially in areas where public transit is a priority for reducing traffic and promoting sustainability.

Challenges and Future Plans

Despite the convenience and sustainability benefits, electric shuttle projects in South Florida, such as Freebee and Circuit, still face challenges related to funding, public adoption, and service expansion. One of the main concerns is whether these services will remain entirely free in the long term, especially as city budgets fluctuate and advertising partnerships expire.

Spiegel pointed out that Freebee is currently in negotiations to extend its downtown pilot program, possibly increasing the number of vehicles, service hours, and coverage area—if the city agrees to contribute financially. In contrast, Circuit, the older of the two services, has a stronger presence in several South Florida zones, with 2011 as its founding date, indicating a longer-term stability for the brand.

Spiegel also remarked that competition between the two services—Freebee and Circuit—is not a major issue. According to him, the density and expansion of urban free shuttle access in South Florida ensures that it is possible for multiple providers to coexist and serve different communities and interests.

How to Access These Services

All Freebee and Circuit services are designed to be user-friendly and accessible to the public. They typically require no prior sign-up or registration, though users may install a dedicated app for on-demand ride requests and trip tracking. For example, the LauderGO! Micro Mover operates through the Ride Circuit app, which is downloadable and free to use.

Residents and visitors should keep their smartphones charged and apps updated to take advantage of the real-time features, including estimated wait times and driver locations. Additionally, customer service contacts are available for any questions or technical issues.

To reach Ride Circuit support, users can:

Call: 646.504.3733
Email: Contact Form

For general transportation inquiries in Fort Lauderdale, city officials can be contacted at:

Email: [email protected]
Call: 954-828-8000

This accessibility ensures that travelers and commuters can easily adopt these free electric shuttles and reduce their carbon footprint.

Conclusion

Free electric shuttles such as Circuit and Freebee are becoming increasingly common in South Florida’s urban environments, helping to reduce traffic congestion and promote eco-friendly mobility options. These services are made possible through a combination of advertising sponsorships, city funding, and public-private partnerships. Offering on-demand and fixed-loop services, they appeal to a wide range of users, from residents and workers to tourists seeking hassle-free transportation.

With extensive service areas, flexible operating hours, and no-fare access, these services represent a modern shift toward livable, car-free urban living. While challenges remain in terms of long-term funding and public adoption, the continued support from corporate sponsors and city officials suggests a promising future for electric shuttles in South Florida and beyond.

If you're planning to visit or work in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, or Palm Beach, keep an eye on the Ride Circuit app, local transportation links, or city service pages. These free electric shuttle programs are shaping the way communities move and interact in a sustainable, accessible way.