City staff pursuing scooter license agreements; councilmembers raise concerns

City parking and mobility staff told the Transportation & Public Safety committee they are seeking signatures on a license agreement that would allow dockless electric scooters to operate in Aurora, and that deployment could happen “in the next couple of months.”

Scott Bauman, Parking and Mobility Services Manager, said staff are in the process of obtaining signatures for a vendor license and that Lime is expected to be among proposed operators. He said the city previously allowed bird scooters and that the earlier private program ended; the current effort follows a new application process and updated license terms.

Several councilmembers expressed opposition on safety and nuisance grounds. Councilmember Lawson said she had seen heavy scooter use in Denver and opposed a broad return of dockless scooters in Aurora. Multiple members requested staff bring the proposed rules, regulations and application back to study session for further discussion; the committee directed staff to return with the application materials and a summary of proposed operating restrictions.

What’s next: Staff said they are gathering signatures for the license agreement and will return with the rules, regulations and the license application for committee/study session review.