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City approves tougher rules for scooter operators, adds insurance and waiver requirements
Summary
South Lake Tahoe council amended its shared mobility device code to require clearer operator liability waivers, expanded operator insurance/indemnity language and new ID/permit requirements, and removed most automated photo-enforcement provisions; council and police said changes aim to reduce liability and improve rider safety.
The City Council on May 18 adopted amendments to the city's shared mobility device code (Chapter 4.185) to increase liability protections and update operator insurance and permitting requirements.
Assistant City Attorney Dan Bardzell told the council the revisions make explicit that operators must include riders' acknowledgement waiving liability against the City of South Lake Tahoe, require operators to pay the city's attorney's fees for related lawsuits, and update insurance limits to align with recent changes in state law. Police Lieutenant Scott Crivelli described outreach and safety work required of operators, including app-based notifications for riders and monthly reporting of ambassador outreach.
Council members pressed staff on how the insurance and ID requirements would work in practice and whether the changes would be a statewide mandate or a local outlier. Staff said the insurance and many provisions reflect state law and operator discussions to date. Public commenters urged caution, raised road-condition and enforcement concerns, and recommended corrals and other infrastructure to prevent sidewalk clutter.
Councilmember Robbins moved to pass the ordinance amendment; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Staff said operators would need to implement the new contract language in their end-user agreements and that the city will continue to monitor safety and parking compliance.
Council and staff said the changes aim to reduce municipal legal exposure, improve rider and pedestrian safety, and clarify operator responsibilities while keeping shared mobility as part of the city's visitor and local transportation mix.
