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Council hears amendment to scooter franchise agreement that tightens corralling and adds piloted services
Summary
Staff introduced an amendment to the Neutron Holdings scooter franchise to shorten corralling time, require designated corral areas, and pilot sit-down scooters at major bus stops; council members raised safety and sidewalk-use concerns and asked for speed restrictions and clearer operational maps.
The clerk introduced an amendment to a franchise agreement with Neutron Holdings to extend the term, reaffirm the annual franchise fee, and incorporate additional terms to improve operations and safety.
Staff said the amendment shortens the corralling timeline from three days to one day, requires designated corraling areas and includes provisions to pilot sit-down scooters at high-demand bus stops to improve first/last-mile connections to transit. "We're looking at an increased service and better efficiency collecting the scooters," a staff member said.
Councilmembers pressed staff about where scooters may operate and raised safety concerns about sidewalk riding, golf carts and four-wheelers that they said have been observed in some districts. One councilmember suggested decreasing maximum scooter speeds to 8 miles per hour; staff said they have regular meetings with the vendor and are sharing feedback.
The amendment was introduced for consideration; council discussion stressed tightening operational requirements and providing a map of designated scooter service areas before final approval.
