Spokane City Council reviews electric scooter regulations amid Lime complaints

In a recent Spokane Valley council meeting, city officials provided an update on the regulation of electric scooters, primarily focusing on the popular Lime Scooters. Deputy City Manager Eric Lamb and City Attorney Kelly Concrete outlined the existing regulations that govern the use of these motorized scooters, which have been in place since the city’s incorporation.

The discussion highlighted that Spokane Valley has had regulations for motorized scooters since 2019, when Lime began operations in the area. Initially, these regulations did not cover shared scooter programs, but adjustments were made in 2020 following state legislation that introduced new rules for such services. The council's approach has been to allow businesses to operate while ensuring safety for pedestrians and other road users.

Key regulations include a minimum age of 16 for users, adherence to traffic laws, and restrictions on parking to prevent obstruction of sidewalks. Scooters are prohibited on streets with speed limits over 25 miles per hour unless designated bike lanes are available. Additionally, users must wear helmets, and scooters must be equipped with safety features like headlights and brake lights.

The council also addressed concerns about enforcement and user education. Councilmember Patton raised questions about the age requirement, noting that Lime requires users to be 18 years old with a valid driver's license. Lamb acknowledged the potential for adjusting the local age limit but indicated that state law currently sets the minimum at 16. The council is considering ways to improve user awareness of the regulations, possibly through collaboration with Lime to enhance information accessibility via their app.

Concerns about safety were also discussed, with reports indicating that there have been six incidents involving scooters and vehicles since June 2023. While the number of complaints about improperly parked scooters has been manageable, the council is aware of increasing issues related to scooter operations in parking lots and around businesses.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of maintaining a balance between allowing scooter use and ensuring public safety. As Spokane Valley continues to navigate the challenges of integrating electric scooters into its transportation landscape, the council remains committed to reviewing and updating regulations as necessary to address community needs and safety concerns.