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Council and residents debate enforcement options for shared scooters as summer approaches
Summary
Residents and councilmembers voiced frustration over scooters blocking sidewalks; staff said fines exist and the city uses SeeClickFix and a parking attendant to report problems, and council discussed raising penalties or seeking vendor cooperation.
Residents and councilmembers pressed the city for stronger enforcement of shared-electric-scooter parking after multiple reports of scooters blocking sidewalks and creating hazards for pedestrians, people using wheelchairs and those who are visually impaired.
Don Monte Carbonell described scooters left on sidewalks at Wall and Mill streets that blocked access to crosswalks and said the current vendor enforcement is insufficient. "It forces people on wheelchairs out into the street," he said.
Molly Maxwell, senior planner, said the city has fines in place and has hired a parking attendant to monitor and notify staff about scooters parked improperly. She confirmed residents can report problems through the SeeClickFix app.
Councilmembers suggested possible approaches including increasing fines, requiring the vendor to provide rider information so the city can seek accountability, or negotiating the vendor—s operational procedures. Councilmember Doherty asked whether scooters could be confiscated when illegally parked; staff said the current city code and the vendor agreement do not provide for confiscation and would require new definitions or contract changes.
No formal ordinance or contract change was adopted; councilmembers said they would explore options and consider bringing a policy or contract amendment back for formal action.
