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Council extends Lime scooter agreement through 2026 while seeking stronger safety terms
Summary
The council approved an extension of the current shared‑micro‑mobility agreement with Lime through Dec. 31, 2026, while council members and staff flagged public‑safety concerns and discussed an RFP to invite other vendors.
The City Council approved an extension of the dockless shared scooter agreement with Lime through Dec. 31, 2026, to allow time for a competitive RFP and contract renegotiation. Council members emphasized safety concerns, citing regional incidents and the need for clearer rules on e‑bikes and e‑motorcycles.
Council Member Festersen raised safety concerns and referenced a recent fatality in nearby Bennington, saying there have been “some very concerning incidents in the community” and urging the council to consider helmet use and other safety elements when the RFP is drafted. City Public Works staff Hannah DePauw said the forthcoming RFP would be open to any vendors that wish to propose and that staff expect two or three applicants in addition to Lime. Law Department counsel explained state law constrains the city’s ability to mandate helmets and cautioned about conflicts if the city tried to impose a helmet requirement that conflicted with state law. The extension vote passed 6–0, and staff will prepare an RFP and possible contractual safety requirements for council review.
What’s next: Public Works will draft an RFP for micro‑mobility providers, and council members said they expect further work on safety, enforcement and possible regional coordination through MAPPA.
