Lexington city leaders continue to wrestle with regulations for the anticipated onset of electric scooters. Proponents say putting a licensing framework in place will help to reduce problems seen in larger cities.
Several amendments to the ‘draft shared mobility vehicles ordinance’ gained council approval. One requires e-scooter companies to retrieve inoperable two-wheelers in public right of ways within two hours.
City Pedestrian and Cycling Coordinator Scott Thompson expects firms to respond to complaints. “They hire out people to rebalance and retrieve the vehicles and they want to get those back and they do not want to sour the community on those and that’s part of the reason we’re making certain requirements,” said Thompson.
Still, Council Member Kathy Plomin is not convinced e-scooters has concerns.
“My bottom line is I don’t think it’s a good thing for our community, " she said.
She wondered whether the council should make the effort to create an ordinance on something that not be supported by the whole group.
Under current guidelines a start up company can have 400 vehicles. The council voted Tuesday to raise the cap to 500 if 100 vehicles are traditional bikes or pedal assisted bikes. That, along with doing away with a 25 cent per trip fee on these vehicles, is aimed at encouraging the inclusion of pedal bikes. Thompson told council action is needed soon to ensure a structure is in place when college students come back to Lexington in August.
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