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Mobile mayor announces scooter speed limits and expanded microtransit after rider complaints
Summary
Mayor Spiro Cheragatus outlined a multi-year extension with the scooter operator that caps scooter speed at 8 mph, requires daily collection and new parking corrals, and expands sit-down scooters and bike rentals; riders warned planned microtransit and route cuts could reduce hospital access and council pledged to verify details.
Mayor Spiro Cheragatus announced a multi-year franchise extension with the city—s micro-mobility operator that will lower scooter top speeds to 8 miles per hour, require daily collection of devices, and create both virtual and physical parking corrals to keep devices from cluttering sidewalks. He said the agreement would expand sit-down scooters beyond downtown and introduce bike rentals at city parks to improve "last-mile" transit connections.
Cheragatus said the measures aim to improve safety and integrate scooters into public transit, and that the city will strategically place devices near transit stops. "Our scooters will now max out at 8 miles an hour," he said, adding that the operator agreed to collect devices every day rather than sporadically.
The announcement followed lengthy public comment from transit riders who oppose planned changes to bus routes and the new microtransit model. Denise Martin, who identified herself as a longtime rider, said the new provider presented plans at public meetings that would remove routes serving hospitals and require riders to take multiple vehicles to reach a single destination. "They are hindering us," Martin said, adding that some riders left public meetings "displeased" and that changes could make it harder for people without cars to visit family or see doctors.
Cheragatus responded that the city—s microtransit plan includes a call center and app-based service that can send a vehicle to a rider—s neighborhood and that, in his estimate, the network will "provide services to 60,000 more residents under this new system." He acknowledged some rides likely will stop at the end of a street rather than at a doorstep and said the network will be refined using data on how residents travel.
Council members acknowledged community concerns and urged the administration to clarify service rules publicly. Councilman Penn and Councilwoman Ingram said the city should ensure consistent written guidance from the contractor and recommended distributing a clear PDF for riders. The council also voted to authorize an amendment to the franchise agreement with Neutron Holdings to extend the term of the franchise and reaffirm the annual franchise fee; that action was carried by voice vote.
What happens next: City staff said they will publish details about microtransit coverage and rider options and follow up with community meetings to address gaps riders reported.
