The Lexington city council has approved a shared mobility vehicle ordinance. The council vote means electric scooters could be in selected locations around the downtown and the University of Kentucky by August.
Scott Thompson is the city’s pedestrian and cycling coordinator. He said the licensing procedure for e-scooter companies is focused on safety. “We confident that, there may be some bumps in the road, but we’re confident that the framework that we’ve developed is one that will work both for our citizens in the public right of way as well as the companies that we think are going to come and operate here,” noted Thompson.
The new law allows shared mobility vehicle companies to offer up to 400 e-scooters and pedal assist bikes. The ordinance does set out regulations for the removal of electric scooters from sidewalks or other public right of way spots in a timely manner. Thompson added these vehicles could be scooting in downtown Lexington and on UK’s campus by the end of the summer. “We are working quickly to get a licensing process in place which we’ve already begun and are reviewing. So, we’re hoping to finalize that process over the next few weeks and be ready to go likely in a month or so,” Thompson said.
Thompson said the companies will be responsible for rounding up the electric scooters, recharging them, and placing them back in designated locations each day.
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