Across the country, local governments are increasingly engaging with micromobility devices, like dockless scooters and bikes. These dockless micromobility devices are similar to their docked counterparts with one exception – they can be parked anywhere. Users can unlock the devices using their smartphones and are typically available at $1 to start and an additional 15 cents per minute. These devices are increasing in popularity due to their low cost to operate and ease of use, and as such, are increasingly becoming an important element as a city’s last mile transportation provider.
While dockless micromobility offers cities the opportunity to decrease congestion and aid communities in meeting their greenhouse gas emissions goals, they also present a regulatory challenge because they often do not fit into existing regulations. For example, merely regulating “scooters” as opposed to dockless micromobility devices can hit hurdles, as many states provide a set definition for a “scooter”. There can often be unintended consequences of a limited scope, such as accidently regulating every kind of scooter, which can include toy scooters or scooters used for a disability.
Dockless micromobility presents new, unanticipated challenges.
(Read more: CitiesSpeak)