Electric scooters have risen in popularity in the United States in recent years. They're easy to use and environmentally friendly. While a number of companies provide them, the major companies are Bird, Lime, and Voi.
The companies offer services in over 100 urban communities. Each company charges about $1.15 for a ride, and then the scooters cost 15 to 29 cents per minute thereafter. These prices are relatively inexpensive compared to car rentals and taxis. But these companies face a number of challenges, including high turnover rates of worn-down or damaged vehicles. And cities are also concerned about the environmental impact of shared vehicles.
Cities need to regulate e scooter companies to avoid dangers for pedestrians. Cities are able to do this by granting companies specific numbers of permits to operate. That way, the supply of e-scooters is evened out. However, competition between e-scooter companies is often unavoidable. This creates a "race to the bottom" in pricing, a race that's often stymied by the need for local regulations to protect pedestrians.
In Paris, 16 e-scooter companies have applied for permits, with many hoping for one of the 16 spots. Last year, Neuron and Lime operated e-scooters in Montreal. A handful of other companies were granted permits. Some of these are Circ, Dott, and Tier Mobility.
Another major e-scooter company, Bird, specializes in app-based scooter rental. It is the world's first e-scooter sharing service, and it has gained a lot of attention. After its first year of operation, the company recorded more than 10 million rides. Linkedin listed Bird as one of the top 50 most innovative companies in the U.S., and Bird was included on Time Magazine's list of the most genius companies of 2018.
As the number of e-scooters rises, cities need to be mindful of their effect on pedestrians. For example, e-scooters can be dangerous to people with vision loss. The Lighthouse Guild is working with the MOPD to ensure people with vision impairments are safe.
Other concerns include vandalism and abuse of the shared vehicle. E-scooter companies must follow the rules of their city, and pick up and drop off the scooters at the end of each day. Spin has scooters in Old Strathcona and the University of Alberta.
Stricter regulations have helped to reduce sidewalk riding and improper parking. However, there is still much to be done to ensure safety. Companies like Spin are required to maintain e-scooters, and the scooters must be picked up and dropped off properly.
Several e-scooter companies are planning to launch their services in New York City in the near future. But in the meantime, cities around the country are regulating dockless e-scooters to make sure they are a safer and less dangerous option. Although dockless e-scooters were introduced to the public in the summer of 2017, backlash against the vehicles caused by accidents and injuries to pedestrians has led to stricter regulations in several cities.
Cities need to be sensitive to the needs of people with disabilities. Especially in areas where e-scooters are introduced, they must be a priority in transportation initiatives.
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