In almost no time, the speedy little motorized scooters rented out by companies such as Byrd and Lime have become ubiquitous on Southern California streets. And they’re driving local officials crazy.
Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch Englander has seconded Councilman Paul Koretz’ motion to temporarily ban the electric scooters until the City can adopt regulations.
Englander says the scooters are a “disruptive technology” that have prompted big concerns about public safety.
“What’s the liability if we do nothing? If we just sit back and wait for people to get hurt? And we’re talking about some serious injuries – such as brain injuries. What’s the liability of the taxpayers if we don’t have rules and regulations to make sure that we can control how they’re parked, where they’re parked, where they’re distributed so they’re not left impeding the right of way, and that people are safe? California’s looking at helmet laws for these right now.”
He says right now companies need to be more proactive in ensuring that the scooters are handled properly by renters.
“There’s no common decency or courtesy where people are dropping them or what companies are doing to make sure the communities are protected.”
Beverly Hills approved a six-month ban on scooters last week.
Councilman Englander was a guest on McIntyre in the Morning.
By Sandy Wells
KABC News