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Council debates scooter rules: insurance, corrals and bike‑path safety top concerns
Summary
Council and operators discussed proposed changes to the shared mobility device code — raising operator insurance minimums, clarifying indemnity and adding new ID/permit checks — while public commenters urged better signage, corrals and bike‑path safety; council directed staff to preserve Class I/IV access and return with refined language and enforcement options.
The City Council reviewed proposed amendments to its shared mobility device (SMD) code, prompted by a rise in scooter incidents and two pending lawsuits involving rented devices. Staff proposed raising operator aggregate liability insurance from $4 million to $5 million, adding explicit indemnity language (including attorneys’ fees), creating an annual ID re‑scan requirement for riders who join an operator’s fleet, and expanding photo‑enforcement for certain moving violations.
Police Chief and staff emphasized the operational limits of their current enforcement resources and advocated for a mix of measures: better rider education (in multiple languages), branded corrals, app geo‑fencing for prohibited zones, targeted photo enforcement of sidewalk riding and other vehicle‑code violations, and a rider‑data process to enable timely follow‑up with operators.
Operators (Lime and Bird) said they already require ID verification, unique vehicle identifiers and offer education programs; they cautioned that any rider‑data exchange must protect privacy and be implemented through secure, lawful channels. TRPA recommended aligning local definitions with state design manuals and encouraged protecting Class I/IV shared‑use facilities; several residents urged more and clearer signage, corral markings and a seasonal bike‑patrol resource to provide in‑person enforcement and education.
Council direction preserved the ability for SMDs to use Class I and IV facilities (staff will strike proposed prohibitions), asked staff to enhance corral signage and paint, and asked staff to return rapidly with redlines that reflect those adjustments. Several council members asked staff to explore a summertime bike‑patrol position for targeted enforcement on shared‑use paths and directed further work on geofencing problem blocks and improved corral siting.
What’s next: Staff will return with an amended ordinance reflecting council direction, refine enforcement and privacy procedures with operators, and present a photo‑enforcement plan and corral improvements for council review.
